1 Corinthians 16 (5)

Pray Psalm 23.1, 2.
The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.

Sing Psalm 23.1, 2.
(The Gift of Love: Though I May Speak with Bravest Fire)
Because the LORD my Shepherd is I shall not want, for I am His!
He makes me lie in pastures full; I rest in Him by waters still.

Read 1 Corinthians 16.1-18; meditate on verses 15-18.

Preparation
1. What did Paul want the Corinthians to do?

2. Why should they do this?

Meditation
As was true wherever Paul went, he arranged for elders to be appointed to care for the Lord’s sheep in Corinth (cf. Acts 14.23; Titus 1). The flocks of the Lord require careful attending to, so that they can realize their potential for growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord and using their gifts in ministry.

Stephanas was a faithful shepherd. He came to faith early in Paul’s ministry in Corinth and apparently showed true zeal for the Lord and His people. He and two others appear to have brought the report of the Corinthians to Paul (v. 18) and probably delivered his letter to them upon returning. He had a church in his house (“household”) which seemed to have been a kind of model for Paul, since they all had “devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints” (v. 15). This is what all believers are to do, not just the shepherds. We are all called to the work of ministry, and it is a major responsibility of the shepherds of God’s flock to equip the people they serve to that end (Eph. 4.11, 12).

But equipping for ministry takes two to tango. Stephanas and others like him—Fortunatus and Achaicus, for example—were devoted to making disciples and equipping the saints. But the saints need to do their part, which is to “submit” to those who are devoted to equipping them for ministry.

What does such submission involve? Learning from the Lord’s shepherds—not just listening as they preach and teach but putting into practice whatever instructions they provide for seeking the Kingdom and glory of God. Submission also involves growing in the Lord, encouraging the shepherds of the church and coming alongside them to help in the work. Giving generously, worshiping faithfully, exercising mutual accountability and edification, helping in every way to order and grow the flock of the Lord: these, too, are aspects of the submission God expects of His people.

For ultimately, all our submission is unto the Lord; and it pleases Him to bring about that submission, to our benefit and His glory, through the shepherds He appoints over His sheep.

Treasures Old and New: Matthew 13.52; Psalm 119.162
There may have also been a little something, like not financially supporting Paul, that these noble shepherds did do. “What was lacking on your part they supplied” (1 Cor. 16.17). Ouch.

Part of benefiting from the care of a shepherd is to care for him also. As Paul wrote to Timothy, “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer is worthy of his wages’” (1 Tim. 5.17, 18).

Through the prophet Amos, God had some hard words for those who “did not remember the covenant of brotherhood” (Amos 1.9). God wants us to remember to be kind in word and deed to other people, and as Paul wrote: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6.10). And most especially to those who bear the harsher punishment and responsibility for the oversight of the flock (Jms. 3.1).

“For they refreshed my spirit and yours” (1 Cor. 16.18). Everybody wins when we show kindness to our shepherds.

For reflection
1. What is your responsibility toward the shepherds who oversee your church?

2. How can you encourage them in their work? Why should you?

3. Whose spirit will you “refresh” today?

Those who serve the saints, those who desire the honor of the churches, and to remove reproaches from them, are to be thought much of, and loved. Matthew Henry (1662-1714), Commentary on 1 Corinthians 16.13-18

Pray Psalm 23.3-6.
Thank God for the shepherds He has given to oversee your church. Pray for them, that God might make them increasingly to be and serve like the Good Shepherd, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Sing Psalm 23.3-6.
(The Gift of Love: Though I May Speak with Bravest Fire)
My soul He quickens and will bless; He leads in paths of righteousness.
Though I may walk in death’s dark vale, I shall not fear – He will not fail!

The LORD is ever by my side; His rod and staff with me abide.
A table rich for me He spreads; with oil my LORD anoints my head.

Goodness and mercy, full and free, shall ever after follow me,
and in the house of God, my LORD, shall I abide forevermore!

T. M. and Susie Moore

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Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. For sources of all quotations, see the weekly PDF of this study. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter, available by clicking here.