1 Corinthians 16: Are You Addicted To The Ministry?
Verse of the Day: (V15) “I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)”
1. Adversaries (V1-14)
V9 “For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.”
Paul warned the Corinthian Christians that though there were great opportunities for them to preach the gospel of Christ, yet there were also many adversaries or opposition. The main opposition was Satan who sought to oppose them from sharing the gospel. God’s goal is for all to be saved and heavenward bound, while Satan’s goal is for all to be condemned to fiery hell. Paul then reminded them to encourage and support Timothy, his spiritual son as well as a young preacher, who would come and serve alongside with them.
V10 “Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.”
2. Addicted (V15-21)
V15 “I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)”
Paul pleaded with the Corinthian Christians to submit and serve closely with the family of Stephanas who were the first converts and who were fully addicted and devoted to the Lord’s ministry. Paul strongly encouraged them to be united for Christ’s sake though Stephanas and some of the leaders might have disagreements on certain minor issues.
V16 “That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.”
3. Anathema (V22-24)
V22 “If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.”
Those who refused to love and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ shall be Anathema Maranatha or cursed at Christ’s coming. Let us love and believe in Jesus Christ because He is truly the Son of God who loved us so much that He left His glorious heaven and came to this lowly earth to die on a cruel cross and shed His precious blood for the sins of the whole world. Indeed we are saved by the grace of Jesus Christ through faith in Him.
V23 “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to be addicted and devoted to Your work and Word.
