1 Corinthians 16:5

Now I will come unto you when I shall pass through Macedonia... But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost, for a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries... Watch you. Stand fast in the faith. Quit you like men. Be strong. Let all your things be done with love... If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema, maranatha. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all. In Christ Jesus. Amen. (1 Corinthians 16:5–24)

Paul's farewell to a troubled church becomes a charge to watch, stand, be strong, and do everything in love—anchored in supreme love for the Lord Jesus Christ.

A Final Study in a Long Series

To be honest, I probably need three weeks to cover all of this, but next week we begin a new series, The Key to Unlocking Joy. This is our 52nd study in 1 Corinthians—we've been here a long time. You may remember that we are actually working through the book of Acts, going through the New Testament chronologically. Acts is a history book, laying out the first thirty to thirty-five years of the church after Jesus ascended. The rest of the New Testament is primarily letters written by the apostles to churches and individuals for equipping, encouragement, and exhortation. As we've gone through Acts, we've stopped to study Galatians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and 1 Corinthians. After the first of the year we'll be back in Acts for a couple of weeks, then into 2 Corinthians—hopefully for less time than 1 Corinthians took.

A Church Full of Sinners

Here we have Paul's parting exhortations to the church at Corinth. This has been a challenging study, because the church at Corinth was much like the church in 21st-century America. They faced all sorts of difficulties, problems, and carnality. There is carnality within the church. It has been that way since the first century, and it will be that way until Christ returns, because the church is filled with sinners. We are all sinners.

God does not demand that you first be perfected or cleaned before you become part of His gathering. He draws us in as we are—rebels against His law and His commands—and calls us to Himself for salvation. Then, in Christ, He transforms us. That's what the new covenant, the new birth, is all about. Yet the reality is that even once we are in Christ, we still sin, still fall short, still fail.

The problem comes when we sinners put up a front and pretend we are good, even perfect. Then the world looks in and says, "The church is full of hypocrites; they're no different than we are, and they pretend they are." That's a fair criticism. It's a good thing to recognize who we are—that we fall short. Corinth was a church that fell short, struggling with division, immorality, divorce, spiritual elitism, and pride. We're no different in 2011. But God's grace is greater.

Called to Make Disciples, Not Just Converts

Paul's desire in every church he ministered to was to bring believers to maturity. That's our desire too, as pastors and elders. We will never be perfected in this life. Even Paul wrote in Philippians 3, "Not as though I have been perfected or have attained, but I press on that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has laid hold of me."

This is the commission of God. Before Jesus ascended He told His disciples to go into all the world and make disciples—not converts. Making disciples doesn't happen overnight; it takes time as we exercise ourselves in godliness and bear fruit. Yet in the last sixty or seventy years, the American church has become focused on making converts. You don't see mega-churches in church history—35,000 or 17,000, or even 600 on a Sunday like we have here. That's a product of the focus shifting from disciples to converts. You can get a lot of people to come, but God ultimately wants us to mature. He gave leadership within the church to equip the saints for the work of the ministry.

So we are unashamedly devoted to discipleship. Every one of you is called to be a follower of Jesus Christ, and the fruit of the Spirit should be evident at work, at home, on the baseball field—wherever you are. There is a whole lot packed into these last twenty verses. I think it's sufficient to wrap up 1 Corinthians with two observations and two exhortations.

Observation One: The Leading of the Lord

The first observation comes in verse 9, where Paul says, "For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries." In verses 5 through 8 Paul expressed his desire and willingness to return to Corinth. He often said this—to the Romans, the church at Jerusalem, the Philippians, the Colossians: "I long to come to you." So why didn't he just pack up and go? Verse 9 gives the reason: "A great door and effectual has been opened unto me." He had an awesome opportunity right where he was.

Where was Paul? In our study of Acts we're at chapter 19, where Paul is in Ephesus, and he writes this letter from there. Acts 19 says he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, disputing and persuading concerning the kingdom of God. When some hardened their hearts and spoke evil of the Way, Paul departed and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus for two years, "so that all they that dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks."

This is the great door. Everywhere else—Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens—people rose up and told Paul to leave, and he left. But here, an opportunity opened up. A man named Tyrannus gave Paul his facility, and for two years people came from all over Asia to hear him. A door is only effective once you go through it. Paul went through it—but there were many adversaries.

How Do I Know God Is Leading Me?

