Big Idea: Your generosity opens doors and hearts.

1 Corinthians 16:1-12

I. Be generous with your money

1 Corinthians 16:1-4

Now about the collection for the saints: Do the same as I instructed the Galatian churches. On the first day of the week, each of you is to set something aside and save in keeping with how he is prospering, so that no collections will need to be made when I come. When I arrive, I will send with letters those you recommend to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it is suitable for me to go as well, they will travel with me.

II. Be generous with your time.

1 Corinthians 16:5-7

I will come to you after I pass through Macedonia—for I will be traveling through Macedonia—and perhaps I will remain with you or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I go. I don’t want to see you now just in passing, since I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord allows.

III. Be generous with your attention.

1 Corinthians 16:8-9

But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, because a wide door for effective ministry has opened for me—yet many oppose me.

IV. Be generous with your relationships.

1 Corinthians 16:10-11

If Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to fear while with you, because he is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am. So let no one look down on him. Send him on his way in peace so that he can come to me, because I am expecting him with the brothers.

V. Be generous with your leadership.

1 Corinthians 16:12

Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers, but he was not at all willing to come now. However, he will come when he has an opportunity.

Next Steps: 

• Believe: I need Jesus to create a new heart in me today.
• Become: I will be generous with God’s gifts this week. 
• Be Sent: I will pray for an opportunity to push back darkness this week.

Discussion Questions: 

1. In which area of your life do you find it most difficult to be generous? 
2. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a spirit of generosity in that part of your life? 
3. Were you greedy with your time last week? 
4. What area of your community is God opening a door for the gospel right now? 
5. How can you encourage respect and support for your church leaders?
6. What is one relationship you would like to be more generous with this week?  
7. Pray for the opportunity to show generosity to someone far from Jesus this week.