Sermon Tone Analysis

With this final chapter, Paul is going to a sharp turn from a doctrinal road, onto a practical one.

And its on this final stretch of road that Paul is gonna give us several exhortations in regard to giving, doing the Lord’s work, faithful living and love within the Christian fellowship.

Chapters 1-14 are all about their bad behavior.

Chapter 15 is all about their bad theology.

Even Chapter 13 is a correction of the lovelessness that characterized their church.

But the beautiful thing is all the rebuke and correction was done with love.

Paul was full of love for God and out of that love for God comes his rebukes…just as the Lord has rebukes his children

With this final chapter, Paul is going to a sharp turn from a doctrinal road, onto a practical one.

And its on this final stretch of road that Paul is gonna give us several exhortations in regard to giving, doing the Lord’s work, faithful living and love within the Christian fellowship.

Sometimes when Jacqueline and I are driving somewhere and she’s aware that we need to take the next right, but I usually am not.

And I discover this about 20 meters before the turn when she announces turn here.

I hit the breaks and yell like Maverick in Top Gun BANK RIGHT!!!

This is similar to Paul’s abrupt turn from the future life (resurrection) back to the present life right where the Corinthians are living.

But John MacArthur says:

The life to come is far from unrelated to living here and now.

Whenever God gives us a glimpse of the end times or of heaven, it is always for the purpose of helping us live more faithfully on earth.

Now there’s no way I have time to unpack all the exhortations that lays down, but I think it might be helpful to somebody to give a little drive by on some.

I think its important to warn you that I’m going to bounce around this chapter a little while I do this, but I’m gonna park in verses 13 & 14 because it is those two little verses that I believe is Paul’s summation of the entire letter.

1. Giving

V

As you know Paul has been answer questions in from a letter the Corinthians sent him.

And he has used this phrase “Now about” in some form to indicate he answering one of their direct questions.

And it is to their credit that they’re asking this question because we all want to know God’s expectations about giving.

Weirsbe said we can learn some basic principles from Paul’s instructions here:

Giving is an act of worship - It is tragic when church members give only as a duty and forget that our offerings are to be “spiritual sacrifices” presented to the Lord ().

It is tragic when church members give only as a duty and forget that our offerings are to be “spiritual sacrifices” presented to the Lord ().

Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 622.

Giving is personal - Just as it is an act of worship it is also a privilege to share in what belongs to God anyway with those in need.

Giving is systematic - As systematic as our collecting our paycheck, we should be systematic in setting aside our giving.

Giving is proportionate - I really love this one.

The Jewish believers would have been accustomed to giving a Tithe, which simply means 10%.

But Paul did not indicate any specific amount.

He was telling us we give out of what has been given us.

God doesn’t give us more to horde, God gives us more to give.

2. In vv.

5-7 Paul sets the example that all our planning is subject to God’s perfect and sovereign plan.

Paul expressed a desire to not just have a quick visit, but to spend even a whole winter with them.

Probably to put the smack down on them, but in all his planning he recognizes that his plan is subject to God’s perfect and sovereign plan.

3.

In vv.

8-9 sets the example to take advantage of opportunities to serve.

Paul had an open door of ministry in Ephesus, and this was important to him.

He wanted to win the lost in Ephesus, not go to Corinth to pamper the saved.

How many times have I chosen the comfort of my couch and TV over the opportunities for service?

4. In vv.

10-11 Paul was warning we should see all who serve for Christ’s sake as servants of Christ and treat them accordingly.

5.

In v. 12 Paul teaches us to respect other people’s convictions.

1 Cor 16:10-12

Let’s not forget that Paul has already rebuked them for their Pride regarding their christian leaders.

Paul was warning we should see all who serve for Christ’s sake as servants of Christ and treat them accordingly.

WE SHOULD SEE ALL WHO SERVE US for Christ’s sake as his servants and treat them accordingly

6.

In v. 15-16 Paul uses the house of Stephanus’ devotion to serve as a living example for them to emulate.

This is relevant for us today.

There are many brothers and sisters that God has sent across our path to show us a living example of service to Him.

One commentator puts it like this:

We cannot be another person’s conscience or guidance.

When there is a difference of opinion, having stated our views, we must respect the decisions others make, learning to trust God for the outcome.

7.

In vv.

17-18, Paul uses the example of how the fellowship and encouragement of Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus refreshed his spirit.

Commentator Derek Prime said:

Christian fellowship has the unique ability to refresh our spirits

Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus

8.

In v. 19-21 Paul exhorts them to greet each other warmly.

We cannot be another person’s conscience or guidance.

When there is a difference of opinion, having stated our views, we must respect the decisions others make, learning to trust God for the outcome.

Derek Prime, Opening up 1 Corinthians, Opening Up Commentary (Leominister: Day One Publications, 2005), 146.

The holy kiss was a custom for NT times and was only done between those of the same sex.

Today, our version of the holy kiss might be a hug or handshake with two hands.

9.

In v. 22 Paul that we should honor Jesus by loving him.

This is the Phileo love.

The love of great affection or loyalty for.

10.

And it is in that love in vv.

23-24 that Paul says goodbye with Christ’s love.

So for the greater part of 1 Corinthians, Paul has been rebuking and correcting the church in Corinth.

Chapters 1-14 are all about their bad behavior.

Chapter 15 is all about their bad theology.

Even Chapter 13 is a correction of the lovelessness that characterized their church.

But the beautiful thing is all the rebuke and correction was done with love.

Paul was full of love for God and out of that love for God comes his rebukes…just as the Lord has rebukes his children:

In verses 13-14, Paul gives 5 final imperatives.

5 B’s if you will.

If you’ve been soaking in this whole chapter, these two verses are really the summation of the entire letter.

If you’re like me, I am not very good at remembering lots and lots of information.

However, I am fairly good at remembering small bits of information.

I really think that this is what Paul is doing here.

These are 5 powerful principles in the form of 5 imperatives that will help them remember all of what he has said in the first 15 chapters.

I can see guys tattooing these one 5 commands on their forearm Be Alert, Firm, Mature, Strong, Loving.

Anyway, let’s dive in.

Be Alert

In the NT there are at least 6 things we are told to be on alert for.

1. “Be on your guard” (1 Corinthians 16:13).

This usually has to do with remaining alert for the second coming.

Paul does not wish them to become wishy-washy with the idea that Christ’s second coming is not relevant nor certain.

Be on alert for Satan

We need to learn satan’s strategies, found in 3 main areas:

Lust of the flesh

Lust of the eyes

The boastful pride of life.

Be alert for Temptation

If we are not watching and seeking the Lord’s help in prayer, we often will not even notice temptation when it comes.

Be alert for Apathy and Indifference