1 Corinthians 16; Psalm 33

1 Corinthians 16
Remember this is a real letter from Paul to the real people in the church at Corinth. In this chapter, he gives them some final instructions and signs off. The tone really seems quite personal as Paul mentions fellow believers with whom he is working and who are much loved by the believers at Corinth. First, he tells them how to handle the gifts they were apparently collecting for God's people in Jerusalem. vv. 1-4. Then he tells them that he hopes to visit with them soon though he still has work to complete in the city of Ephesus. vv. 8-9

In v. 10ff he instructs them to be kind to the young Timothy when he comes and treat him with respect. Then he mentions that Apollos won't be coming to visit just now.

He preaches a little in v. 13, "Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love." This is good advice for us too.

After he mentions several more believers who are serving the Lord, he encourages the Corinthian people to show their appreciation for them. More good advice!

He ends with warm greeting from himself and fellow believers sending the grace of the Lord Jesus and his love to all of them in Christ Jesus.


Psalm 33
I would say this psalm is about the Word of God. The psalmist (we don't know who it is--perhaps David) begins with exuberant praise to the Lord with music and singing and shouts of joy. But notice v. 4. Worship can't be separate from God's Word which is right and true and keeps us on track. "For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth."

The Word of the Lord brought forth creation. "The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born."  Not only did He speak the world into existence, but he keeps it safely in place. vv. 6-9. This same God of creation can surely be trusted.

No matter what people and nations may do, God's Word (His plans and intentions) stand firm forever; they can never be shaken.

And so what does God mean in our lives? "The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race. From his throne he observes all who live on the earth." He made us so He understands everything we do. This is quite a thought! We may think that no one really "gets" us, but make no mistake--God understands us all.

vv. 16-17 remind us that we can't really count on anything in this world to rescue us. Our confidence should not be in people or things that can fail. "We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone."

It's easy to say these words, but when we are anxious and troubled, we show that we're not really trusting God the way we should.  vv. 20-22 can easily be personalized, "I put my hope in you, Lord. You are my help and shield. My heart rejoices in you, and I trust your holy name. Let your unfailing love surround me, Lord, for my hope is in you alone."