SEQ CHAPTER \H \R 1A GREAT DOOR FOR EFFECTIVE WORK

1 Corinthians 16:1-24

Key Verse 16:8

1. In verses 1-4, the apostle Paul encourages the members of the church in Corinth to make an organized effort to support the poor in Jerusalem. What can we learn from Paul about how to serve God’s work effectively (including the matter of giving to the needy)? 

2. Verse 8 indicates that Paul was in Ephesus.  While he was there, he wrote to the Corinthians saying, “I will come to you,” “perhaps I will stay with you awhile,” “or even spend the winter,” and “you can help me on my journey, wherever I go” (5-7).  The Scriptures indicate that eventually Paul went there and established a launch pad from which to pioneer the entire Roman Empire (cf. Romans 15:25-27; Acts 20:1-6).  What can we learn from Paul about how to serve God’s work effectively?

3. Referring to his ministry in Ephesus (cf. Acts 19), Paul says in verse 9, “A great door for effective work has opened for me.”  Paul’s ministry in other areas was not as “effective” as it was in Ephesus.  What made his ministry in Ephesus so effective? (Acts 19: 9-10; Judges 7:7; Mark 9:35)  What can we learn from Paul about how to serve God’s work effectively?

4. Consider Paul’s coworkers: 1) Timothy (10-11); 2) Apollos (12); 3) Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus (15-18); 4) Aquila and Priscilla (19); and 5) all other brothers (and sisters) in the Lord.  What does Paul say about them?  What can we learn from Paul about how to serve God’s work effectively? 

5. Meditate on the five exhortations in verses 13-14: 1) be on your guard; 2) stand firm in the faith; 3) be men of courage; 4) be strong; and 5) do everything in love. What wisdom do these exhortations teach us about how to serve the Lord effectively?

6. In verse 20 we find the expression, “Greet one another with a holy kiss.”  What does it mean to greet one another “with a holy kiss”?  Why is this necessary for those who are already in the same fellowship?  What can we learn here about how to serve the Lord effectively?

7. In verses 20-24, the word ‘love’ is repeated twice. What does this passage suggest about the secret of Paul’s fruitfulness in the Lord?