You can learn about how the Corinth church was established in Act 18
A Collection for Jerusalem
[1Cr 16:1 ESV] Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do.
[1Cr 16:2 ESV] On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
[1Cr 16:3 ESV] And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem.
[1Cr 16:4 ESV] If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.
Concerning the Jerusalem Church at this time.
Jerusalem: The suffering hub. First from the Jews
And Paul was in the mix of it.
[Act 8:1 ESV] And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
Second from the government. Local King Herod.
[Act 12:1 ESV] About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church.
[Act 12:2 ESV] He killed James the brother of John with the sword,
[Act 12:3 ESV] and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread.
I will be back
[1Cr 16:5 ESV] I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia,
[1Cr 16:6 ESV] and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go.
[1Cr 16:7 ESV] For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.
Ministry Opportunity.. . . . . . .. w/ adversaries
[1Cr 16:8 ESV] But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost,
[1Cr 16:9 ESV] for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
Sending Timothy not Apollos
[1Cr 16:10 ESV] When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am.
[1Cr 16:11 ESV] 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.
[1Cr 16:12 ESV] 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.
Apollos was a visiting servant.
Had a good idea as to the struggles of the church.
[1Cr 1:10 ESV] I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
[1Cr 1:11 ESV] For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers.
[1Cr 1:12 ESV] What I mean is that each one of you says, "I follow Paul," or "I follow Apollos," or "I follow Cephas," or "I follow Christ."
[1Cr 1:13 ESV] Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
An Exhortation
[1Cr 16:13 ESV]
1. Be watchful, “for what”?
a. The World
b. The Flesh
c. The devil
2. stand firm in the faith, “How”?
a. You have to know what the Bible teaches.
3. act like men,
Even 2 thousand years ago, everyone knows what this means.
In the mind of all people is the “ideal of a man”
Some of those traits.
Provider, Protector, Patient Teacher,
4. be strong.
How can we yield to Christ and yet be strong?
Paul explains his struggle.
[2Cr 12:7 ESV] So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.
[2Cr 12:8 ESV] Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.
[2Cr 12:9 ESV] But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
[2Cr 12:10 ESV] For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
What are your excuses?
Spouse, kids, job, Time?
Real Issue: Not Important to you.
Your Spiritual Check List.
[Eph 6:13 ESV] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
[Eph 6:14 ESV] Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
[Eph 6:15 ESV] and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
[Eph 6:16 ESV] In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
[Eph 6:17 ESV] and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
[Eph 6:18 ESV] praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Tools:
A good Bible.
www.Biblegateway.org
www.blueletterbible.org
www.bible.is
The Orthodox Presbyterian Church Catechism,
http://www.opc.org/lc.html
For Mobile: Christian Creeds & Reformed Co
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.wsc.ccrc
www.cbd.com
Bible apps abound!
Topical Studies
CBD, look under Bible Study
[1Cr 16:14 ESV] Let all that you do be done in love.
It takes Courage, Self-Sacrifice and hope of Reward; you will be satisfied, fulfilled.
Root to Fruit: To obey God & Follow Jesus, feels like you might lose something.
Sinful pleasure, Friends, Family,
Paul encourages them to follow Stephanas
[1Cr 16:15 ESV] Now I urge you, brothers--you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints--
[1Cr 16:16 ESV] be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer.
[1Cr 16:17 ESV] I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence,
[1Cr 16:18 ESV] for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people.
Everyone says “Hi”
[1Cr 16:19 ESV] The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord.
[1Cr 16:20 ESV] All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
[1Cr 16:21 ESV] I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand.
A Doubled-edged Blessing. True and soberly painful.
[1Cr 16:22 ESV] If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come!
Ain’t no small saying. . .
[1Cr 16:23 ESV] The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
[1Cr 16:24 ESV] My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
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