“I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.”

We are to honor and esteem those who lead in the gospel. We're not to sit back criticizing them or ignoring them.

First, let us esteem those who labor in the gospel. “Acknowledge such men.”

We have a lot of needless heroes, but let's learn about Mary Slessor and Amy Charmichael. Let's pick up and read about David Livingstone and William Wilberforce, Jon Hus and William Tyndale.

Let's be completely sold out to the gospel, people about one thing, which is sending the message of Christ into the world.

Let's stop the vain idolatry of sinners and the love of the world.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” --1 John 2:15

Let's look upon leaders who are examples of what we must be. We have no interest in hero worship, but we want to get involved ourselves!

Secondly, Christ died for us too!

As I contemplated the Great Redeemer, delivering me from the pit of corruption, I realized that I had AS MUCH REASON to love God as anyone else. He's done as much for us, as He did for others.

Therefore, let's be bold in this grace of Christ, and know that He gives us the same Spirit.

Gal 3:2, "This only would I learn from you. Received you the Spirit by the works of the law or by the hearing of faith?"

We don't have to fall into sin. We can be overcomers.

Thirdly, following good examples makes us good examples! We have a responsibility to our generation to carry the gospel forward. We can't sit on our hands, and allow the world to go unevangelized. False gospels have spread like wildfire.

While men slept, Africa was swallowed by the prosperity gospel and lying signs and wonders. We can't sit back, and say, “Oh well.” We can't be those who blame God, saying, “He'll send someone else.” Or, “The world is too far gone.”

You remember the parable of the Unjust Judge? He didn’t fear God or man, but the widow kept wearying him with her complaint. Finally, he gave in and did his duty. Listen to what Jesus said, as He made application:

“Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” --Luke 18:6-8,

This issue is not whether or not God will hear our prayer, and it isn’t that the hour is too late. Do we have faith in the Son of God? Do we believe this generation must be reached? Is our example to others important?

We must be diligent and give it our all. We have one thing to live for: the advance of Christ's kingdom.

Brothers, where is your resolve? Sisters, where is your sacrifice?