In The Word
Read I Corinthians 16
Instructions and Greetings
16 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. 2 On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.3 When I arrive, whomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem; 4 and if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me.
5 But I will come to you after I go through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia; 6 and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I may go. 7 For I do not wish to see you now just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost; 9 for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
10 Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without cause to be afraid, for he is doing the Lord’s work, as I also am. 11 So let no one despise him. But send him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brethren.
12 But concerning Apollos our brother, I encouraged him greatly to come to you with the brethren; and it was not at all his desire to come now, but he will come when he has opportunity.
13 Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.
15 Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the saints), 16 that you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors. 17 I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have supplied what was lacking on your part. 18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.
19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 20 All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 The greeting is in my own hand—Paul. 22 If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed. Maranatha. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
We bring our tithe, our first ten percent from our increase, to the local church. We are also instructed to give offerings above and beyond our tithe to build His Kingdom. We show His love in us when we do this remembering that He is coming soon and that time is short.
We are blessed to be a blessing. Paul reminds us to plan ahead and to bring our offerings to the local church on the first day of the week, on our day of worship. We shouldn’t check our wallet or purse for what we may or may not have with us when we get to church. Instead, we should be intentional in our giving. You wouldn’t go to a store to buy something that you wanted for yourself without first making sure you had the money.
When we are intentional in our giving, we become church builders. Our gifts are sent out from the local church to places where doors have been opened for effective service. However, notice that where the doors are opened wide for His work, the enemy is trying to steal, kill, and destroy. We need to be on the alert, to stand firm in the faith, and to be strong. God provides local church leadership to teach us and train us how to do that. We are to submit, acknowledge, appreciate, support, encourage, and take care of our local church pastor and leadership. We are blessed when we submit to godly leadership, but we are cursed if we reject His grace and His love. Decide today to be a church builder.