SUPPORTING THE MINISTRY
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Corinthians 16:15-18
Key Verse: “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,)” — 1 Corinthians 16:15 (KJV)
Supporting Texts: Matthew 10:40-42; Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:14-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13; Hebrews 6:10; 3 John 5-8; Romans 12:10-13
Description: Supporting the ministry means willingly contributing our time, resources, gifts, encouragement, cooperation, and prayers to strengthen God's servants and advance the work of His kingdom.
INTRODUCTION
The work of the ministry is a divine assignment, but God has designed it to be carried out through the cooperation of His people. Ministers cannot accomplish every aspect of kingdom work alone. The Church grows stronger when believers recognise their responsibility to support those who labour in the Gospel and to participate actively in the advancement of God's work.
In 1 Corinthians 16:15-18, Paul commends the household of Stephanas because they had “addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints.” They did not merely attend church or receive ministry; they became committed supporters of God's work. Their example demonstrates that Christian maturity is seen not only in what we receive but also in what we contribute.
Supporting ministry involves much more than financial giving. It includes prayer, encouragement, hospitality, practical assistance, respect for godly leadership, the use of spiritual gifts, and sacrificial service. When believers faithfully support the work of God, they become partners in what God is doing and share in the fruit produced through that ministry.
1. UNDERSTAND THAT MINISTRY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
God's work requires the participation of His people.
a) Every Believer Has A Ministry (1 Peter 4:10)
God has given each believer gifts and opportunities to serve others.
b) We Are Members Of One Body (1 Corinthians 12:27)
Every member has a role to play in the functioning of the Church.
c) The Church Works Together (Ephesians 4:16)
The body grows when every part performs its proper function.
d) Labour Together With God (1 Corinthians 3:9)
Believers have the privilege of becoming fellow workers in God's kingdom.
2. DEVELOP A HEART FOR THE MINISTRY
The household of Stephanas demonstrated remarkable commitment.
a) Addict Yourself To The Ministry (1 Corinthians 16:15)
Their commitment was not occasional; they devoted themselves to serving God's people.
b) Serve Willingly (Psalm 110:3)
God desires willing servants who offer themselves freely.
c) Serve With Love (Galatians 5:13)
Christian service should flow from love rather than compulsion.
d) Serve With Joy (Psalm 100:2)
The opportunity to serve God is a privilege to be embraced joyfully.
3. SUPPORT GOD'S SERVANTS
Scripture teaches believers to recognise and support those who labour in ministry.
a) Esteem Those Who Labour (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)
God's servants should be respected for their work.
b) Honour Spiritual Leaders (1 Timothy 5:17)
Those who labour faithfully in teaching and leadership deserve honour.
c) Support Those Who Preach The Gospel (Galatians 6:6)
Those who receive spiritual instruction should share good things with their teachers.
d) Remember Their Labour (Hebrews 6:10)
God does not overlook the work done in His name.
4. SUPPORT THE MINISTRY THROUGH PRAYER
Prayer is one of the most powerful ways to support God's work.
a) Pray For Gospel Workers (Colossians 4:3-4)
Paul requested prayer for open doors and boldness.
b) Pray For Ministers' Strength (Ephesians 6:19-20)
Those who minister publicly need spiritual strength and courage.
c) Pray For Protection (2 Thessalonians 3:2)
God's servants face opposition and require the prayers of believers.
d) Pray For Fruitfulness (2 Thessalonians 3:1)
Prayer helps the Word of God spread effectively.
5. SUPPORT THE MINISTRY FINANCIALLY
Giving is an important biblical expression of partnership.
a) Give For Kingdom Work (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)
Paul instructed believers to set aside resources for the needs of God's work.
b) Give Willingly (2 Corinthians 9:7)
God values cheerful and willing giving.
c) Support Those Who Preach (Philippians 4:15-16)
The Philippians repeatedly supported Paul's ministry.
d) Give With Eternal Perspective (Matthew 6:19-21)
Kingdom investment produces eternal value.
6. SUPPORT THE MINISTRY THROUGH PRACTICAL SERVICE
Not every ministry contribution takes place behind a pulpit.
a) Use Your Skills (Exodus 31:1-6)
God can use practical abilities for sacred purposes.
b) Help With Practical Needs (Acts 6:1-4)
Practical service enables the Church to function effectively.
c) Show Hospitality (Romans 12:13)
Hospitality can become a powerful ministry to God's servants and people.
d) Bear One Another's Burdens (Galatians 6:2)
Practical support demonstrates Christian love.
