6 June - 1 Corinthians 16

We’re wrapping up 1 Corinthians today with chapter 16. Here are some quick final thoughts:

1. Paul starts this chapter letting them know he is going to be asking them for a donation when he arrives. This is something Paul did at every church so that he could take money to people who needed help. He told them in advance so they could save accordingly. So in essence, Paul was teaching them how to set up a savings plan to help those less fortunate. This is something we all could do so we could help people too.
2. He told them he wanted to spend some time with them soon but to take care of his apprentice, Timothy. 
3. Paul ends with encouraging them to be on guard, stand firm in their faith, have courage and be strong. These words would indicate that there was a threat to the church of Corinth. The threat wasn’t physical though, instead Paul is warning not to get lazy in their relationship with God. This is the very reason Paul had to write this letter. They were doing things that were hurting their relationship with God and caused people to have a bad opinion of Christians. In light of the entire book of 1 Corinthians, Paul’s conclusion was very appropriate. 

Have you enjoyed reading 1 Corinthians? Paul’s warning to stay vigilant applies to us today as well. What areas have you let your guard down? What steps do you need to take to protect yourself and grow closer to God?