(A) Introduction (Read the reference)

So we come to the end of Paul's challenging letter. This last chapter may appear to be a collection of miscellaneous concerns. However, there are three identifiable themes: love in practice, leadership credentials and three rallying cries.

(B) Love in practice. Do everything in love. v14.

Paul provides six examples of love in practice:

(1) Systematic giving and good organisation. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. v2.

There are three points to note about the giving encouraged by Paul:

(a) It occurred every Sunday when the church gathered together for worship. We should never feel that the collection is an unwelcome intrusion into public worship somehow of less consequence than the singing of the hymns, prayer or exposition of the word.

(b) Every Christian, both rich and poor, was expected to contribute. It was not a privilege reserved for the wealthy. All members of the congregation were instructed to give according to their means.

(c) The collection was to meet the needs of another church. The fellowship at Jerusalem was poor. The population was probably heavily taxed, famine had occurred in the region and the policy of selling property and sharing the proceeds out among the congregation eventually impoverished the members. (See exposition on early church.)

(a) He wanted the gift to the Jerusalem church to be ready when he arrived. Paul did not want the Corinthians to resent his visit because it made a sudden, big demand upon their pockets.

(b) He intended representatives from the church at Corinth to travel with the gift so that there could be no suspicion of jiggery-pokery. He probably wanted the Corinthian delegates to share in the Jerusalem church's joy at being supported by their Gentile brethren. Sadly things didn't quite work out as Paul hoped. (See exposition on Paul's visit to Jerusalem.)

Paul believed that Christian churches were interdependent. Prosperous churches, whether it in money or personnel, should be prepared to help poorer churches. Yet, I know of Christians who object strongly to money that they have given to their own fellowship being used to help another. They say, quite belligerently, "When we give - it is to our own church - not to some other." There are not many well-attended churches that are prepared to release and send members on a permanent basis to assist a small and struggling cause. I think it is to the credit of the Grace Baptist Church at Calderhall Rd, Ipswich, that they have set aside 2 or 3 married couples to work in the under strength fellowship at Shepherd's Drive. This doesn't happen too often! Paul would approve!

(2) Paying visits.

Lots of visits, both current and prospective, are mentioned in the passage. Paul promised the Corinthians: After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you. Timothy was probably going to Corinth and so, too, was Apollos when he has the opportunity. v12. Paul had visitors at Ephesus: I was glad when Stephanus, Fortunatus and Achiacus arrived, because they had supplied what was lacking from you. v17. He wrote of them: For they refreshed my spirit. v18.

It is good for small fellowships to have visitors from other churches occasionally. It can take the insular Christian out of himself and raise moral.

People who care sufficiently to come and see us personally are often able to refresh our spirits. It is especially good to have a lively, interested, animated visitor to cheer us up. One of the things that always made me very happy was when an old pupil came back to school to see me. What a joy to be hugged by a pretty young thing for old times sake. Sadly it didn't happen too often. Many years ago I visited an old colleague in hospital. As I prepared to leave the ward I saw a man lying in bed that I had known since a boy. So I went across and chatted to Harry Orris. I reminisced about the bowling exploits that made him something of a hero in my early years. Harry had a nice upright action and could make the ball bounce dangerously. As our conversation continued Harry became very animated - he was enjoying himself. I am glad I gave him fifteen minutes of my time. Within 24 hours he was dead. Gerald, who attends our church, goes for 2 or 3 hours every day to see a depressed old man. He is his only visitor. Gerald helps him all he can - often without a word of thanks. But Gerald is a lifeline to that man.

(3) Support and encourage God's servants.

Paul is concerned about Timothy's visit to Corinth. He wrote to the church there: If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am. v10.

Timothy was a sound teacher - one who correctly handles the word of truth. 2Tim2v15. But he was young and probably not very assertive. Paul did not want the puffed up Corinthians to intimidate Timothy who was, in the words of the apostle, carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am. v10. Paul hoped Timothy would leave Corinth in peace - with a sense of well being - rather than with his tail between his legs.

