Summary: Worthy of double honor!

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.

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.”

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.
PASTOR’S APPRECIATION DAY

THE BLESSINGS OF FULFILLING THE MINISTERIAL PURPOSES

HEB. 13:17

INTRO: What is the Biblical concept relating to the Pastor? Because of the times in which we
live in, we need to see the ministry of the Pastor in the Biblical approach. Many of God’s people
have a wrong concept toward the Pastor, giving him a title as a “Employee of the Church.” NO,
he isn’t an employee. Others give him the title of a “Team Manager” because we should work as
a team. NO, he isn’t a “Team Manager.” Others, others- we won’t even mention how they call
him.

If he is not all of the above; who is the Pastor? Clearly, separated from being a Husband,
Father, Minister, Painter, Plumber, Electrician, Chef, Delivery Man, etc. who is he?

The Word of God talks to us of many leaders and servants, who were great models, but I would
like to concentrate in King David. First, because he was a real Shepard and second, because
He had the heart of God.

Let us see what the Bible tells us in relation to the Pastor and how God’s people should answer
toward the Pastor.

I. WHAT THE PASTOR SHOULD BE TOWARD GOD’S PEOPLE

A. David consulted God for His people – 1 Sam. 30:1-2 “David and his men reached Ziklag on
the third day. Now the Amalekites had raided the Negev and Ziklag. They had attacked Ziklag
and burned it, 2 and had taken captive the women and all who were in it, both young and old.
They killed none of them, but carried them off as they went on their way.”

1. His enemies had taken their women, children and everything else

2. In how many occasions has the enemy of our souls taken away the souls of God’s people

3. David didn’t reacted in His human nature

4. He consulted the Lord God

i. Vs. 8 “and David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake
them?””

5. God gives many victories to His people through

His servant

i. Vs. 18-19 “David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, including his two wives. 19
Nothing was missing: young or old, boy or girl, plunder or anything else they had taken. David
brought everything back.”
B. David returns God’s people to His presence – 2 Sam. 6:1 “David again brought together out
of Israel chosen men, thirty thousand in all. 2 He and all his men set out from Baalah of Judah
to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name, the name of the LORD
Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim that are on the ark.”

1. We know that the Ark symbolizes the “Presence of God”

2. His enemies had taken it away from them

3. David know the importance of God’s presence among his people

4. The Pastor will always seek ways to bring God’s presence among His people – He will pray,
fast, read the Bible – not because he is being paid, not because he will be rewarded, but
because He knows the importance of the presence of God in this place.

C. David looks for the good things in a person – 1 Sam. 22:1-2 “David left Gath and escaped to
the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and his father’s household heard about it, they went
down to him there. 2 All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around
him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him”

1. What the world despises – the Pastor receives

2. When everybody else only see negativism in an individual – the pastor sees the positive

3. 1 Chronicles 11:10 “These were the chiefs of David’s mighty men—they, together with all
Israel, gave his kingship strong support to extend it over the whole land, as the LORD had
promised— 11 this is the list of David’s mighty men”

i. They become chiefs

ii. The become His mighty men

iii. They give him strong support

II. WHAT GOD’S PEOPLE SHOULD DO TOWARD THE PASTOR

A. The Church should fulfill the desires of the Pastor – 1 Chronicles 11:16-19 “At that time David
was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. 17 David longed for water
and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of
Bethlehem!” 18 So the Three broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near
the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured
it out before the LORD. 19 “God forbid that I should do this!” he said. “Should I drink the blood of
these men who went at the risk of their lives?” Because they risked their lives to bring it back,
David would not drink it. Such were the exploits of the three mighty men”
1. David didn’t asked for it nor requested it

2. It was a desired that just came within himself but those that were close to him were able to
hear it

3. They risked their lives to fulfill the desire of their Pastor

4. How many times the Pastor does have a personal desire? How do we go about in fulfilling it?

B. They fight the spiritual battle for the Pastor – 2 Sam. 21:16 & 17 “And Ishbi-Benob, one of the
descendants of Rapha, whose bronze spearhead weighed three hundred shekels and who was
armed with a new sword, said he would kill David. 17 But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to
David’s rescue; he struck the Philistine down and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him,
saying, “Never again will you go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel will not be
extinguished.”

1. The enemy was going to kill the Pastor

2. Abishai one of David’s mighty men – came to his help and struck the philistine down and
killed him

3. How many times have we seen the Pastor down and being struck down by the enemy?

4. We have to come to His rescue

5. So that the “lamp of Israel not be extinguished”

C. Not permit for nobody to curse the Pastor – 2 Sam. 16:5 “As King David approached
Bahurim, a man from the same clan as Saul’s family came out from there. His name was Shimei
son of Gera, and he cursed as he came out.”

1. We should not let nobody criticize, murmur, nor talk bad about the Pastor

2. We are suppose to always be ready to defend him at any moment

i. 2 Sam. 16:9 “Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse
my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head.”

CONCLUSION: How are we responding toward our Pastor? Is our conduct according to His
Word?