LIFE IS MESSY, TRULY LIVING FOR JESUS REQUIRES BOLD ACTION AND DIVINE POWER. (1 Corinthians 16:13-24)
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SERMON NOTES:
Living for Jesus in a Messy World
1 Corinthians 16:13-24
Life is messy, truly living for Jesus requires bold action and divine power.
Final Instructions (13-14)
Stay alert.
Stand firm in God’s truth.
Cultivate mature courage.
Be strengthened.
Everything in love.
Pursue Christ together (15-20)
Closing Comments (21-24)
study questions:
For the Next Lesson: 1 Corinthians 16:13-24
1. Read verses 13-14. List the five commands you see in these two verses. What does each command mean? (Note: the word translated “act like men” is better translated “show courage”.) How are each of these commands accomplished? Why do you think Paul makes these five quick commands at the end of this letter? How do these commands apply to you today?
2. Read verses 15-20. In these verses we see marks or characteristics of love among Christians. Take a few minutes to scour these verses looking for at least seven ways how love was expressed among these brothers and sisters in Christ. Do you see these characteristics of love expressed between Christians you know? Do you express love in the ways described here? How so? In what way could you better express love to those around you?
3. Read verses 21-24. What does it mean when Paul says he writes “this greeting by my own hand”? Is this significant? Why or why not? Why do you think Paul makes the statement about being “accursed” here in his closing words of the entire letter? What purpose do these words serve? What do you think is on Paul’s mind? What else does Paul say in verses 22-24? What do Paul’s words reveal about his heart? What do these words reveal about Paul’s focus in life?
4. So what. Take a few moments to reread verses 13-24 out loud all at one time. What stands out to you? Is there a command you need to follow? Is there a perspective on life you need to adopt? Is there a promise you need to remember? Is there someone you need to better love? What is one thing you can take away from these closing comments of 1 Corinthians that challenges or encourages you?