Christian Stewardship

Raul Ries: And one of the ways to know an opportunity opens is to know the will of God. And that is to be in prayer, to be in the word, to be around godly people that you can trust, that you can talk with, they can pray with you, and allow the Holy Spirit to give you guidance that God is going to open for you to walk through that door by faith in Jesus Christ.
Guest (Male): Welcome to Somebody Loves You Radio, the Bible teaching ministry of Raul Reese in Diamond Bar, California. Today, Raul will challenge us to faithfully steward everything God gives us, from our resources and relationships to our ministry opportunities and spiritual gifts. We'll see that the Apostle Paul set a good example for us to make wise decisions as we use our time, talents, and resources for the spread of the gospel. Let's join Raul Reese in 1 Corinthians chapter 16 with the message Christian Stewardship.
Raul Ries: In the 16th chapter now, what's really incredible about this chapter is that he ends up with the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the rapture of the church. But in this last chapter, he's going to deal with three things in ministry. He's going to be speaking to us about stewardship. Paul the Apostle is going to speak a little bit about stewardship with our money, stewardship with our opportunities that God gives to us, and opportunities with people that God brings your way. And I think that's really important because first of all, Paul in this chapter is relating to these people that are Corinthians, and he's going to be asking for an offering for the poor in Jerusalem that are going through tough times in their life. Paul doesn't have an interest just in himself, but he loves people. And one of the things that he does here is he establishes his great great chapter not only for himself and for others, for each one of us here tonight. How God gives us an opportunity in our stewardship, in our money, opportunity and with people that we come in contact with every day of our lives. And so look how he begins the chapter now, beginning with verse 1 of chapter 16. He says now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also. So here Paul is making not only a recommendation, but Paul here is not asking for money, okay? He is suggesting that those people in Jerusalem are very poor and that he has come to Corinthians, to the Corinthians, to Corinth, that if they want to be biblical, if they really are Christians, if they could only help those that don't have much. I like that. Because how many times do we see people in need, but we don't help? I think the first thing that we have to do is he's going to tell us in verse 2, which is so important because a lot of times people say, well, how many times should you give your offerings to the Lord? Now, in the early church, first of all, they didn't worship on Saturday, they worshiped on Sunday. They were Christian Jews, and they were Christian Gentiles. But at the same time, Paul here is establishing a new principle for the church of Jesus Christ, not to the Jews, yes, to the Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians. And this is what he says. On the first day of the week, Sunday, let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. Now, let me give you the first point here. That here Paul the Apostle is not only given us the actual day of worship, but he's commending that every child of God should what? Should worship on Sunday, to go. Now, you may be working on Sunday, and you might get to go to church on Wednesday, so that's your Sunday. We're not under the law, okay? So I mean, the Sunday is a time of worship, but a lot of times we'll say we're going to have to go by the law and you cannot worship any other day. If you don't worship on Sunday, then you're not really a real Christian. That's not true. Because people work on Sundays. God says the Sabbath day is whenever you can do that. It could be a Monday or Tuesday, Wednesday, a Thursday, a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. But I like what Paul says here because as he's establishing the day of worship, at the same time, he's telling people, look, I want you to put away 10 20 30 40 50 60% away of your money. He's not even saying that. Did you notice what he said there? Whatever you have sacrificially, put something away to give it away to the poor. I like that. That he's not establishing something where we hear so many times people begging for funds. God help us understand that if we are biblical and we are children of the light and we are Christians, we have a responsibility to give to the Lord. Why? Because it's more blessed to give than to receive. That's why here he says not monthly, not every two weeks, not every three weeks, every Sunday of the week. Let each one of you lay something aside. You see? Lay something aside and do what? And store it up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. I don't want anybody asking for offerings. I don't want anybody begging. I don't want anybody crying and begging for funds. He says if the church is obedient to their giving to God, then there has to be no collections when I come. And I like what Paul says here that as we give to the Lord weekly, then God will take care of the rest. God will prosper you. He says that you may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. And