Because I don’t want to see you in passing
Preaching Outline on 1 Corinthians 16:7-9 – “For I do not want to see you now in passing, but I hope to stay with you for a while.”
Introduction to 1 Corinthians 16:7-9
Today we’re going to reflect on a text that reveals God’s love and care for his church in our lives. In 1 Corinthians 16:7-9, the apostle Paul expresses a sincere desire: he doesn’t want to visit the Corinthian church just in passing, but wants to stay with them for a while. Paul’s sentiment makes us think of God’s own heart, which doesn’t treat us in a hurry or in a superficial way. He wants to be with us, walk with us and strengthen us. Let’s explore this message and understand how it applies to our lives today.
Development
Paul’s desire for the church
Paul, writing to the Corinthians, shows a deep love for the church. He doesn’t just want to pass through quickly, like someone fulfilling an obligation. He wants to spend time with them, share life, teach, encourage and strengthen their faith. This same feeling is reflected in God’s heart for us. He doesn’t treat us with indifference or haste. He wants to be with us, walk alongside us and help us grow spiritually.
In Romans 1:10, Paul had already expressed this same desire, praying that God would open up an opportunity for him to be with the brethren in Rome. This shows us that the relationship with the church is not something superficial for Paul, but something that involves dedication, time and love and a true experience of Salvation.
The Holy Spirit and His desire to remain with us
Just as Paul wanted to stay with the church, the Holy Spirit also wants to stay with us. In John 14:16, Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come to stay with us forever. He is not a passing visitor, but a constant companion.
In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit came upon servants at specific times, but in the New Testament, from the day of Pentecost onwards, He began to dwell permanently in the lives of God’s servants. This shows God’s deep love for us: He doesn’t leave us alone, but gives us His Spirit to guide, comfort and strengthen us, and to assist us in our prayers.
The church acceptable to God
In 1 Corinthians 16:9, Paul mentions that he will be staying in Ephesus, a city where there was a church that, despite its challenges, was acceptable to God. The name “Ephesus” means “desirable” or “acceptable”, and this reminds us that the church that is led by the Holy Spirit is pleasing to God.
The church is not perfect, but when it seeks to live under the rule of the Holy Spirit, it becomes a place where God’s presence dwells. This is the church that will be raptured: not a church without flaws, but a church that depends on the Spirit and seeks to live in obedience to God.
Pentecost and the open door
On the day of Pentecost, something extraordinary happened: the Holy Spirit descended upon the church in a powerful way, and a great door was opened for the preaching of the Gospel (Acts 2). This event marked the beginning of a new era, where the Holy Spirit began to dwell permanently in the lives of believers.
Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 16:9 that a “great and effective door” has opened for him. This door represents opportunities to share the Gospel and impact lives. Today, that same door is open to us. The Holy Spirit continues to work, opening doors so that we can witness to Christ and bring hope and the message of Salvation to a world that desperately needs Him.
The hope of the next Pentecost
Just as there was a Pentecost in the past, the Bible tells us about a time in the future when Jesus will return for His church. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, we read that the Lord will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and those who believe in Him will be caught up to be with the Lord forever.
That will be the next Pentecost, the moment when the church, led and filled with the Holy Spirit, will be taken into eternity. Until then, the Holy Spirit remains with us, preparing, sanctifying and strengthening us for that glorious day.
Paul’s message to the church in Corinth challenges us to reflect on our own walk with God. He doesn’t just want to be a passing visitor in our lives. He wants to stay with us, to be part of everything in our lives.
- For the church: We need to value the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in our community. He is not here just passing through; he dwells in us and wants to guide us in everything.
- For our personal lives: Just as Paul wanted to spend time with the Corinthians, God wants to spend time with us. He wants us to seek Him in prayer, Bible reading and fellowship with other brothers and sisters.
- To the world: The door tothe Gospel is open. The Holy Spirit enables us to share the message of Christ with love and boldness. We must not miss the opportunities he gives us.
Conclusion
Paul ends his letter to the Corinthians with a powerful statement: “If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. Maranatha!” (1 Corinthians 16:22). The word “Maranatha” means “The Lord is coming!”. This is our hope: Jesus is coming back, and the Holy Spirit is with us until that day.
May we live with gratitude for the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, always seeking to be a church acceptable to God, full of His love and power. And until the day of Jesus’ return, may we be faithful in sharing the Gospel and living in communion with Him. Maranatha! The Lord is coming! Amen.
Preaching Outline on 1 Corinthians 16:7-9 – “For I do not want to see you now in passing, but I hope to stay with you for a while.”
More Preaching Outlines
- I hope to stay with you for a while – I Corinthians 16:7-9
- Stay with us – Luke 24:29
- John 5:6-7 – Do you want to be healthy?
