Dedicated to Giving
16: 1-24
His first letter to the Corinthians certainly illustrates his reminder to Timothy, that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness (Second Timothy 3:16). When writing to this struggling church, Paul taught them doctrine; in general, he taught them what should and what should not happen during public worship, while specifically correcting their faulty theology concerning the Resurrection. The apostle to the Gentiles confronted his readers with a hefty dose of criticism; he soundly rebuked them for the many things that undermined their unity and compromised their mission. He then offered them some much needed correction, as to both their beliefs and their behavior. And finally, he gave them instruction as to how to live righteously in a woefully unrighteous world.
Dear Great and Loving Heavenly Father, Praise You for always being loving and kind – even in Your discipline. Thank You for Paul’s example of confronting error as a firm yet loving spiritual father who wanted to train his spiritual children to be on the right path. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it (Hebrews 12:11).
It is good that You look to the end result and desire to purify each of Your children for our eternal life in heaven with You. You have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Yeshua Messiah (First Peter 1:6c-7). Thank You for being such a wise and wonderful Father. In Yeshua’s holy name and power of His resurrection. Amen
The great themes of the book have been dealt with. But there are still some matters requiring attention, and now Paul concluded his letter with one last bit of teaching, this time concerning the financial responsibilities of those in the church. He then ended his letter with his customary personal touch, mentioning several individuals by name, bestowing God’s grace on his readers, and assuring them of his enduring love – a sobering conclusion to this confrontational first letter.515
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