Healthy Things Grow
Part of Give—1 Corinthians 16
March 10, 2024

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1 Corinthians 16:13-24 (New International Version)
13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.

15 You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters, 16 to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it. 17 I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.

19 The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. 20 All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.

22 If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord!

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.

I. Healthy Christians grow in responsibility (vv. 13-16)
• Growth requires prescribed

activity.
• Contempt disregards or is offended by the to give.
• Healthy Christians are on guard for Christ’s return by investing some in heaven. (Mt. 6:19-21)
• Mature Christians display by accepting responsibility like a man or woman.
• Healthy Christians have a to give not consume.
II. Healthy Christians grow in investing in others (vv. 17-20)
• Healthy Christians invest , , and words.
• Healthy Christians use with others as a metric of growth. (2 Cor 8:7-8)
• Healthy Christians so that others are not overstressed.
• Healthy Christians say what we mean, mean what we say, but we do not say it .
• The gift of fellowship is the forgotten .
• Authentic love is willing to others.
III. Healthy Christians grow in who we love (vv. 20-24)
• Healthy churches are and to difficult, immature, and godless people. (Lk. 6:32-36, Eph. 2:11-18)
• Healthy churches have unity of mission and purpose , but also a unity of devotion .
• Tithing tests our to God’s commands, but also our in his goodness (Gen. 3:1-5, Mal. 3:8-12, Lk. 11:42).
• God can do more with __90% of our resources than we can do on our own with __100% .
• Healthy Christians choose over compensation, to be a over a miser, and over accumulation.

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TAKE OFF
Share about a person who refreshes you after you spend time with him/her.

TEXT
1. What thoughts or feelings did you have during this week’s sermon?
2. Read 1 Corinthians 16:17-19. What contrast is the apostle drawing between Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus and the rest of the Corinthian church now reading the letter? What qualities did these men have that qualified them for recognition (see also 1 Cor 16:13-15)?
3. Read Acts 18:1-3, 18-19, 24-26. What do we learn about Priscilla and Aquila from these verses? Now read 1 Corinthians 16:19-24. How do you think the Corinthians felt hearing these greetings, especially considering their current situation and relationship with them?
4. Thinking back on all of the various topics that were taught in 1 Corinthians - where to find wisdom, maturing in the Christian faith, correctly judging, God’s plan for sexuality, marriage, and singleness, disputable matters, community, spiritual gifts, and resurrection of Jesus and in the last days- what is one lesson or series that sticks in your mind as meaningful to where you are in your walk with Jesus right now?

TAKE AWAY
What is one area where you need to grow in your spiritual maturity?