1 Corinthians 16 – Brandon Hatmaker “Amazing Life”
Thursday, July 3rd, 2008
“You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers, to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it.” – 1 Corinthians 16:15-16
From the very beginning (even through great persecution) the Church survived and even flourished as a community of faith through their commitment to one another. Paul reminds the Church at Corinth that this would not be without intentionality. That it not only takes commitment, but a laboring effort and sacrifice. He reminds them through the commitments of the very first converts, that they should continue to be devoted to the service of one another.
The word that is translated “devoted”, in this form, is only used twice in scripture. It is used to not only illustrate being committed to something, but primarily to something “arranged” as a priority, something “ordained” as critical, and probably the most descriptive, to “addict” oneself to. It comes with a sense of longevity. It was not only a way of life, it represented THE way of life for the ancient church.
And Paul urges us to submit to “such as these”. And not just to them, but also to everyone who “joins in the work”, and who “labors” serving each other. I’m sure this took the rearranging of some personal schedules. I’m sure this took doing things for others at times that they could have been doing things for themselves. I’m sure this meant using their personal resources for the benefit of others. I’m sure this meant opening their homes to others in need. I’m sure this meant making personal sacrifices for the good of the community. I’m also sure they experienced “church” in the purest form.
“All the believers were together and had everything in common… they gave to anyone as he had need… They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-48
What an amazing way of life!
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