Called to Be Saints - 1 Corinthians 16 - Keys to Growth

It may seem easy to skim or skip over the closing remarks in Paul’s letters, but we would do so to our own loss. His final instructions and greetings convey powerful nuggets of truth that will motivate all who are “called to be saints.” Let’s identify eight “Keys to Growth” found in 1 Corinthians 16.

For all the posted lessons in this series, click on the label "1 Corinthians."

1. Giving – 16:1-4

We give relationally. “Now concerning the collection for the saints …”

We give obediently. “as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also do.”

We give consistently. “On the first day of each week …” Ac 20:7 “On the first day of the week …”

We give individually. “… each of you …”

We give deliberately. “… is to put something aside and store it up …”

We give proportionally. “… as each one has prospered …”

We give confidently. “… And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.”

2. Fellowship – 16:5-7

1 Co 16:5 I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, 6 and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.

3. Outreach – 16:8-9

1 Co 16:8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

4. Building Leaders – 16:10-12

1 Co 16:10 When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. 11 So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers. 12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity.

5. Association – 16:19-21

1 Co 16:19 The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. 20 All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 21 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand.

6. Warning – 16:22a

1 Co 16:22a If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed.*

*Anathema – lit. “something placed or set up.”

[1] “devoted to destruction.” Num 21:3; Deut 7:26; Jud 1:17; 6:17; 7:12 (LXX )

[2] “object of a curse.” Rom 9:3; 1 Cor 12:3; Gal 1:8f. Note Ac 23:14 Gk. “We have anathematized ourselves with an anathema.” (= Eng. “bound ourselves with an oath.”)

7. Anticipation – 16:22b

1 Co 16:22b Our Lord, come!

Maran atha in Aramaic.

Mar = “Lord.” an or ana = “our.” atha = “come.”

Re 22:20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.

Once we are sure He’s coming tomorrow,
we can really start living today!

8. Intercession – 16:23-24

1 Co 16:23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

God’s grace changes every vessel that carries it.

When His grace passes through us to others, neither we nor they will ever be the same again.

If you love someone, tell them! Now!