then Paul says in verse 3, and when I come, whoever you may approve by your letters, I will send to bear your gift to Jerusalem. You see? It was the gift. We give to God as a gift, not wanting anything in return in my life for what I have given to God. I give freely to the Lord, not wanting anything in return. I like that. And at the same time, you think of how many people today are losing out on the spiritual blessings of God because they're holding back in giving to God what belongs to the Lord himself. Then Paul said this, but if it is fitting or necessary that I go also, they will go with me too. So here Paul has said, I'll come by, we'll pick up the money, and to be accountable, to have integrity, someone will be with me so they don't think that I'm stealing the money. That's a good thing to do. So Paul had somebody with him all the time to carry the funds and take him to the poor so they would be distributed in the right place. Many times, it's very important that you understand too, there are a lot of ministries that will actually be on television or radio or through a magazine, and they'll say give to us. And yet you don't even know where your money is going through. And at the same time, it's probably being misused. Make sure you know where your money is being invested into the kingdom of God before you ever give to anybody. And be careful of those that put pressure in giving and are begging. Then secondly, verses 5 to 9, he's going to speak to us about our stewardship with opportunities. Now, I know that sometimes we're not aware of opportunities, but we have to take every door that opens, we need to take the opportunity to go up through that door. Otherwise, it's missed opportunities. You'll be sitting back and saying, oh man, I should have done this, I should have done that, I should have gone through the door. And one of the ways to know an opportunity opens is to know the will of God. And that is to be in prayer, to be in the word, to be around godly people that you can trust, that you can talk with, that can pray with you, and allow the Holy Spirit to give you guidance in that opportunity that God is going to open for you to walk through that door by faith in Jesus Christ. That's what Paul's going to talk to us about. Look at verse 5. And now Paul says, I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia. He's going up to Europe. For I am passing through Macedonia, and it may be that I will remain there and even spend the winter with you that you may send me on my journey wherever I go. Paul was always wanting the blessing of the people. He loved people. He always wanted to be with them. But at the same time, those people that became friends with Paul, all you have to do is read Romans chapter 16 and there are so many people that God not only used with Paul, but Paul Paul's life affected hundreds and thousands and millions of people even today. The letters of Paul. Look what he says in verse 7. For I do not wish to see you now on the way, but I hope to stay a little while with you. And here is a key, I want you to underline this. If the Lord permits it. That's the key right there. And I think it's good if we teach our children, grandchildren, and we teach ourselves that when we pray, Lord, if this is according to your will, let thy will be done. And if you permit it, then, Lord, let it be it. And praying like that, just like Paul, if the Lord permits it, then I'm going to do this, I'm going to do that. Paul here is making his plans according to the will of God. We need to make our plans according to the will of God in everything that we do for Jesus Christ. Then he says this, but if I tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost, for a great and effective door has opened to me and there are many adversaries there. Imagine that. It's the call of God that burns within us. Nothing can hold you back. When the Lord calls you and the Lord anoints you and you know the Lord's going to guide and provide for you, and you know that God has put a message in your heart, it doesn't matter whether it's mother or father or brothers or sisters or friends or anyone, no one can hold you back from doing the perfect will of God even if you have to give up your life physically. Nothing. And Paul knew that. Listen to what Paul says. Let me go over to Acts chapter 20 when he was in Ephesus. Turn to Acts 20. Let me read to you what he says. This is his last speech to the elders of Ephesus before Paul goes and loses his head. He says from Miletus, he sent to Ephesus and called to the elders of the church. And when they had come together, he said unto them, so Paul is calling them to come for the last meeting. And when they gathered together, this is what Paul tells them. You know that from the first day that I came to Asia Minor, in what manner I've come to Asia, in what manner I've always lived among you. You know my life.
Guest (Male): You're listening to Somebody Loves You Radio with Raul Reese. We'd like to take a brief timeout to remind you that we are here to equip and support you with guidance from God's word. Visit somebodylovesyou.com to explore our wide array of resources, including Raul's 10-part series titled Called, Chosen, and Committed. We'll tell you how you can get your copy in just a few moments. But first, here's more with Raul Reese.
