Christian Beliefs That Cause Christian Behavior

Introduction to 1 Corinthians 16

It seems like a rather strange way for the Apostle Paul to conclude this letter, especially given what we were just talking about in 1 Corinthians 15 regarding the resurrection of the dead. Looking at the concept of how dead people come back to life after they die is a mind-blowing principle. It's an insane presentation of an incredible doctrine. To then go into a passage where he's concerned about collecting money feels like a fantastic transition.

This passage contains a lot of content: instructions on giving, travel plans, greetings, and even a sharp statement about those who don't love Christ. But if you keep in mind the central concepts of the book of 1 Corinthians—the spiritual immaturity and significant disunity at the church in Corinth—many of the concepts in chapter 16 relate to those issues. You're not unified, and you're not growing.

Paul begins in chapter 2 to focus on the main way to correct the Corinthian church: to determine to know nothing among them except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. When Christians don't focus on what they should believe, they stop behaving the way Christians should behave. That's the entirety of chapter 16—practical correction based on what Christians believe.

In 1 Corinthians 15, they had it wrong on the resurrection, which affected their behavior. Paul said if the dead don't rise, Christianity isn't real—who cares how you live? In 1 Corinthians 11, wrong beliefs about communion led to drunkenness. Even the incest issue stemmed from wrong beliefs about the body. Christian beliefs affect Christian behavior.

What Christians Do on the First Day of the Week

What should Christians be doing, especially on the first day of the week—Sunday? Paul establishes a firm foundation in Christian beliefs through 15 chapters, reinstilling gospel knowledge. Chapter 15 starts with a summary of the gospel: Jesus Christ crucified for our sins.

To grow in maturity and unity, we must address the concepts in 1 Corinthians 16.

1. Christians Must Give Money

Christians must start giving money. In the context of 1 Corinthians, we're 16 chapters deep before Paul mentions it. He decided to know nothing except Christ crucified. Now he says take up a collection, as instructed in Galatia.

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. And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.

It's not for a Corinthian building fund or youth trip—it's for the saints in Jerusalem, who faced poverty. Paul’s focus is gospel-centered: the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus to save us from sin.

The gospel is the single greatest display of generosity toward undeserving, spiritually bankrupt people. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

The more we're influenced by the gospel—the greatest gift of Jesus to sinners—the more overwhelming it becomes. Christians cannot help but display generosity, including financially to those in need.

When we live in abundance without focusing on Christ, we forget the needs of others. The gospel unifies us as we care for one another. Our hope in eternal life makes earthly possessions less important.

Remember the days when you joyfully accepted the seizure of your property.

It's not a pre-tax 10% obligation. Put something aside as you prosper, out of love.

Let all that you do be done in love.

Money advances the gospel, supports laborers, and meets needs so they're not distracted.

2. Christians Must Give Time

Paul talks about visiting, sending Timothy and Apollos. Why mention scheduling?

When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. 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. 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.

It's about what these people do: they give time to serve, minister, and encourage Christians. Paul, Timothy, Apollos, Aquila, and Priscilla gained value because they poured gospel time into others.

Priscilla and Aquila opened their home for church. The best Christians to be around are those who pour time and service into others' lives.

When I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.

Accredit means approve those proven genuine, like Timothy. It's not just carrying money—it's bringing ministry and time. Anyone can give money, but Christians bring the gospel.

Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have give I thee." Focus on serving in love, impacting lives for the gospel. In church or youth group, focus on how you can serve others, not what you get.

It's impossible to fail in a church where everyone pours out their lives for others. That's the body of Christ functioning at its greatest capacity for joy and God's glory. That must be our goal.