Many of the hymns we have sung over the past four weeks have had an “Easter” flavor, focusing on Jesus’ resurrection as discussed in 1 Corinthians 15. This week, as Paul brings his letter to a close with some personal greetings and encouragements, the hymns shift focus to our own callings as Christians. We ask for Christ’s love and power to control all we do and say, that we may run the race before us (May The Mind Of Christ My Savior). We declare that our lives are consecrated to the Lord (Take My Life And Let It Be), and we offer all our works to Him (Forth In Thy Name). We cry out from the psalms that the Lord would lead us on a level path (O Lord, Teach Me To Follow You—Psalm 27). We are comforted by the declaration that the righteous man is “established firmly” and shall not be afraid (Alleluia! How Blest The Man—Psalm 112). Because of the finished work of Christ, we can go with confidence on “duty’s path,” knowing that our work is done in “His strength” (O Put Your Trust In God). In light of the resurrection, what can we say other than, “as I live, may fruitful labor glorify His name” (To Live Is Christ). —Henry C. Haffner
Key Words: Gift, Door, Work, Watchful, Firm, Strong, Love, Refreshed, Grace
Keystone Verses: Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. (1 Corinthians 16:13-14)
1 Corinthians 16:1-24
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.
13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.
15 Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in
Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints— 16 be subject to such as these,
and to every fellow worker and laborer. 17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and
Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, 18 for they refreshed my spirit as well as
yours. Give recognition to such people.
19 The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house,
send you hearty greetings in the Lord. 20 All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a
holy kiss. 21 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. 22 If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him
be accursed. Our Lord, come! 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in
Christ Jesus.