We should try to build confidence in those who are young in the faith. I remember with gratitude those who encouraged me as I began preaching in my late teens: my dear father, Mr Ernie Pawsey who took me out with him to speak at rural churches and Mr Sewell of the Bury Railway Mission and Ted Bird at Whepstead Baptist Chapel who engaged me to preach when I was raw and strident.

It is so easy to put the young down especially if we are jealous of their gifts!

(4) Put our possessions at God's disposal.

Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. V19. Aquila and his forceful wife made their home available to the church.

Many Christian demonstrate their love for the brethren by sharing their possessions with them. Whenever I speak at the little church at Barton Mills Arthur and Gillian Rutterford invite the congregation into their home for tea or supper. The fellowship meet in Keith's house for midweek bible study. My brother Paul and his wife Ruth during the years that they served the church at Courland Grove, Clapham, kept open house for the members of their congregation. There was always a welcome for anyone who knocked on their door. Ron and Margaret Moody, of my own fellowship, are having a party for those who attend the lady's meeting in their garden in July. Many farmers have done incalculable good by allowing Christian camps to set up on their land free of charge. I am pleased to say that it is not difficult to come up with numerous examples of Christians who show love by putting their possessions at God's disposal.

(5) Warm and affectionate greeting. Greet one another with an holy kiss. v20.

Paul ends his letter by writing: My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.

It doesn't cost much to show a bit of warmth - to express some affection. It is a poor job when Christians are cold and standoffish. It used to gladden my heart whenever one of my old female pupils started a letter: My darling Mr Reed. I don't suppose much was meant by this greeting but it is certainly a warmer way to commence a communication than a simple: JR - typical of many of the Emails I receive.

(6) Writing a letter. I Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.

These few words of the little apostle remind me of the Christmas I persuaded my poor old father, ravaged by Parkinson's disease, to write just a little something in a Christmas card to my brother Paul in London. My brother, having quite a hard time in his church, found my father's greeting in his own hand peculiarly touching.

Letters mean a lot to people. I know individuals who have kept a letter from my mother for over 50 years. The church at Corinth valued this letter of Paul's - an expression of love and concern, an epistle that challenged, corrected, encouraged and inspired. The Corinthians never lost Paul's letter to them! We have it to this day!

(C) Leadership credentials.

Paul wrote: You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts to Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers, to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labours at it. v15and16.

What qualities does the church look for in a leader? The following spring to mind: a good education, academic qualifications, a pleasing voice and the ability to speak well in public, a nice personality, someone easy to get on with, a good mixer and an impressive presence. What qualification does Paul highlight? He considers the most important thing is a devotion to the service of the saints. People who labour hard in the church should be given authority and others should submit to them.

We need to remember the words of Jesus to his disciples after he had washed their feet: "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet." Jn13v14. (See exposition on John13v1to17.)

(D) Three rallying cries.

(1) Some advice for the troops. Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. v13.

This is a call to:

(a) Watchfulness. Christians must watch out for sneak attacks. Satan is extremely good at throwing at us unexpected temptations. If we drop our guard one of those fiery darts of the wicked one will strike home.

(b) Steadfastness. Christian soldiers must be steady under fire. It is easy to panic and retreat in the face of opposition, contempt, deprecation and disappointment.

(c) Manliness. Men of courage will accept hardship as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. No follower of Jesus can expect an easy time. When conditions are particularly rough we shouldn't whinge or complain.

(d) Strength. The church owes an incalculable debt to those who have been resilient - almost impossible to wear down or overcome.

Love for Jesus is the acid test of our genuineness. Jesus should be loved - for all he is and for all he has done for us. If we love him we will obey him.

(3) The battle cry of the church. Come, O Lord.

Paul actually used an Aramaic word, maran-atha, that carries the meaning, Come, O Lord. This is the Christian soldier's cry of hope. We march into battle in the confident expectation that the Captain of our Salvation will one day return in victory and triumph.

Jesus is coming! Sing the glad word!
Coming for those he redeemed by his blood,
Coming to reign as the glorified Lord!
Jesus is coming again!