The final sermon on the book of 1 Corinthians. A lesson on leadership

1. A few good men and women
too
1 Corinthians 16:5-24

2. Big Idea
Remember those who led you,
who spoke the word of God to
you; and considering the result of
their conduct, imitate their faith.
Hebrews 13:7 2

3. A few good men
Movie
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4. A bit out of order
Now I urge you, brethren (you know the
household of Stephanas, that they were the
first fruits of Achaia, and that they have
devoted themselves for ministry to the
saints), that you also be in subjection to such
men and to everyone who helps in the work
and labors.
1 Corinthians 16:15–16 4

5. First Converts in Achaia
Mentioned
earlier
Devoted to
ministry
Help in work
Help in labors
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6. Leaders
…that you also be in
subjection to such men and
to everyone who helps…
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7. Subjection
A Greek military term meaning “to arrange [troop
divisions] in a miliary fashion under the command
of a leader”. In non-military use, it was “a
voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating,
assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden”.
to submit to the orders or directives of
someone—‘to obey, to submit to, obedience,
submission.’
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8. Big Idea
Remember those who led you,
who spoke the word of God to
you; and considering the result of
their conduct, imitate their faith.
Hebrews 13:7 8

9. Ministry to the
saints- serving;
serving slave
Work- engaged in
an activity together
Labor- working
hard with the
expectation of
difficulties
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Worthy of
imitation

10. Be profitable
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for
they keep watch over your souls as those
who will give an account. Let them do this
with joy and not with grief, for this would
be unprofitable for you.
Hebrews 13:17 10

11. Think of each person
As a leader
Would you follow
How can you become one
Time to circle back
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12. The End has come
But I will come to you after I go through
Macedonia, for I am going through
Macedonia; and perhaps I will stay with you,
or even spend the winter, so that you may
send me on my way wherever I may go. For I
do not wish to see you now just in passing;
1 Corinthians 16:5–9 12

13. The End has come
for I hope to remain with you for some time,
if the Lord permits. But I will remain in
Ephesus until Pentecost; for a wide door for
effective service has opened to me, and
there are many adversaries.
1 Corinthians 16:5–9 13

14. Travel Plans
Paul is in Ephesus
Going to Macedonia
Prolonged stay at Corinth
14

15. Things didn’t work out as expected
2 Corinthians 1:15–17 In this confidence I intended at
first to come to you, so that you might twice receive a
blessing; that is, to pass your way into Macedonia,
and again from Macedonia to come to you, and by
you to be helped on my journey to Judea. Therefore,
I was not vacillating when I intended to do this, was I?
Or what I purpose, do I purpose according to the
flesh, so that with me there will be yes, yes and no,
no at the same time?
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16. Is there a lesson here?
 Assume the best
 Criticisms need to be
substantive
 Plans don’t always go
as planned
16

17. Led by the Lord
For I do not wish to see you now
just in passing; for I hope to
remain with you for some time, if
the Lord permits.
1 Corinthians 16:7 17

18. If the Lord permits not just a saying
Instead, you ought to say, “If
the Lord wills, we will live and
also do this or that.”
James 4:15 18

19. Staying in Ephesus
…for a wide door for effective
service has opened to me, and
there are many adversaries.
1 Corinthians 16:9 19

20. Take advantage of the opportunities
Wide Door
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21. Missionary Associate
Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you
without cause to be afraid, for he is doing the
Lord’s work, as I also am. So let no one despise
him. But send him on his way in peace, so that he
may come to me; for I expect him with the
brethren.
1 Corinthians 16:10–11 21

22. A visiting minister
Young
Sometimes timid
Encourage the next generation
22

23. The Brethren
Missionaries
We need to support the work
We need someone to head this up
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24. One of their favorite ministers
But concerning Apollos our brother, I
encouraged him greatly to come to you
with the brethren; and it was not at all
his desire to come now, but he will come
when he has opportunity.
1 Corinthians 16:12 24

25. Scripture to interpret Scripture
Mentioned 7x
Had followers
Apollos the waterer
Great orator
Worthy of support
Didn’t desire to come but would come later
25

26. Placement of these commands
Be on the alert, stand firm in the
faith, act like men, be strong. Let
all that you do be done in love.
1 Corinthians 16:13–14 26

27. The
General
Be alert for the enemy
The high ground is your faith
Act like men (don’t be children)
Be strong in the Lord and His mighty
power
27

28. Our motivation
Let all that you do
be done in love.
1 Corinthians 16:14 28

29. Worthy men
I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas
and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because
they have supplied what was lacking on
your part. For they have refreshed my
spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge
such men.
1 Corinthians 16:17–18 29

30. Acknowledge Such Men
 Stephanas- Devoted to
Kingdom work.
 Fortunatus- Future Presbyter
 Achaius- Unknown
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31. Husband and Wife team
The churches of Asia greet you.
Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily
in the Lord, with the church that is
in their house.
1 Corinthians 16:19 31

32. A dynamic duo
Paul’s associates
Excellent teachers
House Church leaders
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33. Brings us to the end
All the brethren greet you. Greet one
another with a holy kiss. The greeting is in
my own hand—Paul. If anyone does not love
the Lord, he is to be accursed. Maranatha.
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My
love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
1 Corinthians 16:20–24 33

34. A few good men
Movie
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