Sermon: Worthy of Double Honor
Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 16:13-18
Introduction: The Scripture gives us unusual insight into the inner workings of the Church at Corinth. It is likely that these men Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus delivered the letter to Paul from the Corinthian church, with questions and pressing concerns. 1Corinthians is Paul’s response and special advice to the church. Stephanas is the leader, and as well as Fortunatus and Achaicus, servants in his household were able to give Paul an accurate picture of the Church’s spiritual condition. These men were all esteemed leaders in the church. You may recall, they have the distinction of being Paul’s first converts in Corinth. They were among the few that Paul baptized himself. Even though the church’s environment was less than ideal, these men proved themselves to be able and faithful laborers in the gospel and for the church. They remained faithful to Paul at a time when many were questioning Paul’s authority and ministry.
In chapter 16, Paul gives stern warnings and several instructive exhortations. The church is cautioned to be watchful. We too should be watchful over the creeping in of false doctrine and improper behavior. The history of the Christian church reveals that these twin enemies of the church are always at work to undermine Christ’s kingdom. Many churches today, as in Paul’s day have little patience for doctrine. They rationalize that if you have faith in Jesus, it’s alright regardless of what you act like, look like or talk like in the world. Indeed, the world has become our model and dictate the standards for how we ought to live as Christians and as the church. This is the same trap that the Corinth Church fell into, is threatening the church today. Always, the church must examine itself in light of Scripture.
One reason why many Christians and churches have moved off the path of orthodox Christianity is their fear of becoming legalistic and cold-spirited. Some Churches in their zeal for being correct, have lost the spirit of love, both for their own brethren and for their neighbors of the world. Whatever we do must done in love.
The name Stephanas is may not be well-known to many Christians today, but what he and his household did for the Lord during this time was well-known to God and greatly benefitted the Church. The very name Stephanas honestly suggests that they were worthy to be acknowledged and be crowned for the glory of God. Their conversion to Christ is a remarkable part of Christian history in Achaia. Their love for the Lord had touched many lives and their godly commitment has surely inspired many believers in every generation. May we find this lesson helpful as we take a closer look concerning their inspiring testimony. Prayerfully, the Holy Spirit will guide us through as we intently study the Word of God. Notice first (1) This family was the First Fruits of Achaia - Corinthian Christians (2) They were personally baptized by Apostle Paul (3) They were a ministry-minded Family: They set themselves to the ministry of the saints and worked hard with Apostle Paul. They gave encouragement to God’s servants and were a great help in the ministry. (4) Their visit and conversation refreshed Paul’s spirit.
Therefore, Paul encourages the Corinthian Church to honor them for they are worthy to be acknowledged for their faithfulness in the ministry; for their remarkable love for Christ and His servants. The household of Stephanas is the kind of Christian family we really need in our ministries today. They are the kind of people who are not seeking for fame, popularity and riches, but looking for the advancement of the spreading of the Gospel of Christ. We have many God-given families in our local Churches whose presence and labor of love are not forgotten by God and should not be forgotten by us. Let us pray that the Lord may give us more families like the household of Stephanas to help us in our God-given ministries.
Paul’s next remarks allude to this matter of showing due love. “15 Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints— 16 be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. 17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, 18 for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such men.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).
Stephanas was a Christian of Corinth who was addicted the service of God. The "house of Stephanas," apparently of independent means, had "set themselves to minister unto the saints" (1Co 16:15), to do Christian service. This service included putting their house at the disposal of the Christians at Corinth for worshipping, in rendering special assistance in establishing communication between the Corinthian church and Paul. On this occasion, when some disorders and irregularities were exposed in the Corinthian church, the delegation of Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus brought a letter of the Corinthians to Paul. These three men were the bearers of this epistle back to the Church. The letter is filled with Paul’s expression of his appreciation for their service. Paul cherished this opportunity of Christian fellowship with these beloved Christians. It is in consideration of such outstanding Christian service that Paul encourages the Corinthians to show the house of Stephanas great respect and admiration due to these Christian leaders. Two things are suggested: show them great honor and be willing to submit to their leadership and direction.
Paul then gives the most affectionate exhortation. He cautions them to remember the situation in which you are, and recognize how many formidable enemies surround you, so be watchful against all their assaults; stand fast in the profession of the Christian faith; free yourselves of childlessness, act as men of knowledge and fortitude; and be strong, in a dependence on the best support of God and his word, while you make His Mission your constant care.
Since Christians are always in danger, they should ever be on the watch. He should be fixed in the faith of the gospel, and never desert or give it up. By this faith alone he will be able to keep his ground in an hour of temptation. Christians should be careful that charity not only reigns in their hearts, but shines in their lives. Christians are called steadfastness and determination. The apostle Paul lift up this family because they served the cause of Christ among them. Those who serve Christ and His saints, those who desire to bring honor to His church, and to remove reproaches from them, ought to be thought highly of, and shown much love and appreciation. The Church should willingly acknowledge their worth, and celebrate their labor of love and devotion. Paul has been a recipient of their labor and assistance. 1Ti 5:17 “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” 1Th 5:12-13 “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”
Watchful pastors are necessary to the health of the church. Some attempt to set up assemblies in which everybody rule, and nobody submit, are headed for trouble. Paul uses the words, “I beseech you, brethren” the design is, to exhort them to pay proper respect to Stephanas, and to all leadership who serve with distinction and godly character. They should show respect and kindness to the entire household of Stephanas. They have proved themselves and demonstrated their love for Christ and His Church. The KJV uses the word, “addicted themselves. The dictionary describes addicted as “physically and mentally dependent on a particular substance or thing; and unable to stop taking it without incurring adverse effects.” Other definition is “devoted to, dedicated to, fond of, partial to, keen on, enthusiastic about, enamored of, in love with, infatuated with, obsessed with, fixated on, or fanatical about.”
The household of Stephanas have addicted themselves, that is they have devoted themselves to the service of Christians. They spent their time, resources, influence on aiding the ministry; showing hospitality; providing for their wants and needs; by attending and aiding the apostles in their journeys. This sounds like your pastor, and his family.
Paul mentions first the longevity of their service. Stephanas, and his house; they were the first fruits of Achaia, that is, the first three converted to Christianity. It is a great honor to be in Christ before others: happy they that come in at the call of Christ, even at the last hour; but thrice happy those that come in at the first, who are the first-ripe fruits unto God.
Then Paul mentions the quality of their service. Stephanas gave good proof and evidence of the sincerity of his early conversion: He addicted himself to the ministry of the saints; that is, he was very forward to assist the poor saints with his estate and labour. There is no better evidence of our interest in Christ than an entire affection and operative compassion towards all our fellow-members in Christ, for grace's sake.
Next, Paul mentions the great respect and esteem He is due because of his leadership, support and assistance to other Christian leaders; special respect and honor due because of the care he shows in his ministry to the poor saints that were in want.
Finally, Paul mentions the highest level of honor which is godly submission. Jesus said, If you love me, keep my commandments…then, “Why call ye me Lord, Lord and do no what I say.” Yes, honor him with gifts of appreciation, flowers and plagues, and other gestures of love, then submit yourselves unto their godly leadership. Then give reverence and honor them by serving along beside them as they labor in the furthering of the gospel.
