IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 16:3

First, the collection for God's people (1-4). The Corinthian church had received abundant spiritual gifts from God, most of all the Holy Spirit. Now Paul wanted to help those who had received so much to offer. God's people in Jerusalem were suffering at this time materially. So Paul was able to help the Jerusalem church in their time of material need, as well as the Corinthian church to learn to be givers. It was also a way to remind them of God's history through the nation of Israel, as well as broaden their vision of what God was doing in the world. Paul did all of this at the cost of his own freedom, for he would be arrested in Jerusalem and sent as a prisoner to Rome.

Second, an open door and many who oppose (5-12). Paul had his sights set on Macedonia and beyond, but he stayed in Ephesus, where he received opposition. Paul saw the place where many opposed him as the place where the door was opened for effective work, and so he offered himself there.

Prayer: Prayer: Lord, help me to give, to grow in vision and to be an offering for effective work.

One Word: An offering for God's people