Bible Plan - 1. Corinthians

03th September 2025

Devotion by Deaconess Ruth Ahiabor

Theme: Unleash to save the never dying Soul

Fortified City Church & Love City Church, Basel

🕊️  Devotional on 1 Corinthians 16

📖 Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 16

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Introduction

In his last chapter to the Corinthians, Paul turns from teaching about faith, unity, and the resurrection to something very practical: helping the poor and needy. He shows us that generosity is part of living out our faith and should not be left for “special moments,” but become a regular part of our lives.

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Offering for the Believers

1. Generosity Is Part of Our Faith

In the final chapter of his first letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul turns from doctrine and correction to something very practical: generosity. He gives the church simple but powerful instructions:

"Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once."— 1 Corinthians 16:1–2 (NLT)

Paul shows that giving should not be random or only in response to emotional appeals. It is meant to be intentional, regular, and part of the believer’s lifestyle. Just as we plan our work, our meals, or our schedules, we are to plan our generosity. Faith is not only what we believe but also what we practice. By setting aside a portion every week, believers learn to see giving as an act of faith and trust in God’s provision.

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2. The Heart of Christ in our Giving

Jesus once said: “You will always have the poor among you” (Matthew 26:11a, NLT). Poverty is a reality in our world, but the church is called to respond with compassion. Paul wanted the Corinthians to look beyond themselves, their families, and their immediate needs. He wanted them to see the bigger picture: the body of Christ is one family, and when one part suffers, all should care (see 1 Corinthians 12:26).

Acts describes how the early church lived this out:

“There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.” (Acts 4:34–35, NLT).

This radical love revealed Christ’s heart through the community. When we give, we are not just transferring money—we are demonstrating the compassion of Christ. We are saying with our actions: “I see you. I care for you. You are not forgotten.”

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3. Excelling in the Grace of Giving

Paul challenges the believers not just to give, but to excel in giving. He writes:

"Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving."— 2 Corinthians 8:7 (NLT

He calls generosity a “grace,” a gift flowing from God through us. It is not about obligation but about transformation. Our giving mirrors Christ’s sacrifice:

"You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich."— 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NLT)

When we understand what Jesus has given us—eternal life, forgiveness, and hope—our response is gratitude. No offering can ever compare with His gift, yet our generosity is a reflection of His love at work in us.

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4. Living Blessed by Giving

Paul also reminded believers of Jesus’ words: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35b, NLT). Giving is not about loss—it is about blessing. God owns everything: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.” (Psalm 24:1, NLT). He is the source of our ability to work and provide: “Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful.” (Deuteronomy 8:18a, NLT).

When we give back to Him, we are simply returning what already belongs to Him. And as we release what is in our hands, God multiplies it for His kingdom. Generosity frees us from greed, shapes our character, and aligns us with God’s heart.

The world says, “Hold on tightly.” But the gospel says, “Let go, and trust God.” By giving, we enter into a life of blessing—not because we gain more money, but because our hearts become more like Christ’s.

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Reflection Questions

1. Do I see generosity as part of my faith?

2. Am I growing in the grace of giving?

3. In what ways can I live differently from the world by being generous?

4. Do I trust God to bless me as I give?

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Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for every blessing in my life. Teach me to see giving not as a duty, but as a joy. Help me to live with open hands and an open heart. As I grow in prayer and faith, let me also grow in generosity. Make me a vessel of blessing, so that others may see Your love through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Amen,

Deaconess Ruth Ahibor

Fortified City Church | Basel City Church | Global Prayer Hub