7. ENCOURAGE THOSE WHO SERVE
Ministry can become demanding, and encouragement is valuable.
a) Encourage The Weary (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Words of encouragement can strengthen those who are labouring.
b) Strengthen The Hands Of Others (Isaiah 35:3-4)
God's people should help one another remain strong.
c) Speak Words That Build (Ephesians 4:29)
Our words should contribute to the spiritual health of others.
d) Refresh God's Servants (1 Corinthians 16:18)
Paul said that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus refreshed his spirit.
8. HONOUR THOSE WHO SERVE FAITHFULLY
The Church should recognise faithful labour.
a) Submit To Godly Leadership (1 Corinthians 16:16)
Paul encouraged believers to submit to those who faithfully serve.
b) Respect Their Labour (1 Thessalonians 5:13)
Faithful workers deserve appreciation and honour.
c) Follow Godly Examples (Hebrews 13:7)
The faith of faithful leaders can inspire believers.
d) Give Honour Where It Is Due (Romans 13:7)
Honour is an appropriate response to faithful service.
9. BECOME A PARTNER IN THE GOSPEL
Supporting ministry makes us participants in its impact.
a) Partner Through Giving (Philippians 4:14-18)
The Philippians became partners with Paul through their support.
b) Partner Through Prayer (2 Corinthians 1:11)
Paul recognised the contribution of believers who prayed for him.
c) Partner Through Sending (3 John 5-8)
Those who support Gospel workers become fellow workers for the truth.
d) Partner Through Service (Romans 16:1-4)
Many believers in the early Church supported ministry through practical service.
10. EXPECT GOD'S REWARD FOR FAITHFUL SUPPORT
God sees every contribution made for His kingdom.
a) God Remembers Your Labour (Hebrews 6:10)
No act of genuine service escapes God's attention.
b) Give And It Shall Be Given (Luke 6:38)
God honours generous hearts.
c) Receive A Prophet's Reward (Matthew 10:41)
Those who support God's servants share in the blessing associated with kingdom ministry.
d) Your Labour Is Not In Vain (1 Corinthians 15:58)
Everything done for the Lord carries eternal significance.
CONCLUSION
Supporting the ministry is a biblical responsibility and a privilege for every believer. The household of Stephanas demonstrated this by devoting themselves to the ministry of the saints. Their example reminds us that the work of God advances when believers move beyond being spectators and become active participants through prayer, giving, service, encouragement, hospitality, and practical support.
Let us therefore ask God to give us the heart of Stephanas and his household. Let us support our pastors, missionaries, evangelists, teachers, and other kingdom workers with love and honour. Whether our contribution is large or small, God sees it and remembers it. When we support God's work faithfully, we become partners in the Gospel and participants in the eternal harvest.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, give me a heart that is committed to supporting the advancement of Your kingdom, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, help me to recognise and faithfully fulfil my responsibility in the ministry, in Jesus name.
3. Father, give me grace to support Your servants through consistent and effective prayer, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, provide for me abundantly so that I can faithfully support Your work with my resources, in Jesus name.
5. Father, reveal to me the gifts, skills, and abilities I can use to strengthen Your Church, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, make me an encouragement and source of strength to those who labour faithfully in Your vineyard, in Jesus name.
7. Father, help me to honour, respect, and cooperate with those You have placed over me in spiritual leadership, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, make me a faithful partner in the Gospel through prayer, giving, service, hospitality, and practical assistance, in Jesus name.
9. Father, let every resource and effort I invest in Your kingdom produce lasting spiritual fruit, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, help me to remain committed to supporting Your work throughout my life, and let my labour receive Your eternal reward, in Jesus name.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. You shall receive grace to become a faithful supporter of God's work.
2. Your heart shall be increasingly devoted to the service and advancement of God's kingdom.
3. The Lord shall make you a strong pillar of support to His servants and His Church.
4. You shall receive grace to support God's work consistently through prayer.
5. The Lord shall bless and increase your resources so that you can generously advance His kingdom.
6. Your gifts, skills, time, and abilities shall become instruments for strengthening the Church.
7. You shall become a source of encouragement and refreshment to God's servants.
8. Your partnership in the Gospel shall produce lasting fruit and impact generations.
9. God shall remember every sacrifice, prayer, gift, and act of service you have offered for His kingdom.
10. You shall remain faithful in supporting God's work, and your labour shall never be in vain; you shall receive your eternal reward, in Jesus name.
