Abound in the Lord

I believe the message here really speaks to our time. And I hope we can come to better understand it. Always excelling in the Lord’s work. Paul is calling for not doing just enough to get by. He is calling for us to do as much as possible. This principle is found throughout the New Testament. God wants us to abound in our love and service for Him. What is said in 1 Corinthians 15.58 sets up everything in the first 12 verses of chapter 16. Here, Paul teaches that it is all about doing the work of the Lord. And not only doing it but abounding in it.

1. We Abound in Giving

   1. 1 Corinthians 16.1: The Corinthians are called upon for Jerusalem relief.

      1. 16.1: Now about the collection for the saints: Do the same as I instructed the Galatian churches.

      2. 16.2: On the first day of the week, each of you is to set something aside and save in keeping with how he is prospering…

      3. This is an example — not a command.

   2. There are several principles here:

      1. A congregation has a treasury.

         1. “save” in v. 2 is the word “thesaurus” which means a treasury. 

         2. Instructed to bring their funds on Sunday and deposit them into that collection.

      2. Stewardship: the consideration of the amount and purpose behind our giving…

         1. …not the mode of which we give.

         2. The giving part of our worship service is just as important as any other part.

      3. Giving is between you and the Lord. We don't judge who should be allowed to participate.

      4. Giving is to be done in abundance.

         1. 2 Corinthians 9:7: Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion—since God loves a cheerful giver.

         2. We give sacrificially: out of extreme poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part, 2 Corinthians 8.2.

         3. We give as an investment: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously 2 Corinthians 9.6.

         4. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you, Luke 6.38.

2. We Abound in Excellence

   1. 1 Corinthians 16.6-7: and perhaps I will remain with you or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I go. I don’t want to see you now just in passing, since I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord allows.

   2. Deep, meaningful work

      1. Ephesians 4:12: equip the saints for the work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ.

      2. 2 Timothy 3:17: so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

   3. God-honoring, powerful worship

      1. Psalm 100:4: Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name.

      2. Worship leaders have a responsibility to excellence. Deep, God-honoring, God-exalting, …

3. As We Close…

   1. 1 Corinthians 15.57: But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ

      1. Everything we do in Christ operates from this perspective. Everything we do in the Lord is not in vain. So… 

      2. Let your work abound. Serve the Lord with emotion and zeal. Wholeheartedly.

   2. If you need victory in your life, it all begins with Jesus.