1 Corinthians 16:13-24

The Corinthian Church had a lot to deal with.

·        1-4: division

·        5: discipline

·        6: lawsuits, immorality

·        7: marriage

·        8-10: disputable issues

·        11: orderly worship (women’s role, communion)

·        12-14: spirituals/tongues

·        15: resurrection

·        16: take up the offering!

With so many issues, and some of them quite large, discouragement could be a real problem.  So Paul ends with some very simple but very basic thoughts that will help us as well when our to do list seems endless.

 

Ø To finish well be faithful, v13.  Each of these four commands are essential so that we finish well.  Watch means to stay alert and is often used in passages about the end times (1 Thess. 5:6) although Jesus used it for His disciples in Gethsemane.  Stand fast in the faith is a reminder to remain sound in doctrine.  Be brave actually mans to be manly.  We must not turn back because of fear.  Be strong tells us to watch out for weaknesses and to find strength in God’s grace.  The enemy is strong but in Christ we can do all things.

Ø To finish well love, v14.  The issues they faced were to be faced as a fellowship of believers.  Thus they needed to be filled with the Spirit so that their love would not wane.

Ø To finish well follow the right people, v15-21.  What a great thought that we might ignore.  We are often given to individualism.  But in the body of Christ God places leaders whose primary method of leadership is to set an example.  These were the kind of people to follow, people who were devoted (lit. addicted) to ministry!

Ø To finish well discern, v22.  What strong words from Paul.  But we need to remember that we can be worn down by failure to recognize people who are in our context.  Not everyone loves the Lord and those who don’t need to be recognized.  If they seek to be part of the fellowship they should be strongly reproved as Paul does here.

Ø To finish well live under grace, v23-24.  Paul’s typical salutation is not just a way of saying good-bye.  It is essential.  As he pointed out in the last chapter his service as an Apostle was all by God’s grace.  And it would appear that Paul ends with a most gracious word.  He has been straightforward with the Corinthians but in no way has he not loved them in Christ.  A loving father disciplines his children.  Paul has been their loving father.  We should be so blessed!