This year we have worked verse by verse through A Tour of 1 Corinthians. Last Sunday we wrapped it up by looking at the final details that Paul addresses to the church in the final chapter.
One of the details is that he is urging this church to set aside money for the Jewish church in Jerusalem. This is a huge thing to see Gentile churches collecting money for others...and especially their Jewish brothers! Paul gives some encouragements for them to make weekly collections and save the money. Then when he comes, the money will be already collected and there will be no guilt trip about giving more.
In this detail, Paul is still prioritizing relationship over money as he wants this gift to be from the Corinthian church...and also delivered by those from the church. Then the church is building the relationship with their brothers and sisters in Jerusalem!
One more detail that we could learn from was this was in 1 Cor 16:5-9 :
Paul didn't have a 5 year plan, he was led by God for his next steps...truly directed by the Holy Spirit.
Paul had made the plan that he was coming to them, but he was very open to what God wanted. He didn't exactly know where he would go after that, nor when! But as he was with the Corinthians they would share in Paul's ministry as he was with them, and in his going.
His arrival would be delayed because the Spirit was granting another opportunity currently:
"a wide door for effective service has opened to me!"
1 Cor 16:9
While the door was open, Paul was going to be effective in that place.
This is so encouraging for us to see how the Apostle Paul was seeking for direction and effectiveness in his life and ministry. As the Lord was giving it, he was seizing the opportunity!
May we find and walk through the open doors for effective ministry!
