Daily Devotional

A Ministry of the Kerwin Baptist Church

July 21, 2020

by Kerwin Baptist

1 Corinthians 16:17-18
17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.

Why is church important? Why is being around other believers something God tells us to do? This passage gives us some insight. Paul was writing to Corinth while he was in Ephesus. He was writing for them to stand fast in the faith. This was what he was trying to do. Herein lies the rub. It’s not easy standing for the faith. As any mature believer knows, when you decide to stand for right you face opposition. People who you once were close to become distant, family members believe your strange, and the world looks at you like you are a member of a cult. This is why brothers and sisters in Christ are so important. Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
In our passage Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus come to Paul. It tells us that what Paul was lacking they supplied. I don’t know what they gave. It could have been money, supplies, or even encouragement. The passage just tells us the need was met. I believe the bible doesn’t tell us what they gave on purpose. As believers we should be looking at those around us to see how we can help other believers.
Verse 18 tells us that Paul and the people he was ministered to were refreshed. What a ministry. These men were recorded in history for refreshing Paul. Imagine the rewards in heaven these men received from this simple act. These men had a part in the lives that Paul reached as a result of refreshing his spirit.
This is a ministry we can all be a part of. There is also rewards in heaven for those who participate. Matthew 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
Wouldn’t you want be remembered as someone who was refreshing? I know I do.

Jacob Jarriel