9. STEPHANAS: ADDICTED TO SERVING SAINTS

1 Corinthians 16:15-18.

1 Corinthians 16:15 "... the house of Stephanas, ... they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints, "

These days this would be regarded as an unusual addiction, but an addiction that could do with affecting more of us. Stephanas - a Corinthian - whose family was one of the few baptised by Paul himself.

1 Corinthians 1:16 "And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other."

He was known for his exertions in voluntary Christian service. Stephanas with Fortunatus and Achaicus delighted Paul with a visit at Ephesus, (1 Corinthians 16:17 ). No doubt they returned to Corinth carrying Paul's first letter to that church.

"ADDICTED" is from the Greek "tasso" meaning to arrange - assign - order. It is translated "set (under authority)" in Luke 7:8. Used of appointment of positions of military and civil authority over others. It is used by God who has "ordained".

Romans 13:1 "... the powers that be are ordained of God."

It is said of those who, having believed the gospel, "... were ordained to eternal life ..." (Acts 13:48 KJV ). The house of Stephanas at Corinth had "set themselves" to the "ministry of the saints." What a blessed addiction.

9.1. A VINDICATING ADDICTION

As the "firstfruits" of Paul's ministry in Achaia the addiction to service was a vindication of the apostolic ministry of Paul. If others doubted his apostolic appointment by Christ, they saw it vindicated by the household of Stephanas. Paul could say of such,

1 Corinthians 9:2 "If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. "

Particularly Paul's ministry was vindicated by these "firstfruits" or first-born who were united in faith - hope - purpose. He knew they were the promise of a harvest of their kind. A man's work should be his maximum effort and the results according to his own standard. So in the type of persons attracted by us in a place holds promise of more who are like them, kind producing after their kind. Our aim should be well born souls - and our fellowship should evidence it.

9.2. A VOLUNTARY ADDICTION

"They addicted themselves" - they elected themselves to office - they voluntarily took up their stations - they wholeheartedly devoted themselves to service. Stephanas and company were no sitting committee - spending hours in making minutes in council. They were an action committee - they saw - they came - they acted. They were not fettered by "standing orders" - they lived by "marching orders". They "ministered". The Greek "diakonia" comes from a root which means "to get dusty by running". Their feet were ever speeding in the service of others. They formed the best possible organisation - "They organised themselves for the service of God's people." We need a revival of voluntary addiction to God's work.

9.3. A VOCATIONAL ADDICTION

Stephanas and company were conscious of their calling in Christ.

Ephesians 2:10 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, ..."

Their vocation was being servants of Jesus Christ. The usual word for servant in the New Testament is "bondslave". Ask Stephanas what his calling was - his reply would be "servant". A bond slave differed from all other slaves in that he was a slave willingly.

Exodus 21:5 "... I love my master, ... I will not go out free: "

The slave has no rights of his own. The slave does not please himself. The slave does everything to please his master. The Lord Jesus is looking for love slaves - those who regard all else as subservient to serving Him.

W. M. Carey said: "His full time occupation was preaching the gospel: but that he cobbled to pay expenses."

Those whose vocation it is to serve Jesus qualify not so much by ability as by availability. Then God is able to use them where and when He will. Be as ready to the Masters use as your body members are to you.

9.4. A VISIONARY ADDICTION

The vision that sees what needs to be done and does it. Stephanas and company were doers. They did not let themselves become entangled in "red tape". They were not the kind who kept their visions to talk about - they translate them into living acts and deeds. Such addicts today re-write "the acts of the apostles" in practical terms.

9.5. A VIRTUOUS ADDICTION

We take our hats off to these addicts of practical Christian love. We hear them say "not your hats but your coats." They minister to the saints - God's holy, and often needy people. They look - they feel - they do. The loftiest motives direct them to the lowliest tasks. Like most addictions, it involves the whole person - even the presenting of the whole body as a living sacrifice.

Romans 12:1 "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."

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The Heart

Loving Him completely.

Matthew 22:37 "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."

Psalm 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."

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The Hands

Ecclesiastes 9:10 "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; ..."

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The Feet

There are feet addicted to trouble.

Proverbs 6:18 "An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,"

"Eagerness to do wrong" (Living Bible). There are feet addicted to spreading the gospel.

Romans 10:15 "... How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"

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The Mind

Philippians 2:5 "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: "

His disposition brings addiction to loving and serving God and others.

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The Ears

James 1:19 "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:"

Swift to hear what the Lord says on any matter results in addiction to good works.

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The Eyes

Psalm 32:8 "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."

Ever looking to the Master - then guided with His eye.

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The Nose

Matthew 7:1,2 "Judge not, that you be not judged. ² ... and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you."

Keep the nose out of other peoples' business - be addicted to nosing out real needs.

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The Mouth

Proverbs 21:23 "Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles."

Self control means controlling the tongue. The Psalmist wanted the words of his mouth to be acceptable to God (Psalm 19:4 ). He asked the Lord to set a watch before his mouth. (Psalm 141:3 ).

Proverbs 13:3 "He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction."

A quick retort can ruin everything. Be addicted to speaking sound words. This is the kind of virtuous addiction which God blesses.

9.6. A VARIOUS ADDICTION

God will work through us if we allow Him to shape us. There is much work to do - God is looking for people to do His work. Will you be a Stephanas?

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By Caring For The Saints - EVANGELISE

By meeting their needs we affect their world of influence. We witness by conduct - they reciprocate by conversation.

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By Caring For The Saints - EDUCATE

We are to make and teach disciples.

Matthew 28:19,20 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, ... ²⁰ Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: ..."

We are not only to win others but we are to train others - what better way than by addiction to good works?

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By Caring For The Saints - ENLARGE

Luke 14:23 "... compel them to come in, that my house may be filled."

An addiction to loving, pursuing service to the saints, will fill the Lord's house.

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By Caring For The Saints - ENCOURAGE

Hebrews 10:25 "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

The more so as the end draws near - the need of fellowship becomes greater.

1 John 1:7 "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."

The work of Stephanas is varied indeed:

	The lonely need to be visited
	The sick need to be healed
	The sorrowing comforted
	The confused need guiding
	The troubled need helping
	The frustrated relieved
	The weak strengthened
	The faithful encouraged

Get addicted by the Spirit.

9.7. A VENERATED ADDICTION

Paul venerates such as Stephanas - those who minster and encourage need to be ministered to and encouraged themselves.

Paul exhorts us,

1 Corinthians 16:16 "... submit yourselves unto such, ..."

Co-operate with useful men - let them take the lead - they have proved themselves worthy of your co-operation.

May those like Stephanas and company abound in your fellowship.