1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 53-16:4

I. The Purpose
A. Who does Paul want you to remember that you are? 1:2, 30; 16:1
1. What responsibilities does Paul urge upon “saints” to live a holy life? II Thessalonians 3:10-12
2. What loving care for the poor Jewish believers in Jerusalem does Paul encourage? 16:1,3;
Romans 15:25b-27; I Corinthians 12:25
B. How was this this giving to other needy believers an expression of God’s Grace?
1. In verse 3, what is the literal translation of “gift”?
2. How is your giving to the Lord’s work and the needs of others a response to God’s grace?
II Corinthians 8:7,9; I Corinthians 15:58

II. The Plan
A. What is the plan for giving that Paul lays out in verse 2? When are we to give?
1. What is the basis for 1 day in 7 being set apart for Lord as a holy assembly? Exodus 20:7-11
2. What’s the background for relieving burdens on the Lord’s Day? Deuteronomy 5:15; Luke 13:16
3. What is the 1 day in 7 set aside now for worship and relieving believer’s burdens? Verse 2
John 20:1, 19; 26; Acts 20:7; Revelation 1:10
B. How can you participate in God’s plan?
III. The Participants
A. Who are to participate in God’s plan? Verse 2
B. What is God’s view of your money? Psalm 24:1; Acts 20:34-35; Eph. 4:28; II Corinthians 9:6-7
IV. The Protection: What is the safeguard against misuse of the monies you give? verses 3-4
V. Concluding Applications
A. How can this church help you if you are in need? 16:1-4; Galatians 6:10
B. How does the Lord challenge you with the example of others? 16:1; 15:58
1. II Corinthians 8:1-4
2. What was the example of the early church round 150 AD?