How can we be "found faithful" as stewards of God's mysteries today? Setting the Scene: What Does 1 Corinthians 4:2 Require? • “Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (1 Colossians 4:2) • A steward is a household manager—someone entrusted with what belongs to another. • The mysteries are the gospel truths once hidden but now revealed in Christ (Colossians 1:26-27). • Faithfulness, not flashiness, is the single measure our Master uses. The Mysteries We Are Trusted With • The saving gospel of Christ crucified and risen (1 Colossians 15:1-4). • The full counsel of God’s Word (Acts 20:27). • The indwelling presence of Christ in His people (Colossians 1:27). • The coming kingdom and our eternal hope (Ephesians 1:9-10). All of these must be guarded, lived, and shared. Marks of a Faithful Steward • Undivided loyalty to Christ—“It is the Lord who judges me” (1 Colossians 4:4). • Accuracy with Scripture—“accurately handles the word of truth” (2 Titus 2:15). • Integrity in lifestyle—“in all things show yourself to be an example” (Titus 2:7-8). • Servant-hearted use of gifts—“As good stewards of the manifold grace of God…” (1 Peter 4:10). • Perseverance—“Moreover, it is required… that they be found faithful,” implying ongoing, not sporadic, obedience. Daily Practices That Nurture Faithfulness 1. Guard the Message – Test every teaching against Scripture (Acts 17:11). – Refuse to dilute hard truths (Galatians 1:8-10). 2. Grow in the Word – Schedule unhurried reading, study, memorization, and meditation (Psalm 1:2). – Pray for illumination by the Spirit (John 16:13). 3. Give the Message – Speak the gospel clearly to unbelievers (Romans 10:14-17). – Encourage and admonish believers with Scripture (Colossians 3:16). 4. Grace-Driven Service – Identify and employ spiritual gifts (Romans 12:6-8). – Meet tangible needs, displaying the love that adorns the gospel (Matthew 5:16). 5. Gospel-Shaped Living – Pursue holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16). – Practice forgiveness, generosity, and humility (Ephesians 4:32; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Philippians 2:3-4). 6. Accountable Stewardship of Resources – Time: “making the most of every opportunity” (Ephesians 5:16). – Talents: develop abilities for kingdom use (Matthew 25:14-30). – Treasure: systematic, cheerful giving (1 Colossians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8). Pitfalls to Avoid • Self-promotion—“For who makes you different? And what do you have that you did not receive?” (1 Colossians 4:7). • Doctrinal compromise to gain approval (2 Timothy 4:3-4). • Neglect of personal holiness—private sin erodes public stewardship (Luke 12:45-46). • Weariness that abandons the field—“do not grow weary in doing good” (2 Thessalonians 3:13). Fuel for Perseverance • The Master’s promised commendation—“Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). • The Spirit’s enabling power—“For it is God who works in you” (Philippians 2:13). • The certainty of Christ’s return—“Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns” (Luke 12:43). Live, therefore, with your eyes on that Day, and be found faithful. |
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