In this single verse we find an important truth about the leading of the Lord. Over the last thirteen years I've had the privilege of teaching God's word—junior highers, high schoolers, college students in Siegen, Germany, and now adults. At every age group I've found people asking the same question: How do I know God is leading me? What is the will of God? Many Christians say, "I want to follow God, but I don't know what that looks like."

Back in 1999, when I was nineteen and teaching through Philippians 2, I came across verse 13: "For it is God who works in you both to will and to do his good pleasure"—or as another translation puts it, "God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him." The work of Christ begins internally and moves out through our lives.

The Old Testament makes clear that all humanity has one great problem: an evil heart. Jeremiah 17:9 says our heart is desperately wicked. That flies in the face of modern psychology and culture, which say man is inherently good. The Bible says no. And from that evil heart, Mark 7 says, flow evil thoughts and actions. So what does God do? Ezekiel 36: "Behold, I am going to give you a new heart." That's the new birth. Jesus told Nicodemus, "You must be born again, or you will not see the kingdom of God."

New Desires from God

When a person is born again, things happen instantly. My wife is very near to giving birth to our third child—she told me thirty minutes ago she thinks the baby's coming this week, so you can pray for her. I've had the incredible opportunity to see this twice. The doctor hands you the scissors and says, "Do you want to cut the cord?" Something happens instantly. That little baby has new desires it never had before, and one of the first is hunger—"I need something to eat."

When you become a Christian, almost instantly there is a new desire for spiritual food, the word of God. There's also a new desire to honor God: "You saved me when I was your enemy; you redeemed me though I deserved judgment. I want to do what pleases you." That desire is not manufactured by your sinful heart—it's a new desire God works in you. People who don't know God can't understand it. You say, "I want to spend two weeks of my vacation serving people in Africa," and they say, "Vacation is for you." It doesn't compute to someone who isn't a Christian. But when you're born again, you have new desires from Him.

Go Through the Open Door

So how do I do what pleases Him? Notice He gives both the desire and the power—and that power speaks of opportunity and provision. The Bible reveals much about God's perfect, revealed will. Beyond that, do what your new heart desires to do, because He gave you that desire; you don't naturally want those things. If you don't see an open door, then it's a time of preparation and prayer—you wait until the door comes.

But when the door opens, walk through it. Every semester I meet Bible college students who say, "I really want to serve the Lord in Australia." "Do you have an open door?" "Yes, a church asked me—but I don't know if it's God's will. I've got to pray about it." No, you don't. Go through the door and pray as you go. Paul said a great door is opened to me; it's only effective when you go through it.

But there's something you find when you walk through: many adversaries. Doors of opportunity always come with opposition, because we have an enemy—the devil—who opposes the work of God. When you desire to do what honors God and start through the door, opposition will come. Here's the problem: most Christians shut down, stop, and go the other way because of opposition. Paul says a great and effective door has opened—and there are many adversaries. If God slams the door shut, fine—He has something else. But mere hindrance does not necessarily mean no. He works in us to desire and to do what pleases Him, and what pleases Him brings our greatest joy. He doesn't hide His will; it's right in front of us. We just miss it through opposition or fear.

Observation Two: The Treatment of Leaders

The second observation comes in verses 10–12 and 15–18, and it concerns how we treat leaders in the body of Christ. Five different characters appear here: Timothy, Apollos, Stephanas and his household, and Fortunatus and Achaicus.

From what the New Testament tells us, Timothy was a faithful minister of the Lord—and he was filled with timidity. Anyone here relate to that? Timothy was likely the one carrying this letter, so Paul says, "When he comes, treat him with respect, encourage him, let no one treat him badly, and send him on his journey with companions." We learn from this that those who serve the Lord are just like us—the same fears, the same failings. Sometimes we have a high-minded view of those who serve God, thinking they have abilities we don't. Timothy shows us he's a man like all the rest. Yet they've placed themselves in a position where they will face great spiritual opposition. That's why we should excel at encouraging them.

Servant Leadership, Not Lording Authority

Apollos is mentioned in verse 12: Paul strongly encouraged him to return to Corinth, but Apollos said, "Not at this time—when I have a convenient time." This reveals that Paul, though an apostle, did not sit as a commander willing people to do whatever he pleased. There is no hierarchical business structure within the church like we see in the world. Jesus said you're not to lead like those in the world who lord their authority over others. That doesn't mean there's no God-given authority in the body, but those leaders are not to lord it over people.

