‘Everything in the church revolves around Jesus’

In the final passage from this letter we have a ‘snapshot’ of what the New Testament church was like. Here the apostle touches on the matter of monetary giving. It should be habitual and proportional and willing. It should also be carefully administered to ensure accountability with integrity. Churches should be generous in supporting other churches where necessary.

The apostle Paul himself was not always sure where God was leading him but served the Lord in whatever situation he found himself. He also frequently encountered much opposition at the same time as his ministry was being used effectively. He wrote the following advice to the church … ‘be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong … do everything in love’.

Where possible, households and marriages alike are to be involved in the Lord’s work. The letter ends with the apostle mentioning Jesus 4 times in the last 3 verses. Everyone needs to turn to and love him. Everything literally revolves around him.