1 Corinthians 16

Read 1 Corinthians 16

Verses chosen for meditation: 1 Corinthians 16: 1, 3, 10, 13 - 14, 15 - 18, 19, 21 - 24 ESV:

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

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

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.

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.

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. Amen.

Reflect

What does this passage say about support?

Who should we give our support to?

Why should we support them?

How should we support them?

What are the positive effects of support?

Relate

The subject of raising support can be sensitive. But it is necessary. More than that, support - raising is biblical. 

Paul gave some instructions. He even laid down some guidelines concerning the support of fellow Christian brothers and sisters in need, including those labouring in the mission fields and those ministering to the Lord's people.

But he was not the first to broach the subject nor the only one in the New Testament to advocate giving as a means of supporting the ministry of fellow Christians and those in need. Christ was a step ahead of him as we read in Matthew 10 and Luke 10. As he sent out the 12 and 72 respectively, he expressly told them not to carry anything extra with them. In other words, they were to travel light as anything needed along the way should be provided by those whom they were ministering to. John, too, had a similar message, but it was a letter testifying of the hospitality and support given by Gaius, a close friend of his, to those in need, including strangers (3 John 1: 3 - 8). All these occasions of giving and caring had resulted in a rich testimony of his faithfulness and walk with the Lord.

It's no laughing matter that the fear of raising support has deterred many from worthy ministry opportunities. There's even been a dip in the number of respondents to the call. Most of it revolves around a single issue: Support raising. Will God provide what is needed? Will family and friends respond favourably? Unlike other types of work, support - based work amplifies a sense of dependence on God.

For that reason, the church and its members are obligated to support those who labour for the kingdom. That's what Paul is doing here to the Corinthian church, obligating them to support those in need in Jerusalem and those labouring to proclaim the kingdom like Timothy.

A phrase that was commonly used during Covid 19 is ‘essential workers’. The importance of such workers came to light and the attention of a world locked down by Covid. Since the church has been mandated to bring good news of the gospel to the ends of the earth, those who carry the gospel with them should likewise be considered ‘essential workers’ in the kingdom.

Aside from giving, there are other positive ways of showing support such as encouragement through prayer as well as care and concern through hospitality. All these forms of support, in combination or alone, can bring great refreshment to any of the Lord's 'essential workers' as it did to Paul. To the extent that Paul would say these individuals rendering such support should be recognised. It’s heartening to know that there're many who give anonymously or support behind the scenes. Rest assured that all such efforts and gestures will not go unnoticed. 

Camaraderie is one positive effect to come out of such collaborations between workers and supporters where there's free exchange of greetings and updates. Not to mention a common understanding of the task on hand. It's true that in these situations, many 'praying, caring and supportive' hands actually make work lighter, contrary to the proverb 

‘too many cooks spoil the broth’.

Lastly, supporting the work of the Lord is discipleship. That's why Paul reminded them about love. Love for the Lord and love for one another through their giving, praying and caring, essentially in all that they do for one another. 

He also gave a reminder of the constant need to be watchful, firm and strong. For as important as the task is the well - being of those who are sent and those who are supporting through giving, praying and caring.

It is a fitting end that Paul should conclude with the sharing of his love for them.

Rest

Lord, may we be quick to respond to Team Kingdom’s needs, whether it's going, giving, praying, caring or any combination of the four. If it's a call, may there be a willing response to go; a need, a willing response to give; a concern, a willing response to pray; a lack, a willing response to care. By doing so, may we then share in your work and draw even closer to your heart. For everything makes sense when we know your heart.

Naville Chia