1 Corinthians 16:15-18 - Homiletics

Our duty to the truly useful.

"I beseech you, brethren," etc. The subject of these verses is our duty to the truly useful, and—

I. FOR THE TRULY USEFUL WE SHOULD CHERISH THE HIGHEST RESPECT . There are three useful persons that Paul mentions here. "Stephanas." He was one of Paul's first converts of Achaia; he and. his house were baptized by Paul, and he and his family were "addicted" to the ministries of love. "Fortunatus and Achaicus" are also mentioned here. To these three personages Paul calls the special attention of the Corinthians, and that because they were useful. They had all ministered to Paul. The latter had supplied to him what the Corinthians had neglected, and they refreshed both his spirit and theirs; hence for this he says, "Acknowledge ye them that are such." The truly useful are the truly honourable. A man is to be honoured, not because of his ancestry, his office, his wealth, but because of what he is morally, and what he does generously in the way of helping the race. The philanthropist is the true prince.

II. WITH THE TRULY USEFUL WE SHOULD HEARTILY COOPERATE . "That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth."

1. Cooperate with useful men.

2. In your cooperation let them take the lead. They have proved themselves worthy of your cooperation.