A lacking factor in the lives of too many in our world is commitment. Everything is fluid, nothing is sacred, and we are only loyal to something or someone until a better one comes along. This has damaged the fabric of our society, but even more so it has impacted the efforts of the church. Christians, above anybody else, must learn a lesson of full commitment, a lesson evidently set forth in the life of a man we merely know as Stephanas:
Title: Fully Committed
Text: 1 Corinthians 16:15-18
Main Point: Of the many words that can by themselves sum up our responsibilities pertaining to Christianity one of them is “commitment.” It requires commitment to abstain from the pleasures of the world. It requires commitment to endure the harsh treatment of unbelievers. It requires commitment to step outside of our comfort zones to engage in God’s evangelistic work. It requires commitment to sacrifice our time, money, and efforts to the glory of One much greater than ourselves. Does such a commitment characterize our lives? It is not only to our benefit but to the glory of God and the blessing of the world. Look at how Paul addressed certain individuals in Corinth that were themselves fully committed. As Paul addressed this urgent need he also provided a simplistic recipe for how we can all achieve such a life.
§ An Encouragement – 1 Corinthians 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…” Of this addiction, Lenski says “they made a regular business of it.” “Paul uses the beautiful term diakonia, service for service sake, service rendered of one’s own accord with an eye only to the benefit resulting for others” (Lenski). It seems that in later time the servant attitude of Stephanas and his family rubbed off on other Christians in Corinth (2 Corinthians 8:3-4; 9:12-13). But while displayed in the lives of many, this devotion was primarily showcased in the life of Jesus (Matthew 20:25-28; Philippians 2:4-8).
§ An Exhortation – 1 Corinthians 16:16a – “That ye submit yourselves unto such…” Paul “wants the Corinthians to look up to people of this kind, i.e., to respect them, to heed their counsel, advice, and admonition” (Lenski). This is not a master/slave relationship, but is a similar principle as expected of wives to “submit to your own husbands” (Ephesians 5:22). This submission was to be to two groups of people: (1) “to everyone that helpeth with us” and (2) “to everyone that…laboureth” (vs. 16). We must follow the example of Paul – Colossians 1:27-29.
§ An Expectation – 1 Corinthians 16:17 – “I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.” How encouraging it is to know that in our own shortcomings we have other fully committed brethren able to supply the need. Paul said something similar of Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:29-30) and additionally in Galatians 6:2 said, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” The people who bore his burdens refreshed his spirit (1 Corinthians 16:18), meaning that their presence and support renewed their zeal and refreshed their spirit offering them rest and reassurance. But the greatest rest is offered only by the Master (Matthew 11:28).
Christ was fully committed to providing that rest, even committing Himself to a self-sacrificial life and death. We must be as fully committed to living a life of fulfillment in Christ.