After walking through the book of 1 Corinthians, we find ourselves at Paul’s closing words in chapter 16. At first glance, it might seem like just a list of shout-outs and logistics—but don't be too quick to skip over it. There's rich wisdom here on how to live a life that truly matters. A life that echoes in eternity. A life marked by Effective Christian Living.
Paul is wrapping up his letter, but he’s not winding down. Instead, he’s giving us two powerful sections filled with truth: Personal Mentions and Practical Instructions. Together, they give us a roadmap for how to live effectively for the Kingdom of God.
When Paul talks about Timothy, Apollos, Stephanas, and others, he’s showing us his philosophy of ministry: No one builds the Kingdom alone.
He had a team. Different personalities, different gifts, but the same mission. Paul was the pioneering visionary. Timothy was the faithful, gentle pastor. Apollos was the eloquent, traveling preacher. Each brought something different—but each one mattered.
We’re not called to be spiritual superheroes. We’re called to be part of a body. To work together to accomplish what only Christ can empower us to do. In fact, Paul highlights the household of Stephanas—ordinary people who were addicted to the work of the Lord. Families, not just individuals. Everyday people, not just the platformed and polished.
The most significant thing you’ll ever do in your life won’t be about your job title or your bank account. It’ll be what you did to build the Kingdom of God.
Paul describes the people around him as being devoted—some translations even say “addicted”—to the work of the Lord.
That’s a challenge for us today. The work of God isn’t a hobby. It’s not something we add to our schedule if we have time. It’s something we give ourselves fully to. Why? Because eternity is at stake. Because people matter. Because the message of Jesus is worth every ounce of our effort.
It’s not easy, but it is worth it. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:58 that your labor is not in vain. Whether you’re greeting at the front doors of your church, leading a small group, serving behind the scenes, or raising your kids in a home filled with the presence of God—it matters.
Paul moves from naming names to giving five punchy, powerful instructions. These are like the marching orders of a Christian who wants to live a life that counts:
Stay spiritually alert. Corinth was full of temptation, false teaching, and pressure to compromise—sound familiar? We face those same battles today. One unguarded moment can do irreversible damage. Paul is warning us to stay awake.
“Watch and pray, so that you will not fall into temptation.” — Jesus (Matthew 26:41)
Hold the line. Plant your feet in God’s truth. Don’t waver. Don’t cave. Stand, even when it costs you something. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, refuse to bow to cultural idols. God will be in the fire with you.
The Greek literally says, “Act like men.” It’s not a macho thing—it’s a call to boldness for both men and women. Living for Jesus requires courage. Speaking the truth, staying faithful, and resisting compromise takes guts in today’s world.
You don’t wake up one day with spiritual muscles. Strength is grown, not gifted. It's cultivated day by day. True strength comes from the Lord:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13
“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” — Isaiah 40:31
This one is the glue that holds the other four together. You can be guarded, firm, courageous, and strong—and still be harsh, rigid, or even self-righteous. Paul says: Let love lead the way. Every action, every word, every stand—season it with love.
Love keeps our truth from becoming toxic. Truth keeps our love from becoming sloppy.
Paul finishes with a strange little phrase: “Greet one another with a holy kiss.”
In other words, this isn’t a cold institution—it’s a warm family. There should be joy, warmth, laughter, hugging, and real connection in the house of God. We’re not meant to do church at arm’s length. So don’t just dip out after service—stick around. Get in a group. Join a team. Come to Growth Track. The family of God needs you.
Paul ends with a bold reminder: Loving the Lord is not optional. His words might sound harsh—“If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be cursed!”—but they’re honest. This whole letter is not a list of suggestions. It’s a call to radical obedience.
Yet even with such weighty truth, Paul ends where he began—with grace.
“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.”
— 1 Corinthians 16:23-24
Grace is the beginning and the end of the Gospel. Without it, we’d still be in our sins. But because of it, we’re saved, set free, and empowered to live lives that matter for eternity.
Let’s not settle for a comfortable, half-hearted Christian life. Let’s be the kind of people—families, teams, churches—who are all-in for the Kingdom.
Because eternity is what matters most.
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