In this last chapter, Paul instructs the Corinthians to collect an offering for the poor saints in Jerusalem. He also exhorts them concerning their church life.
How to Take the Offering, vv. 1-4
A. Give the Offering through the Church, v. 2.
B. Give the Offering regularly on the first day of the week.
C. Give the Offering “as God hath prospered him.” A tithe is 10%. Everyone can give 10%.
D. Give the Offering carefully.
1. Church appointed leaders are accountable to handle church funds, v. 3.
2. This requires a financial system of receipts and records, lest anyone be accused of stealing money from the church.
How to Help the Servants of the Church, vv. 5-12
A. Keep in contact with missionaries of the Church. Paul shared his travel plans, battles, and blessings, vv. 5-9.
B. Support financially and spiritually the leaders of the church, vv. 10-11. Timothy was timid. We should never despise a worker because they are not another Apostle Paul!
C. Previous pastors should not be involved in church divisions, v. 12. Apollos followed Paul at Corinth (Acts 18:24-28), and he and Paul had good fellowship. Both Paul and Apollos were implicated in the church divisions (1 Corinthians 1:12), but they were careful to show themselves unified in the work.
How to Strengthen the Church, vv. 13-24
A. Act like mature Christian adults, v. 13.
B. Do everything with charity, v. 14.
1. Honor the founders of the church, v. 15.
2. Follow the faithfulness of the founders, v. 16-18.
3. Acknowledge the fellowship of the churches, vv. 19-20. We are not competitors; we are colleagues.
C. Beware of false teachers, vv. 21-22.
1. There were many false books purportedly written by famous biblical leaders:
a. Book of Enoch
b. Assumption of Moses
c. Shepherd of Hermas
d. Gospel of Peter
e. Gospel of Judas, etc.
2. Paul dictated his letter to the Corinthians, but signed it with his own hand so they would know that this was indeed from the Apostle Paul, v. 21.
3. Those who lead people away from the Lord Jesus Christ are “Accursed–our Lord is coming!”, v. 22.
4. The Lord extends His grace to His people, v. 23.
5. Paul extends his love to everyone in the Corinthian church.