I Corinthians 16:1-24: Embrace God’s Leading
I. Paul's Plans

A. Paul desired to spend time with the Corinthians.

1) He cared _________ for the Corinthian church, having spent significant time there.

2) He expressed a desire to spend an _______________ period with them again.

B. Paul planned to leave Ephesus after the Feast of Pentecost.

1) _____________ reason: Better travel conditions in late spring.

2) _____________ reason: God was blessing his work in Ephesus, and he wanted to continue where God was moving.

C. Paul held onto his plans ____________, recognizing that the Lord could change them.

II. We Should Follow Paul's Example When We Make Plans

A. We should make plans.

B. How do we sense God’s direction?

1. God’s Word: Teaches us what ___________ with God’s will.

2. Prayer: _______ our hearts to God’s guidance and reveals His wisdom.

3. Christian Community: Offers accountability and __________ perspectives.

4. Circumstances: Can help us ______________ divine opportunities and challenges

a) We should look for areas that God is _____________at work.

Henry Blackaby’s Experiencing God: Look for where God is at work around you and then join Him in it.

b) God often calls us to ___________ places.


C. We should hold our plans loosely, recognizing that the Lord may adjust them as He leads.

III. Paul's Final Commands

A. Be on your guard: Stay spiritually vigilant against temptation or distraction.

B. Stand ______ in the faith: Hold tightly to the truth of the gospel despite challenges.

C. Be courageous: Life may cause you to take some ___________.

D. Be strong: Remember __________ is the source of your strength.

E) Love should be the _______________ of all our actions: It reflects Christ’s attitude toward us.