Raul Ries: Verse 19. He talks about the character of his ministry. I was serving the Lord with all humility and with many tears and trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews. Hey, the Jews hated me. And how I kept back nothing that was helpful or profitable to me, but proclaimed to you and taught you publicly from house to house the Bible, doing Bible studies with them. Notice that. That was Paul's ministry, testifying to the Jews and also to the Greeks repentance towards God and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ, his message. And see now, and here it is, I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen unto me there except that the Holy Spirit already is testifying to me in every city saying to me that chains and tribulations await me. Paul, why are you going? Paul knew that he was going to be beaten, Paul knew he was going to be imprisoned, Paul knew that eventually his head was going to come off and he was going to die, but he did not care. He did not care. Why? Because Christ constrained him. Christ constrains me. You tell me you're going to kill me, hey, you're doing me a favor. I'm going to heaven. It doesn't scare me. But check this out. This is verse 24. Here's Paul's attitude. But none of these things moved me, nor do I count my life dear unto myself. And I think that's the problem with so many people. You love yourself too much. Paul didn't love himself too much. Paul took himself and set himself aside for the cross of Jesus Christ. Notice that. So that I may finish my race with joy. We are in a race. And the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus to testify the gospel of the grace of God. And indeed now I know that all among you whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God will see my face no more. This is the last time my friends you're going to see me. Paul knew he was going to die and he's saying goodbye to them. Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. Why? Because I have not failed to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Paul says I took you from Genesis all the way through Revelation. That he had the New Testament yet. He took them through the Old Testament. Paul said I am not guilty of your blood. I am going to die knowing that I have done my mission. So now in 1 Corinthians 16 8, but I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost, for a great and effective door has been opened to me and there are many adversaries there, many problems, many enemies that will come against me. So Paul knew that. Then firstly, his stewardship for what? With people that you come in contact with. And now, if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear. Remember Timothy, he was a young guy, he was Paul's disciple, and Paul not only discipled him but mentored him and used him in the ministry, and Timothy became a great minister of Jesus Christ. How we need to care for people, how we need to invest our time in people's lives. Look what he says. And now if Timothy come see that he may be with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord even as I do. Therefore, let no one despise him, but send him on his journey in peace that he may come to me for I am waiting for him with the brethren. Now, the Paul said here that a lot of times young people will be discouraged by people. Like he's saying here. Somehow Timothy was being despised by people. Saying, Timothy, you're so young, you have your whole life before you, why would you want to be a pastor and go be with Paul and get killed? Like Michelle. Why? It's a call of God. It 's a calling of God. It's not an occupation, something professional. It's divine, a divine order of God when he saves you and when he calls you and when he anoints you and when he fills your heart with that message that burns deep within your bones every day. That's the message that we all need here tonight. Lot of Timothy's here tonight. Lot of you young people, man, I would encourage you, I would exhort you, get out for God. Pray to what see what God wants to do in your lives. Don't let anybody despise your youth, but stick to the word of God, stay close to the heart of God, study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that doesn't need to be ashamed, but rightly dividing the word of truth. Flee from lustful things of the young people today. Flee from them. Run away from lust. Get away from sin. If you want God to use your life, you must run like Joseph even if you have to run naked. Run, but don't sin against God. One day you're going to have to give an account of your money, one day you're going to have to give an account of your time, and one day you're going to have to give account to the people you come in contact with and the people that you disciple and the people that you put out to the ministry and people you've been praying for a long time being used in the ministry. Everyone of us here. Verse 11. Therefore, let no one despise him, but send him on his journey in peace that he may come to me for I am waiting for him with the brethren. And not concerning our brother Apollos, remember at the beginning of Corinthians, I'm of Apollos, I'm of Cephas. Apollos was mighty in the scriptures, and yet he was friends with Paul and God was using him. He was the pastor of Ephesus. I strongly urge