Issue 5 - Day 2

1 Corinthians 16

1 Corinthians 16:15-16

15. 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,)
16. That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

As a pastor, passages like this always feel like self promotion, as the basic message here is submit to those God has put in authority in the church. There is a deeper message however, each one of us needs to become one that helps and labours, and has addicted themselves to the ministry.

The Thessalonians had been praised for their witness to all Achaia, and this family, the house of Stephanas, was the first fruits of that witness. Firstfruits are important in scripture. It is our firstfruits we give in tithe, it is the first sons that Israel dedicated to the Lord, it was the firstfruits that belonged to God, and we are no exception. Do you see yourself as a first-fruit? You are, to God, and he wants you to server him as such.

How would you describe your service of God? Are you addicted to serving him? We are to submit to authority, but do you also submit to God? In our service to God, we must be 100%. We must be prepared to serve in all things, to help in every way, and to labour, that is to Work hard at what God has given us. What has God given you to do? Do it to the limit of your ability.