God's Church: Stand Firm

Sermon & Small Group ResourcesThis is the eighteenth and final sermon in our series on God’s Church (1 Corinthians). This sermon is ‘Stand Firm’. Preacher: The Rev’d Dr Daniel Rouhead. Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 16DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF). Next Steps this Week BIBLE READING: 1 Corinthians 16:1-18 Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you—for I will be going through Macedonia. Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.When 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. No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers.Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters, to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it. I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition. SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS Download in PDF format.CONNECT: How can you give yourself ‘more fully’ to the work of the Lord (on one of your frontlines) this week?WARM-UP Have you ever had the experience of being in a church service in which you couldn’t understand much of what was happening? What was it like? How did you feel?Read 1 Corinthians 16:1-4What was “the collection for the Lord’s people”? How did it connect with the Corinthians’s faith?How were the Corinthians to set aside money for this gift? What are the key principles of Christian generosity?Also looking at Galatians 6:9-10, do you grow weary in your generosity? How can this be overcome?Towards whom should we, as Christians, be generous?Read 1 Corinthians 16:5-12Why did Paul want to spend time with the Corinthians, and why was he delayed?Why would Timothy fear visiting the Corinthians again? How does Paul compare Timothy’s ministry to his, and what is the significance of this?Why would Apollos be reluctant to visit Corinth at this particular time? What does this say about the Corinthian church?How can we respect the leaders in our church who exercise authority over us?What would the consequences be of attempting to usurp the Godly authority of our leaders?How is our church’s mission and unity connected?Read 1 Corinthians 16:13-18What are the five short messages Paul gives to the Corinthians? Does one speak particularly to you?Why are these messages so relevant to the Corinthians?How can we be on guard and stand firm in the faith? How can we be strong and courageous?How can make sure that everything among us is done in love?APPLY:  How can we live in such a way that refreshes the spirit of our leaders and our brothers and sisters in Christ? PRAYER Gracious Father, help us to love the Lord so that we can stand firm in generosity, stand firm together and stand firm in faith and love. Unite us in the bonds of love, through Jesus Christ, Amen.  GOING DEEPER On Your Frontline This Week: Amongst the people you see week to week, who seems like they would never be interested in Jesus? Pray and invite them to Alpha.Listen, Watch, and Read: AUDIO: “What are the Gospel’s Priorities?” By John StottAUDIO: Four-Part Series on 1 Corinthians 16 by Dick Lucas:1 Corinthians 16:1-4 // 1 Corinthians 16:5-12 // 1 Corinthians 16:14-24 // 1 Corinthians 16:15-16Series Resources:Some helpful resources for our Series:Series Overview Published by St Bart’sWebsite: “First Corinthians” by the Bible ProjectCourse: “1 Corinthians” as part of the Ridley Certificate (6-week online course)Grow as Families Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.Families: Read, Chat, Do, and PrayHigh School: CHARGE Discussion QuestionsKids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ TalkeBook: Watch the eBook