Sermon June 7
1 Corinthians 16:5-24
From GENERAL PRINCIPLES to SPECIFIC INTORMATION.Paul givesspecific advicethroughout his letter and ends with general principles here in chapter 16. In summary he says, “Good Opportunities and Good People are the recipe for a Good Legacy.” God opens and closes doors. “Effective work” does not equal “easy work.” God asks His people to do difficult things. Paul says, “There are many who oppose me.” The opposition is nameless but Paul uses the term, “Many.” This is the crowd; the World. Paul is not afraid because he knows the promises of God, “If God is for us, who can be against us? Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world. Fear not, for I am with you.” “THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE IS IN THE CENTER OF GOD’S WILL.” -Casper Ten Boom. GOD OPENS DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN HIM IN MINISTRY. WILL YOU WALK THROUGH?
Paul names an entire group of fellow ministry partners. HE SAYS TIMOTHY IS “JUST AS I AM” and APOLLOS KNOWS WHAT HE’S DOING. STEPHANAS IS DEVOTED TO SERVING. PRISCILLA AND AQUILLA ARE TEACHING, CHURCH PLANTING AND DISCIPLING OTHERS. WHEN EVERYONE DOES THEIR PART ALL THE PARTS GET DONE. God uses teams of people to do His will. No one is a lone operator; even Paul.Not everyone in the church needs to lead, teach, serve, give, organize, or encourage in the same way. The body functions best when members embrace complementary roles. Some of the most important kingdom work happens behind the scenes. Churches thrive because of refreshers, encouragers, hosts, organizers, and caregivers. Partnership among churches reflects God’s design. Encourage people by name. Express appreciation. Build a culture of honor and affection. Teams fail when they become centered on individuals. Teams thrive when everyone serves Christ’s mission together. Paul’s final greetings reveal that the church was never meant to be a collection of spiritual freelancers. God’s mission advances through a diverse, devoted, interconnected, encouraging community of believers working together under the lordship of Christ. In your life there will be OPEN DOORS. There will be OPPOSITION. You too, will have an opportunity to partner with OTHER PEOPLE. If you walk this path, you will leave a beautiful LEGACY. Good Opportunities and Good People produce a Good Legacy. WHERE DO YOU FIT AT TRINITY? WE ARE A CHURCH ON MISSION, TOGETHER.
Discussion Questions
- How do you discern the difference between an open door provided by God and a normal opportunities? Is there a difference?
- How does Paul’s list of team members in this passage encourage you to do your part?
- How are the concepts of “opportunity,” “teamwork” and “legacy” connected?
