What other scriptures emphasize the importance of stewardship in ministry? Starting with Paul’s words in Colossians 1:25 “I became its servant by the commission God gave me to fully proclaim to you the word of God,” Paul sees himself as a steward—entrusted with a message that belongs to God and must be delivered intact and in full. Scripture keeps circling back to that same idea, so let’s trace the thread. New Testament snapshots of stewardship in ministry • 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 – “So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” • 1 Peter 4:10 – “As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.” • Titus 1:7 – “For the overseer must be above reproach, as a steward of God…” • 1 Thessalonians 2:4 – “On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel…” • 2 Timothy 2:2 – “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will also be qualified to teach others.” • 1 Timothy 6:20 – “O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you.” • Acts 20:28 – “Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.” • Hebrews 13:17 – “They keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account.” Illustrations Jesus gave • Luke 12:42-43 – “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge…? Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.” • Matthew 25:14-21 (parable of the talents) – Faithful servants multiply what the master entrusts; unfaithful ones bury it. Old Testament roots • Numbers 4 (duties of the Levites) – specific responsibilities assigned and accounted for. • 1 Chronicles 9:26-27 – gatekeepers “were entrusted with the rooms and the treasuries… they would spend the night around the house of God, for the responsibility was theirs.” Stewardship has always been woven into God’s design for those who serve. Common themes to notice – The ministry belongs to God; we merely manage what He puts in our hands. – Faithfulness, not flashiness, is the measuring stick. – Accountability is inevitable: “those who must give an account” (Hebrews 13:17). – Stewardship includes both message (sound doctrine) and people (the flock). – Multiplication matters: pass the truth to “faithful men” who will teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). Living it out today • Guard the gospel: know it, teach it, refuse to dilute it. • Serve for God’s approval, not applause. • Invest in others—train, mentor, and release new servants. • Keep watch over your own life; character undergirds stewardship. • Remember the Master is coming back. Faithful stewards look forward to His “Well done.” |
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