How can we "devote ourselves to the service of the saints" today? Stephanas’ Pattern of Devotion “You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints.” (1 Corinthians 16:15) Paul holds up Stephanas as a living snapshot of what it looks like to belong to Christ. The word translated “devoted” carries the sense of assigning oneself, appointing oneself, setting oneself permanently to a task. His family didn’t wait to be drafted; they volunteered—enthusiastically, continually, sacrificially. Why Serving the Saints Still Matters • Scripture ties love for God to love for His people: “Whoever loves God must also love his brother.” (1 John 4:21) • The Lord notices and remembers every act: “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints.” (Hebrews 6:10) • Service displays the gospel to a watching world: “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35) • It fulfills our created purpose: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” (Ephesians 2:10) Practical Ways to Devote Ourselves Today Spiritual Support • Pray specific Scripture promises over fellow believers (Colossians 1:9–12). • Send timely words of encouragement—texts, calls, or notes saturated with truth (Hebrews 3:13). • Lead or host Bible studies, discipling new believers as Stephanas once was discipled (Matthew 28:19–20). Physical & Material Help • Share meals, transportation, child-care, and household repairs (Acts 4:32–35). • Keep a small “benevolence fund” in your budget so you can respond quickly to urgent needs (Romans 12:13). • Organize teams for hospital visits, moving days, and home projects for widows and the elderly (James 1:27). Financial Partnership • Give consistently through your local church, remembering “the laborer is worthy of his wages” (1 Timothy 5:18). • Support missionaries and church planters “so that we may be fellow workers for the truth.” (3 John 8). • Pay attention to believers suffering persecution or disaster and channel aid through trustworthy ministries (Galatians 6:10). Relational Investment • Practice hospitality: open your home, your table, your life (1 Peter 4:9). • Actively welcome newcomers on Sundays; learn names, share stories, connect them to others (Romans 15:7). • Mentor younger believers; invite them to watch how you follow Christ (2 Timothy 2:2). Administrative & Organizational Service • Volunteer in children’s, youth, or tech ministries—not glamorous, but essential (1 Corinthians 12:22–24). • Lend professional skills—legal, medical, financial, construction—to church projects and members in need. • Help coordinate prayer chains, meal trains, and event logistics so all the saints are cared for. Guarding Our Hearts While Serving • Serve for Christ’s applause, not man’s (Colossians 3:23–24). • Stay rooted in the Word and prayer; service without intimacy soon becomes burnout (Luke 10:38–42). • Remember grace: we serve because we are loved, not to earn love (Titus 3:5–8). Living the Legacy Devotion like Stephanas’ starts small—one decision, one act of kindness, one step of obedience. As each part of the body does its work, “the whole body grows and builds itself up in love.” (Ephesians 4:16) The call is clear, the Spirit empowers, and the saints await our willing hands. |
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