✝ Daily Encouragement (10/13/23) "Devoted To Ministry"

Published: Fri, 10/13/23

A daily, Bible-based perspective of hope, encouragement and exhortation. The online Bible teaching ministry of Stephen & Brooksyne Weber.

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Friday, October 13, 2023

Colorful autumn pumpkins at the Schopf Brothers Farm on Colebrook Road

"Devoted To Ministry"

Note: Since Brooksyne's return from her trip to Oklahoma late Monday evening we have had a very busy week as she catches up and I seem to have more duties as well helping her to catch up! We did not post a message yesterday and have another busy Friday and weekend.

Message summary: “The service of the Lord’s people” is the very essence of a vital component in God’s call for each of us. Those who have a key role in a church may be referred to as “pillars of the church.” Are we all doing our part to uphold the service of the Lord's people in our household of faith?

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“You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters, to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it” (1 Corinthians 16:15).

Today, amidst the heightened chaos of our very broken world, especially considering the horrific events taking place in Israel, let us consider the ongoing mission of Christ's church as believers all over the world devote themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. It's as a score of little-known people serve faithfully that we keep being the salt and light this world so desperately needs.

Paul begins this section by referring to a Stephanas and his household whom we otherwise know very little about. I have never given much consideration to this verse though I should with the name Stephanas!

But this household was well known to the Corinthian believers with the distinction of being the first converts in Achaia (the region that included Corinth). In fact the only other reference to Stephanas in the Bible is a statement concerning baptism when Paul states in 1 Corinthians 1:16 that he baptized them, an interesting point in regard to them being the first converts!

There are three essential commitments that we urge you to follow:

1) A Commitment To Perseverance I wonder how many years earlier this household had converted to Christ? It is obvious that they had a genuine conversion experience. It transformed their lives! Over the years I’ve heard many great conversion testimonies but some just don’t last. Praise God for those who persevere such as the household of Stephanas as well as many whom we have met in the course of our ministry.

2) A Commitment To Teamwork Notice that Paul emphasizes the "household of Stephanas" . In fact that is how it is worded in 1 Corinthians 1:16 regarding their baptism as well. It is “they” (plural) that Paul is commending. What a blessing to see a household; the whole family serving the Lord together. What power and influence is found in a household that works together!

3) A Commitment To Ministry " They have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people". The KJV uses an interesting word to describe the intensity of this devotion, "They have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints". The Amplified Bible states “They have consecrated and devoted themselves to the service of the saints (God’s people)". This description of Christian workers is quite a contrast to our times where many churches struggle to get needed workers for ministry opportunities.

“The service of the Lord’s people ” is the very essence of a vital component in God’s call for each of us. Those who have a key role in a church may be referred to as “pillars of the church”. Are we all doing our part to uphold the service of the Lord's people in our household of faith?

Be encouraged today, (Hebrews 3:13 )

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, we want to be used of You in the service of Your people. Help us to be open to that which You call us to do as You enable us to serve others. Keep us committed in our Christian walk, in working with others, and in our calling to minister to the needs of those You lay on our hearts. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Colorful autumn pumpkins at the Schopf Brothers Farm on Colebrook Road
Click on photo to enlarge

The dry brittle leaves littering the still green lawn add a natural autumn setting for the pumpkins at the Schopf Brothers Farm.
Click on photo to enlarge

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Scripture references are from The Holy Bible: New International Version. © 1984 by International Bible Society; NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. and the King James Version.

Personal Mission Statement: "I am created by God to bring Him glory. Through God's Son Jesus Christ I have been redeemed and make it my life's goal to please the Lord. My mission in life is to honor God through my faith and obedience and prepare myself and all whom I may influence for eternity."

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