him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this very time. However, he will come when he has a more convenient time. Notice again, waiting in the will of the Lord. Verse 13. Now he starts with a bunch of exhortations in concluding the book here. Watch, stand fast in the faith and be brave and be strong. And now if you have a new King James Bible, the word to be brave here in the original language literally means this, watch, stand fast in the faith and act like men. Act like men and be strong. Exhortations to each one of us here individually tonight. Let all that you do tonight be done with agape love. Everything that we do has to be done under the basis of agape love. If there is no love, everything burns up in the fire. Nothing will count in eternity if it's not done in love. Verse 15. I urge you, brethren, you know the household of Stephanas that it is the first fruits of Achaia and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints. Now here are these people that Paul's talking about that have given their whole lives to support people in the ministry. People that were poor, taking care of them, giving them food, giving them clothes, taking care of them financially. Verse 16. That you also submit to such and to everyone who works and labors with us, recognizing what? The anointing of the leaders and the leadership of the church. Verse 17. I am glad about coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, Achaicus, for what it was lacking on your part, they supplied. Notice Paul says financially they took care of everything. Things that were lacking, they were sensitive and they brought and they gave. And we were able to take care of the things. Thank you so much. Verse 18. For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore, acknowledge such men. Acknowledge such men and women in the church that are faithful to the Lord and that are faithful to their giving and faithful to ministry and faithful to everything they're doing. Those kind of people are few in number and yet cleave to those people. Paul says acknowledge such men. Verse 19. The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla, remember they were Paul's friends when he came to Corinth, he met them there. They were tentmakers and they gave Paul a job making tents. He says that he let them to the Lord. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord with the church that is in their house. They had a home church. And all the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. Now we don't practice that. They used to practice that. Okay? And the way it was, you would kiss on the cheek and it was a kiss of affection. But then verse 21. The salutation with my own handwriting, Paul. Paul was actually dictating the letter, but now he writes his name. He gives the last of the letter because he was going blind, he couldn't see. Verse 22, a warning. Listen to what he says. If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, what does he say? Let him be damned. Isn't that interesting? Whoever doesn't love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema in the Greek, a curse. Or Lord come or in the hippie days Maranatha. Maranatha, an Aramaic word. But this Paul says here, look, you guys, if you don't love the Lord, those people will be a curse. But to us, what do you say? Maranatha, the Lord is coming soon. And then look how he ends. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. I like that. The grace of God, our merited favor. We don't deserve it. God has given to us. And then check this out. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. So be it.
Guest (Male): Now the Apostle Paul's extraordinary life sets a powerful example for us to see what it looks like to set our minds on eternity and live faithfully for the Lord. You're listening to Somebody Loves You Radio with Raul Reese. If you'd like a copy of today's program in its unedited form, just call us at 800 634 9165 and mention today's study Christian Stewardship and just include a gift of $5 or more to offset expenses. Now as you look for open doors of opportunity and take stock of your talents and resources, we'd like to equip you with a resource to guide you in stewarding everything God has given you. Titled Called, Chosen, and Committed, Raul's 10-part series will spur you on in obeying the Lord's will for your life. It's available on CD or USB. You'll discover that when you fully surrender to God, he can use you mightily in the building of his kingdom. To order Raul's 10 message study, visit somebodylovesyou.com or call 800 634 9165. We'll send you Called, Chosen, and Committed on CD for $22 or if you prefer on flash drive for just 13. That's 800 634 9165. Our mailing address if you'd like to order this resource by writing to us is Somebody Loves You Radio, Post Office Box 4440 Diamond Bar, California 91765. We're grateful for your gifts. Your partnership makes it possible for us to share the good news of Jesus with the world. Next time we'll continue our look at living wholeheartedly for the Lord. We'll see that while it's easy to claim we want to walk with Jesus, we need to be committed enough to set aside our personal priorities and follow him no matter what the cost. That's next time on Somebody Loves You Radio.
Raul Ries: This program is sponsored by Somebody Loves You Radio in Diamond Bar, California.