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,)”
Homes come in varying shapes and sizes. Some are built of brick and mortar, while others are made of boards or blocks. Some homes are very large and ornate. Some homes are smaller and simple in their design. Regardless of that particular dwelling’s structure, the greatest thing that can be said of men about the family which inhabits that certain house is that, “They have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints.” How we need families or homes that are “hooked” on God! Here are three traits of Stephanus’ house that we need to be sure are present in our own homes:
1. THE HOUSE OF STEPHANUS HAD A FIRM AUTHORITY!
v15a “I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanus)”
This house that Paul mentioned as being “addicted to the ministry” is referred to as Stephanus’ house! Stephanus was at the helm, spiritually speaking, of his home. He was the head of his house and the spiritual leader of his family! Stephanus’ house was a house that had a firm authority!
2. THE HOUSE OF STEPHANUS’ HAD A FAMILY ALTAR!
v15b “that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves”
The Bible doesn’t simply say that Stephanus was addicted to the ministry, but that his entire house was addicted to the service of God! Stephanus had not only kindled a personal fire for God in his own heart, but he had successfully lit that same fire for God in the hearts of his family! Stephanus’ house was a house with a family altar!
3. THE HOUSE OF STEPHANUS’ HAD A FREQUENTED ASSEMBLY!
v15c “to the ministry of the saints.”
Stephanus’ house was no stranger to God’s house! His family and those of his household were faithfully involved in the ministry of the saints. Stephanus’ house were in their pew for the services. They were there for organized soul winning. The bus route was no strange thing to Stephanus and his family. Their life rotated around the hub of the house of God! Stephanus’ house was a house with a frequented assembly!
ILLUSTRATION: An elderly lady was amazed at how nice the young man was next door. Every day he would help her gather things from her car or help her in her yard. One day the old lady finally asked the young man, “Son, how did you become such a fine young man?” The young man replied, “Well, when I was a boy, I had a drug problem.” The old lady was shocked, “I can’t believe that.” The young man replied, “It’s true, my parents drug me to church on Sunday morning, drug me to church on Sunday night, and drug me to church on Wednesday night.”
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Justin Cooper, Assistant Pastor
Since 2006, Pastor Cooper has served as an evangelist and as a pastor, traveling across the nation holding revival meetings and preaching in Bible conferences. Pastor Cooper moved to join our staff in 2019 and is building the Tabernacle Bible Class. He and his wife, Desarae, are an incredible blessing to both the college and church families. Pastor and Mrs. Cooper have one son, Lincoln.
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