"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT SERVING GOD BY SERVING HIS PEOPLE"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT SERVING GOD BY SERVING HIS PEOPLE"

Ist Cor 16:15 I urge you, brethren--you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints--

Ist Cor 16:16 that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.

Some explanatory thoughts, application and a prayer:

1. As Paul ends his letter to the Corinthians, he begins to exhort them about a number of individuals, and in doing so tells about this Stephanas and his household. They are a great example for us to follow.

2. His name, "Stephanas" means, Crowned, and comes from a word meaning, to encircle with a crown, i.e the victor in a contest.

3. He is also said by Paul to be the firstfruits of Achaia. That is, Stephanas and his household, were the first converts Paul had when he went to Corinth to preach the gospel. They received the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour, and were crowned with salvation if you will.

4. He and his household, after they were saved, "devoted themselves to the ministry to the saints" This is how it reads in the J. B
Phillips Translation. 1st Cor 15-16 "You remember the household of Stephanas, the first men of Achaia to be won for Christ? Well, they have made up their minds to devote their lives to looking after Christian brothers. I do beg you to recognize them as Christ’s ministers, and to extend your recognition to all their helpers and workers."

5. So, what a tremendous example to follow. Be saved by faith in Jesus Christ. And, then, grow as disciples learning about Christ, following Him, and becoming like Him, and "devoting oneself to the ministry of the saints" This man and his family had one thing in mind, they wanted to serve God by serving His people. What a good example to follow.

A prayer:

Father, thank You for showing us good examples, and what we can do with our own lives. You have worked in the lives of the Household of Stephanas, whom we will meet in heaven one day. May what was said of them, be said of us also. Baptize us today Lord in the Holy Spirit of God. Please help us to set our hearts upon You, and Your will, and to live the way that You call us to live.
We are very blessed, and very enthused these days, as we sense You working in our lives. Thank You Lord..
In Jesus name, amen

Pastor Bob Grenier