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1 Corinthians 16:5-12
In 1 Corinthians 16:5-12 the Apostle Paul informs the church at Corinth of the others in Christ – in ministry that will come to see them and preach the gospel; to share the working of the Lord in their lives and be an encouragement to them. These include Timothy and Apollos, two of those who worked closely with Paul in the ministry to the Gentiles. Paul also expresses a desire to visit the church at Corinth, but he is, at that time, ministering to the church at Ephesus. Paul states in 1 Corinthians 16:9 (NKJV), “9For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” This shows the need for the gospel to be preached in hopes that the adversaries will turn/repent and be saved as they put their faith in Jesus, believing in their hearts that God raised Him from the dead, and profess Him their Lord and Savior.
This is an example of the need for an ongoing encouragement from our Christian brothers and sisters in Christ.
We are never completely mature in our walk with Jesus until we reach the goal – the goal of eternity in heaven in His glory. The Apostle Paul expresses in Philippians 3:12-14, “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” To accomplish the “goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” we need continual encouragement from our Christian brothers and sisters; that we, together, can – through salvation in Christ Jesus and our obedience to Him and our faith and desire to follow Him – overcome the trials, temptations, and tribulations of this world.
Dear LORD,
We are Your children, and we desire to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. But the road in this earthly world is tough amidst the joy that You fill our hearts. We need Your help through the indwelling of Your Holy Spirit in our lives, and the encouragement of one another in Christ Jesus. Please help us to be living examples and witnesses to the greatness of Your love for us – in Christ Jesus. In Jesus name I pray, amen.