Addicted to the Gospel

“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)” (I Corinthians 16:15).

The word addicted means, “to surrender one’s self habitually, or to become dependent upon, or to be very enthusiastic about.”  We usually use this word in a negative way, but here in reference to the believer it is very positive, "they have addicted themselves to the ministry."

Believers have surrendered to Christ, submitted to Him, His rule and reign (Psalm 110:3; Acts 2:36; Philippians 2:9-10). Believers are totally dependent upon Christ for all of their salvation (I Corinthians 1:30; Philippians 4:19). Believers are very enthusiastic about the good news of God's mercy to sinners in Christ
(Luke 18:14; I Timothy 1:15). Their confession of faith is, "He has done all things well" (Mark 7:37), in creation (Genesis 1:31), in providence (Romans 11:36), and in salvation (John 17:2-4; 19:30).

 

-preacher Tom Harding 

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