March 10, 2009 1 Corinthians 16:5-12

Paul's Plans ~1 Corinthians 16:5-12~

I plan to go through Macedonia, so I will come to you after I go through there. Perhaps I will stay with you for a time or even all winter. Then you can help me on my trip, wherever I go. I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to stay a longer time with you if the Lord allows it. But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a good opportunity for a great and growing work has been given to me now. And there are many people working against me. If Timothy comes to you, see to it that he has nothing to fear with you, because he is working for the Lord just as I am. So none of you should treat Timothy as unimportant, but help him on his trip in peace so that he can come back to me. I am expecting him to come with the brothers. Now about our brother Appolos: I strongly encouraged him to visit you with the other brothers. He did not at all want to come now; he will come when he has the opportunity.



In this passage, Paul explains his plan for his life. Even though he leaves, he wants the Corinthians Christians to continue to live for God. Three points: 1 make plans to live for God; 2 God's will may involve opposition; and 3 one person's desire is not necessarily God's will for you. He shares with them that they should take advantage of opportunities, in this case, ministry.