Scripture to Read: 1 Corinthians 16:15–18
There are certain people that God brings into our lives as incredible examples of how to walk with Christ each day. God had those kinds of examples for the believers in Corinth also. We read in 1 Corinthians 16:15–18, “Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the saints), 16 that you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors. 17 I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have supplied what was lacking on your part. 18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.” God had Paul specifically mention Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus as those who devoted themselves to the ministry of God’s people. Because these three individuals served our Lord so well in ministering to others, God had Paul tell the believers in Corinth to submit themselves to these three leaders. God expected the believers in Corinth to treat these three with respect, much like God (through Paul) had already told them to do with Timothy. And anyone else who arrived with these three was to be treated the same. God had used these three to refresh Paul’s spirit, and God had Paul challenge the Corinthian Christians to fully acknowledge these men and deeply appreciate them for their service to our Lord as they ministered to Paul. We must do the same with those God has called to serve us and never take them for granted.
Challenge & Application
Who has God used in your life to minister to you, mentor you, invest in you, and how have you appreciated and respected them?
How do you see God using you to serve others the way Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus served Paul and others?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!