An Offering and Prayer Request

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

An Offering and Prayer Request

Date: Aug. 30, 2021

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: 16:1

1 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do.

Christians in Corinth promised to participate in the offering for the poor Christians in Jerusalem. Now Paul asks them to prepare their gift in advance according to his instruction (2) so that they would not do it hurriedly when he showed up. To Paul, this offering was more than just material help; it was the evidence of God’s work through Paul’s ministry among the Gentiles. It was a show of the Gentile Christians’ practical appreciation of their indebtedness to the spiritual blessing of the Jewish Christians. Paul wanted to connect them to the Jewish Christians so that Jews and Gentiles would have unity in Christ. Christians’ offering must be done willingly and joyfully as the expression of their appreciation of and gratitude toward God’s grace. Giving to the needy is a part of worship and it enhances spiritual unity in the body of Christ.

Paul shared his travel plans and his present situation in Ephesus with the Corinthian Christians. He was expecting their prayer support for effective gospel work in the midst of many opponents. He asked them to accept Timothy as God’s servant with respect. He expressed his support for Apollos’ ministry so that they might welcome him on his visit. Paul humbly shared his prayer topics and asked for their prayer.

Prayer: Prayer: Lord, thank you for blessing me to take part in world missions through prayer and offering. Help me to give sacrificially and pray earnestly.

One Word: One Word: A sacrificial giving with prayer support

Hallelujah!

Revelation 19:1-10

Key Verse: 19:1

Today's Question

What does God require of man?

See answer and references