Sharper Iron — Nothing But Christ Crucified: Be Watchful. Stand Firm. Act in Love.

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Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Corinthians 16:13-24.

As St. Paul draws his epistle to a close, he repeats and wraps up themes from the letter. The Corinthians must remain watchful against divisions and false doctrine, even as they watch for the Lord to return. St. Paul calls upon them to stand firm in the faith that he has proclaimed among them, remaining strong by living in love toward each other. That includes the way that they treat those who have devoted themselves to the saints among them, just as St. Paul himself was refreshed by a few of the Corinthians who came to see him. St. Paul extends greetings to Corinth from other Christians before signing the letter himself. He prays that the Lord would come, and closes the letter with his love and God’s grace.

“Nothing But Christ Crucified” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle of 1 Corinthians. In response to correspondence from the Christians in Corinth and reports about matters arising in the congregation, St. Paul writes to address various matters of Christian faith and life. Throughout it all, he directs our attention to the power and wisdom of God for our salvation: Christ crucified.

Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen.

Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, where your investments help support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit lcef.org.

1 Corinthians 16:13-24

13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.

15 Now I urge you, brothers[a]—you know that the household[b] of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints— 16 be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. 17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, 18 for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people.

Greetings

19 The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. 20 All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. 22 If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come![c] 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

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Footnotes

1 Corinthians 16:15 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 20

1 Corinthians 16:15 Greek house

1 Corinthians 16:22 Greek Maranatha (a transliteration of Aramaic)