Maranatha - 1 Corinthians 16

Final greetings and closing to 1 Corinthians from Paul today. So many things in this short and closing chapter, but a few stood out to me today. 

Give Generously 

“Now, concerning the collection I want you to take for God’s holy believers in Jerusalem who are in need, I want you to follow the same instructions I gave the churches of Galatia. Every Sunday, each of you make a generous offering by taking a portion of whatever God has blessed you with and place it in safekeeping. Then I won’t have to make a special appeal when I come. When I arrive, I will send your gift to the poor in Jerusalem along with a letter of explanation, carried by those whom you approve.” - ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭16:1-3‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Beyond the tithe, Paul is challenging and requesting the Corinthians to take up an offering for the church at Jerusalem consistently. They had fallen on hard times, and Paul wants the church to support the church...and he did this with the churches of Galatia as well. The heart of generosity is beautiful and an essential part of the Christian walk. 

Love intentionally

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” -‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭16:13-14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We consistently read about love and see that love is not a feeling or an emotion. Love is an action, and Paul writes in detail about loving intentionally. Be on guard in love. Stand firm in love. Live faithfully in love. Be courageous in love. Stand strong in love. Do everything in love. Why is it that we see love as soft, and even weak? We must transform our view and thoughts around love, and make sure we are loving intentionally, and doing everything in love. 

Live Expectantly

“If anyone won’t love the Master, throw him out. Make room for the Master!” - ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭16:22‬ ‭MSG‬‬

This verse translates many different ways in different versions. The Message version helps me gain a better understanding...and moves me to realize how critical and essential it is to live expectantly. 

Come, Lord! - 1 Cor 16:22 - The Greek for Come, Lord reproduces an Aramaic expression (Maranatha) used by early Christians. The Message translates this to - Make room for the Master! I get this, but the first part of the verse was harder to process. If anyone doesn't love the Master, throw him out. It’s even harsher in other versions.

“If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord!” - ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭16:22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Here is my thought, this letter is written to the Church and church leaders. I read this as Paul saying if those inside the church won't fully commit and live a transformed life and love the Lord, don’t waste your time with them. Make room for God in your life! Do not allow others who are not willing to be all in for Christ to be a distraction in the church. Come, Lord! This is living expectantly, and being prepared for the Lord to come, making room for Him in our lives, every day. 

• Give Generously

• Love Intentionally

• Live Expectantly

What a fantastic way to end 1 Corinthians, and have a beautiful and tidy take away.