[ ] 10/21/2001 #408
PAUL'S MINISTRY AND MISSION
1 Corinthians 16:5-19
INTRODUCTION: Paul was in hope that he could spend time with the church in Corinth. He wanted to help them through their troubles. He writes to tell them of his plans and to acknowledge those who were laborers with him.
I. PLANNING OF PAUL
A. PERSONAL PLANS OF PAUL. (v. 5-7)
1. He would visit the Corinthians later. (1 Cor. 4:19; v. 6)
2. He would tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.
B. PROVIDENCE OF GOD.
1. Paul was unable to fulfill his plans. (2 Cor. 1:15-17)
2. Paul was criticized by some in the church of Corinth.
3. Paul trusted God to direct him. (1 Cor. 4:19, v. 7)
II. PERSISTENCE OF PAUL
A. PAUL'S OPPORTUNITY IN EPHESUS. (v. 9)
1. He corrects false teaching. (Acts 19:1-7)
2. He taught in the synagogue and the school of Tyrannus. (Acts 19:8-9)
3. He taught for three years so all in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus.
4. He was used by God to perform miracles. (Acts 19:11-12)
5. He saw many people in Ephesus turn to the Lord. (Acts 19:17-19)
B. PAUL'S OPPOSITION IN EPHESUS.
1. Those who opposed Paul's teachings. (Acts 19:9)
2. The presence of demons. (Acts 19:14-16)
3. Those who were involved with magical arts. (Acts 19:19)
4. The riots caused by Demetrius the silversmith. (Acts 19:23-41)
III. PARTNERS OF PAUL
A. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THEIR MINISTRY.
1. Timothy was a young and timid preacher. (v. 10-11)
2. Apollos was a great preacher. (v. 12)
3. Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus were members of the Corinthian
church.
4. Aquila and Priscilla were special friends to Paul.
a. They shared the same craft as tentmakers. (Acts 18:1-3)
b. They labored with Paul in Ephesus. (Acts 18:18-19)
c. They instructed Apollos more fully in the Scriptures. (Acts 18:24-28)
d. They endangered their lives to protect Paul. (Rom. 16:3-4)
e. They opened their home to the church. (Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 16:19)
B. APPRECIATION FOR THEIR MINISTRY.
1. Paul appreciated those who were partners with him in the ministry.
2. Paul wanted the church to appreciate those who labor.
LESSONS FOR LIFE:
1. Satan will try to close every door the Lord opens.
2. Christians need to be accountable to each other. (v.16)
3. God's servants need to be refreshed with words of encouragement and support.
4. Paul and his friends risked their lives so others could hear the gospel.
ACCOUNTABLE:
Husbands and wives are accountable to each other.
Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. (Eph. 5:21)
Children are to obey their parents.
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. (Col. 3:20)
Servants are to obey their masters.
Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God. (Col. 3:22)
People are to obey their government.
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. (Rom. 13:1-7)
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. (1 Pet. 2:13-14)
Christians are accountable to the church.
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican .(Matt. 18:15-17)
In like manner, ye young, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another. (1 Pet. 5:5)
Preachers are accountable to the church. (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9)
Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witness.
(1 Tim. 5:19)
Honoring those who serve.
And we beseech you, brethren, to know them who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you. And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. (1 Thess. 5:12-13)