Text Verse: 1 Cor 16:15
(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,)"
Introduction:
Notice the words used in this verse. This family had addicted themselves to the ministry.
That word addict we here a lot of today. We hear of those being addicted to certain things and programs designed to help addicts deal with there problems.
According to Tabor’s Medical Dictionary addition means to have a "physical dependence on a substance, with use of increasing amounts. Mosby’s medical dictionary defines it as: compulsive, uncontrollable dependence on a substance or habit or practice to such a degree that ceasing causes sever emotional, and mental reactions.
Imagine for a moment if all who were in a Bible believing church would become addicted to the ministry, what would happen.
How does on become an addict?
1. Experience.
A. In order to become addicted to anything
one must have an experience with it.
B. In order for on to become addicted to the ministry one must have an experience, that
is Salvation.
1. That is why there is so many who
fall by the wayside is because
they have never had an experience
with Christ.
2. Evolving
A. Once one has experienced the substance, it evolves or grows into a greater desire.
B. Again once one has trusted Christ as their Saviour, they then need to evolve or grow.
1. Desire to grow
2. Desire to serve
3. Desire to win others
4. Desire to give of themselves.
3. Involved
A. Once one experience something and it
evolves most of the time that person
becomes involved with what ever his
addiction is.
B. The same is true for the Christian.
1. Experience (Salvation)
2. Evolving (Growth & Maturing)
3. Involved
a. Bus ministry
b. Soul winning
c. What ever one can do.
4. Engrossed
A. Once on has experience, evolved, become involved, they then become engrossed.
B. The Christian should become engrossed in
the ministry.
Close:
Stephanas was one of the first converts of the region. They had moreover addicted themselves to the ministry to the saints, to serve the saints. They disposed, and devoted themselves to serve the saints, and to do service to the saints.
We too need to become addicted to the ministry.