One defining characteristic of Calvary Chapel historically has been servant leadership. In the world you look for demanding, domineering, charismatic leaders. In the church we look for people who serve, who lay down their lives, who deny themselves and take up their cross. As Jesus said, "He who desires to be first, let him become the last, become a servant." So contrary to our world, this is how God's kingdom works.

Addicted to the Ministry, Submitting to Leaders

Stephanas and his household were among the first converts in Corinth—the "firstfruits of Achaia"—and Paul says they "addicted themselves to the ministry." I love that King James word. They appointed themselves to the work: "God has saved us, and we're doing the work." That's what God calls us to—setting ourselves to that which is pleasing to Him.

Paul says in verse 16 that all who work this way should be willingly submitted to: "that you submit yourselves unto such and to everyone that helps with us and labors." Twenty-first-century American culture kicks against the word submit. But those appointed to the work are worthy of that subordination. They're not to lord authority over you, but the body should willingly submit. Hebrews 13:17 drives this home: "Obey those that have rule over you, and submit yourselves... for they watch out for your souls as those that must give an account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable to you." How would you make their job grieving? By fighting against it every step, like Israel against Moses in the wilderness. First Peter 5:5 likewise says, "Submit yourselves unto the elder... for God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble." Which would you rather have—God resisting you or giving you grace? I want grace.

Ministers Who Minister to Ministers

Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus carried a kind of care package from Corinth to Paul in Ephesus. They ministered to him materially, but also emotionally and spiritually. Paul says in verse 17, "I am glad by the coming of these three," and in verse 18, "they have refreshed my spirit and yours." Ministers like Paul ought to be supported emotionally, spiritually, and materially by those they have served. Furthermore, there are people God has called and gifted to minister to ministers. These three were ministers who ministered to the minister Paul, and he says it's a noble work to be acknowledged: "Acknowledge you them that are such"—know them in their true worth and treat them accordingly.

I will never be able to sufficiently express my gratitude to those here at Escondido who pray for me and my family and support us in so many ways—not just financially, but with cards, emails, and a word fitly spoken at the right time. Their names may never be posted for all to see, but our Father who sees in secret will reward openly.

Exhortation One: Watch, Stand, Be Courageous, Be Strong, in Love

The first exhortation is in verses 13–14: "Watch you, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with love." We can summarize it: watch, stand courageously, be strong, in love.

Great and effective doors of opportunity open to each of us regularly. Whether we recognize and walk through them has much to do with watchfulness. The New Testament constantly points us to this—to be vigilant, on guard, disciplined watchful servants, so that opportunities don't pass by because we're obliviously engaged in trivial pursuits and amusements.

If you ever visit London, go watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. You stand before those twelve-foot black iron gates, you see the guards in their red jackets and tall black hats, disciplined and unflinching, and you think, "This place is secure." Yet in the early morning of June 7, 1982, a 31-year-old unemployed father of four named Michael Fagan scaled the walls, shinnied up a drainpipe to the Queen's private residence, sat on the edge of her bed, and had a ten-minute conversation with her. It wasn't until he asked for a cigarette that she called for help and police took him away. Someone wasn't on guard—one of the guards was reportedly walking the royal dogs. We can look very astute and engaged and yet be rather daft, not paying attention. We need to be vigilant and ready.

Stand Fast and Show Yourself a Man

Once we're watchful, we're told to stand, because we have an enemy—our adversary the devil, seeking whom he may devour. Ephesians 6 says, "We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers... wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." We put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit—praying always.

Then he says, "Quit yourselves like men"—be courageous. The idea is: be what you are, Christian; do what you have been equipped to do. Many of you have a military background, and we thank you for your service. Before you entered service, you went through basic training to make you watchful and equipped. Then you were called to stand on the field, and someone told you, "Be courageous; be the Marine we trained you to be." On the outside you looked ready, but inside something whispered, "I hope I'm ready." So they told you, be what you are. Paul said the same to timid Timothy: "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life" (1 Timothy 6:12). "You therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2 Timothy 2:3).

Be Strong by Exercising in Godliness

Finally, "be strong." You might say, "I realize I'm to be courageous, but I don't feel courageous—I feel like Timothy." This word means to increase in vigor, to strengthen what is weak. We need to exercise so we're strong. Those of you who went through boot camp came back changed—stronger. But you don't stay that way without working at it. Stop working and within two weeks you wonder what happened. The law of thermodynamics is true: order moves to disorder, so you have to keep at it.

