Making Plans (1 Corinthians 16:5-12)

 

deals with the gospel motives of Paul and the question of guidance.

  1. We plan, God over-rules.
    • Prov.16:9. See 15:5-6. He plans to get to Corinth via Macedonia (northern Greece) but it does not work out – 2 Cor.1:15-17.
    • 15:7. Paul has a plan, but it is with the proviso ‘if the Lord (Christ) wills’. See Acts 18:21; Rom.1:10; 1 Cor.4:19; James 4:13-15.
    • All his life, David Livingstone wanted to be a missionary in China, but he spent his time in Africa. Sin is breaking God’s law – Rom.4:15. It is not failing to discern His will which we cannot know – Deut.29:29.
    • 15:12. Paul wanted one thing, Apollos did not agree with him entirely. Was Apollos wrong? No. Was Paul wrong? No.
  2. Work where you are.
    • Paul sees two things at Ephesus – a great and effective door (2 Cor.2:12) and many adversaries (Acts 19:19-20, 23-28). Paul does not opt for the safest place, but where he can do most gospel good.
  3. Work humbly with all Christians.
    • 15:10-11. Paul had already sent Timothy to them – 4:17. The Corinthian church was divided up into four parties – 1:12. In that sort of atmosphere, Timothy may have found it difficult to be accepted.
    • 15:12. Roman Catholic religious orders take vows of ‘poverty, chastity and obedience.’ That last vow distorts human relationships. Paul has a gospel heart – Phil.1:15-18.