A Gift to Jerusalem

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

A Gift to Jerusalem

Date: Oct. 30, 2015

Passage

1 Corinthians 16:1-12 (ESV)

1 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. 2 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. 3 And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.

5 I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, 6 and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

10 When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. 11 So 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.

12 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.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 16:3

And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem.

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

In the Eyes of the Lord

2 Kings 15:17-38

Key Verse: 15:34

And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD, according to all that his father Uzziah had done.

Today's Question

What is the first commandment?

See answer and references