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Addicted to the Ministry

 

1 Corinthians 16:15 - 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,) 

 

Addiction, it is a very strong word. 

Ministry is an often misunderstood word.

 

Addiction is defined in Webster’s dictionary as follows: Compulsive need for and use of a habit.

Ministry is defined in the same dictionary as clergyman and high officer.

 

Let me share what the original Greek meaning of these two words are as found in the above verse. The Greek word used for addiction is “tas’-so” which means “to arrange in an orderly manner.” 

The Greek word used for ministry is “diakonia” that is where we get our word “deacon” and it means “to serve.”

 

So you see in 1 Corinthians 16:15 these folks had set in order to serve others.

 

Almost 21 million Americans have at least one addiction, yet only 10% of them receive treatment. Drug overdose deaths have more than tripled since 1990. From 1999 to 2017, more than 700,000 Americans died from overdosing on a drug. Alcohol and drug addiction cost the U.S. economy over $600 billion every year.

 

Societies' addictions will lead to bondage; Ministry addiction will lead to freedom.

Addiction to wrong = death; Addiction to right = Life

Paul said here that those folks who were of the first to be saved there in Achaia had addicted themselves to the ministry.

 

When our service to God is right, then our service to others will be right.

 

We ought to serve God with enlightenment - Psalm 19:8 - The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

 

Allow God’s Word to enlighten you!