Paul told Timothy, "Exercise yourself unto godliness, for bodily exercise profits little, but godliness is profitable unto all things, having the promise of life that now is, and that which is to come" (1 Timothy 4:7–8). How do you exercise in godliness? By working at the spiritual disciplines—prayer, fasting, Bible reading, study, meditation, memorization, service, sacrificial giving. Start small, with a little weight. Don't try to fast forty days on day one—Jesus did it, but start smaller. Don't try to read the whole Bible in two days; read one chapter of Ephesians diligently. Don't try to memorize Psalm 119 first; start with one verse. People get discouraged when they can't run a marathon on day one, so they quit. That's foolish—and so is quitting toward godliness because you weren't instantly mature the day you confessed Christ.

We know this great truth: "It is not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit." God gives us the will and the ability. Before Paul says "put on the whole armor of God" in Ephesians 6:12, he says in 6:10, "Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." We must confess our weakness and recognize He strengthens us—but we still must do these things if we are to watch, stand fast, be courageous, and be strong.

Let All Be Done in Love

Verse 14: "Let all things be done with love." Everything we endeavor to do must be done in love, or it is pointless. As 1 Corinthians 13 already showed us: "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am become as sounding brass... Though I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have faith that I could remove mountains, if I have not love, I am nothing." Any endeavor not motivated, empowered, and sustained by love is not worthwhile.

Exhortation Two: The Grace or the Curse of the Lord

Everything up to verse 20 was penned by someone else as Paul dictated. Then at the very end Paul takes the scroll: "The salutation of me, Paul, with my own hand." And he writes, "If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema, maranatha. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen."

What kind of love? Love for the Lord Jesus Christ first, foremost, supremely. Love for God supremely is what compels us to love one another. Second Corinthians 5:14 says the love of Christ compels us; His love constrains us. It must motivate, empower, and sustain the work, or else it will fail.

It is true that people without the love of God can do good works that look loving. Only the Christian—the one who has the new birth and new heart—has the love of God in them; it's one of the evidences of the new birth. But there are billions of people doing good things and saying, "I'm a good person." Isaiah 64:6 says all our good works are as filthy rags before Him. So all the good works man does apart from the love of God resident within him are futile.

Anathema, Maranatha

Notice the formal way Paul names Him: the Lord Jesus Christ. He is King of kings and Lord of lords, Creator of all things. He is Jesus, "Jehovah is salvation." He is Christ, the anointed one who came to accomplish the work of salvation. You must love Him as that. Many in the world say, "I love Jesus," but is He the Lord of your life? Is He the Messiah who came to take away the sin of the world? "No, I just think He said good things." That person does not love the Lord Jesus Christ.

You may not know these words unless you understand Greek and Syriac. Anathema is Greek—accursed, excommunicated. Some misread this as, "If you don't love the Lord Jesus Christ, we'll excommunicate you from the church." But people who don't love the Lord still do good works; how would we even identify and excommunicate them? That's why the next word, Maranatha—Syriac for "our Lord comes"—is so important. The meaning is: if anyone loves not the Lord Jesus Christ, they will be eternally excommunicated when our Lord comes. Those who do not love Him will be accursed eternally.

That is sobering—almost too heavy to bear—were it not for the next verse: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all." There are but two options in this world: the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, or the curse of the Lord Jesus Christ at His appearing.

Some say that's narrow, even arrogant. But if it's true, it's a good thing to say. If you shout, "Get out of the street—you'll be hit by that truck," that's rather narrow, but it's love. God told us: if you do not love the Lord Jesus Christ, you are accursed eternally at His coming. There is another option—His grace. Love Him and abide eternally in His grace. Love Him not and experience the curse at His coming.

The gospel's call is not a call to do good works. It is a call to love a good God who did the good works on our behalf and freely offers the gracious gift of salvation, saying, "All I'm asking is that you love Me—set your affection on Me, not on this world—and experience eternally My grace." I honestly can't think of a better way to end a letter. It's in your face, but it's a good way: "If anyone love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema, maranatha. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you."

Closing Prayer

Father, we thank You for Your grace. We would be nothing but condemned to eternal hell if it were not for Your grace. We deserve nothing of blessing, nothing of Your grace, but in Your mercy You have given us all things. Lord, stir our hearts. Make us ready to watch, to stand fast, to be courageous, to be strong, to walk in love. Work in us to shine brightly in a dark world, so that our friends, co-workers, and family members who don't know You would not be anathema at Your coming. Give us boldness to go through the doors of opportunity, even facing opposition, to share this great and glorious good news with all we meet. For we ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.