The doctrinal matters that needed to be attended to having been dealt with, this final chapter consists of the closing exhortations and greetings.

There is a direct link between the last verse of chapter 15, with its reference to the work of the Lord and the subject Paul deals with in the opening verses of chapter 16. The money of God's people play a vital part in the work of the Lord. Just how vital is emphasised by that familiar passage in Malachi. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it, Malachi 3:10.

I. THE OBLIGATION OF BELIEVERS TO SUPPORT GOD'S WORK WITH THEIR MONEY

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye, verse 1.

1. True Christianity touches the pocket as well as the soul. 

The change of spirit concerning material matters that accompanies true conversion was seen clearly in Zacchaeus. Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold, Luke 19:8. Deut 15:7, Isa 58:6-7, Luke 3:11, Acts 16:15, 33-34, I John 3:17. It was an important tenet, Gal 2:9-10.

2. We are reminded of the harvest that follows the right use of our money. 

The church in Jerusalem was the subject of this generosity, Rom 15:26. From the beginning they had shown generosity and a concern for the poor, Acts 2:44-45, Gal 2:10, Pro 11:24-25, Psalm 41:1-2. Also the sharing of the gospel, Rom 15:26-27.

3. Nothing will content against avarice and materialism as will a generous spirit. 

A sense of our duty will resist a tight-fisted attitude.

4. The measure of our giving is stated here. 

As God hath prospered him, verse 2. Mark 12:44, II Cor 8:12. It is not the amount but the manner. Acts 11:29 (ability=means).

II. THIS OBLIGATION IS FURTHER EMPHASISED BY THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE COLLECTION

Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come, 2.

1. Note the day that the apostolic church met. 

First day of the week. Acts 20:7.

2. Part of our Lord's Day duty is a right designating of our money. 

Your pocket as well as your heart is to be right when you worship. Matt 12:12.

3. This was a rule in all the churches. 

Verse 1. This was the arrangement that Paul had established in other churches. Systematic giving is part of proper order.

III. THE DIVISIONS IN THE CHURCH HAD HINDERED THE PROGRESS OF THIS COLLECTION

It is clear that this was a collection with which they were familiar. Note wording of Rom 15:26. The collection had not been taken up. That failure was part, no doubt, of the consequences of the break-down of proper order in Corinth.

There is no more accurate guide to the state of our heart than the measure of our concern and generosity toward the work of God.