Today you should read: 1 Corinthians 16
Final Words
Chapter 16 is the end to Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth. He’s encouraged them, rebuked them, and taught them how to follow Christ in more effective ways.
In verse 2 he exhorts them about giving:
On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned… (v.2)
Paul teaches us about New Testament giving in these verses. The Old Testament commanded a tithe – 10% of your income be given to the Lord through His church. While that’s a good guide for today as well, Paul digs in a little deeper.
He teaches us:
- To give regularly – on Sunday (the first day of the week) – this is the day we worship together in our church
- To give consistently – each week
- To give deliberately – put aside a portion of the money you earned
- To give generously – NASB says – as God has prospered you – another words give out of your blessing (and all of us are blessed)
No church will be without their necessary provision if God’s people will give this way. It’s when we hold our giving back or give it elsewhere that God’s church suffers.
Paul gives them some final advice for living the Christian life in verses 13-14. It’s solid advice for us today as well. These five statements are a standard to live by:
- Be on guard. Guard your heart and life against sin and the evil one.
- Stand firm in the faith. Don’t vacillate – stand solid in your commitment to your faith.
- Be courageous. Be bold and remember Who’s side you’re on. Remember what He can do.
- Be strong. Don’t quit. Push through the toughest day.
- Do everything with love. Remember the value God puts on love. Love God and love others.
- Is your giving sacrificial and consistent to God’s church where you attend?
- Which of the 5 statements hits home the most?
- What will you do to live that out today?
By: Tim Parsons
JumpstartCPC.com 
I can’t help but think that there might be another financial lesson here too: “so that no collections be made when I come.” It could be that Paul just didn’t want to fool with money collection while he was there, but I think he’s looking for a degree of financial readiness. To manage the money so that, when it’s needed, it’s there, rather than trying to scrape up those last few dollars (or whatever currency they used) at the last minute, even though you knew you needed the money six months ago.