Bible Plan - 1. Corinthians

04th 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 (Part 2)

📖 Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 16

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Introduction

Yesterday, Paul challenged us with the responsibility of caring for the poor and less fortunate among us. His instruction was simple: “Be as generous as you can!” But generosity, as Paul explains, is not about careless or random giving. It is about being intentional, consistent, and kingdom-minded in the way we use our resources.

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1. The Call to Generous Giving

The word generous means:

1. A readiness to give more than is expected.

2. Something larger or more plentiful than necessary.

This is the kind of giving Paul calls us to. He does not want us to give sporadically, but to build a rhythm of generosity. That is why he speaks about setting aside money regularly (weekly or monthly), according to our individual circumstances. In doing so, giving becomes a spiritual discipline rooted in love and obedience.

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2. Blessed to Be a Blessing

Paul reminds us of God’s purpose for blessing His children:

“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.” — Ephesians 4:28

“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” — 2 Corinthians 9:11

Our jobs, our income, and every resource we have are not simply for our personal enrichment. They are given so that we can become channels of blessing. God entrusts us with resources so that on every occasion we can extend His love to others.

True generosity is not only when we have abundance. Jesus honored the widow who gave her last coin and the woman who poured ointment on His feet. Kingdom generosity means giving in every season, even when it requires sacrifice.

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3. Kingdom-Minded Living

Jesus said in John 16:16 that we are in this world but not of it. That includes how we handle money. While the world teaches us to hold tightly to what we own, the kingdom of God calls us to open hands and open hearts. When we give to “the least of these,” we are in fact giving to Christ Himself (Matthew 25:34–40). One day, He will say:

“Come, you who are blessed by my Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you… For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink… whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

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4. Standing Firm in Love and Faith

Paul closes this letter with strong final instructions:

“Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith… act like men and be courageous; grow in strength! Let everything you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:13–14 (AMPC)

Our giving, our service, and our lives must all be guided by love. We are urged to remain vigilant, standing firm in the truth of God’s Word, and not swayed by circumstances or false teachings. Even when things do not look like what we have prayed for, we are called to remain strong and courageous—remembering Jesus’ words: “I have overcome the world.”

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Reflection Questions

• Has the Lord been prompting you to bless someone or a family in need? If so, what is holding you back?

• If you haven’t sensed His direction yet, will you ask Him today to open your eyes and ears to where you can give?

• Are you struggling with consistency in your Christian walk? What steps can you take to stay alert, on guard, and firm in your faith?

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Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for every good gift You freely give. Help us to remember that everything we own comes from You, for it is You who gives us the power to gain wealth so that we can be channels of blessing and establish Your kingdom on earth.

Give us compassionate hearts like Jesus, that we may love and give generously. Open our eyes to see those You want us to reach. In this 9th month, we ask for greater grace to hold fast to our faith, to remain strong and alert, and to bring forth testimonies to the praise of Your holy name.

In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, Amen.

Amen,

Deaconess Ruth Ahibor

Fortified City Church | Basel City Church | Global Prayer Hub