Join us as we focus each day this week on a different part of 1 Corinthians 13.
Tuesday: It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
For [the churches in] Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem. Romans 15:26
Read: Romans 15:25-27
Listen: Romans 15
TODAY’S MESSAGE
This conversation about generosity isn’t the first Paul has had with the Corinthians. He has talked with them before about “the collection” for the poor in Jerusalem. We see it in Acts, Paul’s letter to the church in Rome and both letters to the Corinthian believers. It wasn’t just the Jesus-followers in Corinth who were collecting money for poverty relief in Jerusalem. It was ALL the churches in modern-day Greece and Turkey. It was a big deal for the churches, and it was a big deal to Paul.
The big deal was that the Jewish believers had spiritually blessed the churches collecting money. Initially, the church was entirely Jewish. Jesus, the disciples and every believer were a Jew. Then the early church leaders were led by the Spirit to share the Jesus-message to Gentiles (read more in Acts 15). The Corinthian church has shared in the spiritual blessings from Jerusalem; they now should share in blessing the many others in need.
This idea is also a big deal for us as we move towards radical generosity. We should financially bless the church that is blessing us and the world. Our giving provides a children’s ministry to impact the heart, mind and soul of our kids. It supports small groups for Lifeline (students), UNION (young adults), men and women. It covers the cost of a funeral and luncheon for a grieving family. And funds Christian counseling to restore marriages. We bless others because we are blessed.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
What blessing through the church are you most grateful? Pray a prayer of gratitude like this, “Father, thank you for everything I have received through your church. Your generosity through your people is amazing! Help me to take the next step in generosity for all I’ve received through the church.”
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
We’d love to have you join us for one of our Christmas services December 21, 22 or 24. Visit us at adabible.org/christmasservices for locations, times and ticket information (tickets for Christmas Eve only). Or worship with your family and friends wherever you are at adabible.org/live.
