Where do you fit in the work of the Lord?

1. Where do you fit in the work of the Lord? • In this chapter we see the heart of the apostle Paul. He was thinking about two things.

2. Where do you fit in the work of the Lord? • The work of the Lord. (Rom 1:15; 1 Cor 9:16-19)

3. Where do you fit in the work of the Lord? • (Romans 1:15 NKJV) - So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also.

4. Where do you fit in the work of the Lord? • (1 Corinthians 9:16-19 NKJV) - For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! {17} For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship.

5. Where do you fit in the work of the Lord? • {18} What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel. {19} For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more;

6. Where do you fit in the work of the Lord? • The needs of others. (Phil 2:3-4)

7. Where do you fit in the work of the Lord? • (Philippians 2:3-4 NKJV) - Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. {4} Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

8. Where do you fit in the work of the Lord? • Without a doubt Paul lived what he preached. (1 Cor 11:1)

9. Where do you fit in the work of the Lord? • (1 Corinthians 11:1 NKJV) - Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

10. Where do you fit in the work of the Lord? • In this we need to imitate the Apostle Paul.

11. Where do you fit in the work of the Lord? • In this we need to imitate the Apostle Paul. • Each of us too must be interested in the progress of the Lord’s work.

12. Where do you fit in the work of the Lord? • In this we need to imitate the Apostle Paul. • Each of us too must be interested in the progress of the Lord’s work. • We have our own particular talents and responsibilities (stewardship) given by the Lord. How are we doing?

13. Where do you fit in the work of the Lord? • Let us examine the areas in which we can improve the Lord’s work in our lives.

14. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • (1 Corinthians 16:1-5 NKJV) - Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: {2} On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.

15. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • {3} And when I come, whomever you approve by your letters I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. {4} But if it is fitting that I go also, they will go with me. {5} Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia (for I am passing through Macedonia).

16. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • This contribution was for the saints in Jerusalem.

17. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • This contribution was for the saints in Jerusalem. • “Now concerning” indicated another question by the Corinthians. (7:1)

18. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • He urged others churches to do this as well. (Rom 15:26; 2 Cor 8:1-2)

19. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • (Romans 15:26 NKJV) - For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.

20. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • (2 Corinthians 8:1-2 NKJV) - Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: {2} that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.

21. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • This was the way other Christians could assist another congregation during an emergency. This was never meant to be permanent. (2 Cor 8:12-15)

22. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • (2 Corinthians 8:12-15 NKJV) - For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have. {13} For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened;

23. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • {14} but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack; that there may be equality. {15} As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.”

24. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • This is the pattern for all finances of the church.

25. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • God has a pattern for his church. (Heb 8:5-6; Col 3:17)

26. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • (Colossians 3:17 NKJV) - And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

27. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • (Hebrews 8:5-6 NKJV) - who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”

28. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • {6} But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.

29. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • The church has collective responsibilities that involve money. (2 Cor 11:8; Phil 4:15-16)

30. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • (2 Corinthians 11:8 NKJV) - I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to minister to you.

31. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • (Philippians 4:15-16 NKJV) - Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. {16} For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.

32. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • Therefore the requirements of this passage will involve how a church raises money for all of its work.

33. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • A day is specified and commanded. (1 Cor 16:2; Rev 1:10)

34. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • 1 Corinthians 16:2 - On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.

35. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • Revelation 1:10- I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet,

36. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • It is “every first day.” (NASV)

37. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • It is “every first day.” (NASV) • This is NOT to be done at home but rather in the assembly on the first day of the week.

38. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • Some have thought that a denial of the treasury, the local eldership and thus any required local collective responsibility would bring greater unity. Has it?

39. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • How do we give to the Lord?

40. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • How do we give to the Lord? • How can we give as prospered?

41. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • How do we give to the Lord? • How can we give as prospered? • Does any amount please God?

42. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • How do we give to the Lord? • How can we give as prospered? • Does any amount please God? • Paul maintained care with his influence here.

43. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • How do we give to the Lord? • How can we give as prospered? • Does any amount please God? • Paul maintained care with his influence here. • He has others selected from each church to take this money to its destination.

44. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • We would be wise to have the same care. (2 Cor 8:19-21)

45. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • (2 Corinthians 8:19-21 NKJV) - and not only that, but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which is administered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself and to show your ready mind, {20} avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us;

46. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • {21} providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

47. The Work of the Lord in Giving. (1-5) • (Ex. Ed Harrell in New Orleans)

48. The Work of the Lord in Opportunity (6-9) • (1 Corinthians 16:6-9 NKJV) - And it may be that I will remain, or even spend the winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go. {7} For I do not wish to see you now on the way; but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits. {8} But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. {9} For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

49. The Work of the Lord in Opportunity (6-9) • Paul was delayed in his coming.

50. The Work of the Lord in Opportunity (6-9) • He wanted to give them opportunity to repent! (2 Cor 1:23; 2:1; 1 Cor 4:21)