“You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece, and they are spending their lives in service to God’s people. I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, to submit to them and others like them who serve with such devotion. I am very glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come here. They have been providing the help you weren’t here to give me. They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well.” 1 Corinthians 16:15-18, NLT

From The Swindoll Study Bible:

Paul’s closing words in this book contain a principle that some find difficult: Accountability to spiritual leaders is both commanded and profitable. Few, if any, Christians have an argument with being accountable to God. He is our Father. He is perfect. He has every right to hear about our lives. But the rub begins to occur when we think about giving an account to anyone on earth, especially if we are independent-minded, self-made men and women, and even more so if we have been burned by unfaithful spiritual leaders in the past.

Here Paul mentions three leaders by name: Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus. These three had contact with Paul and brought him a good report from Corinth regarding a number of the people as well as a tough report regarding other things. Paul says to the Corinthian church, “I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, to submit to them” (1 Cor. 16:15‑16). Why? Hebrews 13:17 tells us it is because spiritual leaders like these will give an account to God for their people’s well-being.Paul’s closing words in this book contain a principle that some find difficult: Accountability to spiritual leaders is both commanded and profitable. Few, if any, Christians have an argument with being accountable to God. He is our Father. He is perfect. He has every right to hear about our lives. But the rub begins to occur when we think about giving an account to anyone on earth, especially if we are independent-minded, self-made men and women, and even more so if we have been burned by unfaithful spiritual leaders in the past.

Now, let me make something clear. There may be times a pastor or a member of the pastoral staff or an elder in your church will find it necessary to pull up alongside you and ask questions regarding your life. It isn’t mere curiosity or seeking fodder for idle gossip that motivates this person. This individual has your good at heart and is accountable to God for your life. Answer their questions graciously and listen to their counsel gratefully.

It has been my experience as a pastor for many decades to witness the full spectrum of responses from people when I have had to do this hard job. There have been some occasions when I have had to get close to an individual and ask hard questions or reprove someone in private for something that is hurting the testimony of the church. Some have been grateful and thanked me. Even though the conversation hurt or was uncomfortable, they knew the truth would help. Others have been so offended that they literally walked away. Other people have argued with me, and others still have immediately resented my words and criticized me.

Yes, I happen to be a leader, but I am also accountable to other believers. Just hear a piece of advice from a fellow Christian who is still learning every day of his life: If anyone has the courage to come with a right motive and confront you with something true in your life that needs attention, be humble enough to accept it. Understand that it was probably difficult for them to work up the courage to say anything in the first place. Trust that they have the good of the church at heart, not some private vendetta against you.

In many ways, the best first step toward being open and humble in this way is to actively make an effort to get close to a small group of believers with whom you can talk openly about the ups and downs of your spiritual walk. Invest—and it is an investment—in that kind of fellowship and community, and you will develop relationships of trust that allow for mutual and open, unguarded accountability.

For more of Chuck’s Bible study notes, check out the Swindoll Study Bible, winner of the 2018 Christian Book Award for Bible of the Year!