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Pastor Rob Carlson: 
"Lessons for Life" 
series: Sage Advice for a Godly Life
Sunday, June 13, 2004 
1 Corinthians 15:58-16:24 
[page 1140-1141 in pew Bible]

1. Give God first place in every area of your life. 

1 Cor. 15:58--Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 

1 Cor. 16:22--If anyone does not love the Lord--a curse be on him. Come, O Lord! 

1. Pursue God with your whole heart. 
2. Run from temptation and compromise. 
3. Live expecting Christ to return soon. 

2. Remember God’s financial principles. 

1 Cor. 16:1-4--Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. 
2On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. 
3Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. 
4If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me. 

1. Give to God first. (Mal. 3:10; Matt. 23:23) 
   
2. Avoid the debt trap. 
   
   Romans 13:8--Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt 
   to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the 
   law. 
   
   Romans 13:7--Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; 
   if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. 
   
3. Save, Save, Save. 
   
   Proverbs 6:6-8--Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be 
   wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its 
   provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. 
   
   Proverbs 13:11--Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money 
   little by little makes it grow. 
   
   Proverbs 21:20 [TLB]--The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish 
   man spends whatever he gets. 

3. Appreciate the vital importance of attitude. 

1 Cor. 16:5-12--After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you--for I will be going through Macedonia. 
6Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. 
7I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 
8But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, 
9because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me. 
10If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am. 
11No one, then, should refuse to accept him. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers. 
12Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.  

1. Work hard. 
2. Encourage others. 
3. Build strong relationships. 

4. Demonstrate courage and love. 

1 Cor. 16:13,14--Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 
14Do everything in love.  

1. Be on your guard. 
2. Stand firm in the faith. 
3. Be men of courage. 
4. Be strong. 
5. Do everything in love. 

5. Stay close to the church/God’s people. 

1 Cor. 16:15-24--You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers, 
16to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it. 
17I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. 
18For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition. 
(Final Greetings) 
19The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla[1] greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. 
20All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 
21I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. 
22If anyone does not love the Lord--a curse be on him. Come, O Lord! 
23The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 
24My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen. 

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*Scripture is quoted from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.
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