Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

Stand Firm
Read 1 Corinthians 16:1-24

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

Our possessions do not belong to us. It is useful to note the matter-of-fact way the issue of giving is approached. The church is asked to set money aside weekly according to the measure the Lord has prospered them. There is no cajoling, no gimmicks, no emotional black-mail to motivate members to give.

A material need had to be met, and the Corinthians were capable of meeting it. In our day of highly visible ruthless campaigns for money, there is something to be said for the more quiet, consistent, purposeful approach outlined here.

Our ministry does not belong to us. Paul’s statement about sending Apollos is a clear indication that Paul does not see his ministry as exclusively ‘his’ ministry. The work, the ministry and the church are God’s and God’s alone. Apollos would otherwise, not be on Paul’s invitation list to Corinth.

The church does not belong to us. The epistle ends on a note similar to its beginning. There is evidence of tension between what they are and what they will yet become in terms of obedience to Christ.

Christians must continually live in the tension between the ‘already’ and ‘not yet’. What they must not do is to excuse themselves from obedience just because they are not yet fully there. The grace of the Lord and the hope of His coming should cause all to heed the words of this letter so as to be watchful and to do all things in love (vs 13-14).

We belong to God alone.

Reflect and thank God for all the lessons He has taught us through 1 Corinthians.