What does being "stewards of the mysteries of God" entail for believers? The Text in View “So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” 1 Corinthians 4:1 What Are the “Mysteries of God”? • “Mystery” (Greek mysterion) refers to divine truth once concealed but now unveiled through Christ. • Ephesians 3:9 calls the gospel “the stewardship of this mystery.” • Colossians 1:26-27 identifies the chief mystery: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” • These mysteries include the incarnation (1 Timothy 3:16), the church as one new man (Ephesians 3:6), the future resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:51-52), and the consummation of all things in Christ (Ephesians 1:9-10). • God has opened the vault; believers now hold the keys. The Stewardship Picture • A steward (oikonomos) managed his master’s household, assets, and food supply (Luke 12:42-44). • He answered directly to the owner, not to the other servants. • Faithfulness—rather than personal brilliance—was required (1 Corinthians 4:2). • Believers occupy that role for God’s revealed truth, treating His Word as treasure to be protected, distributed, and invested. Core Responsibilities for Every Believer 1. Receive the deposit – 2 Corinthians 4:6-7: God “shined in our hearts… But we have this treasure in jars of clay.” 2. Guard the deposit – Titus 1:7-9: an overseer “must hold firmly to the trustworthy word.” 3. Proclaim the deposit – 1 Corinthians 2:7: “We speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God.” 4. Live the deposit – 1 Peter 4:10-11: use gifts “as good stewards of the manifold grace of God… so that in all things God may be glorified.” 5. Multiply the deposit – 2 Timothy 2:2: entrust truth “to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others also.” Traits of a Faithful Steward • Humble servanthood—“servants of Christ” precedes “stewards” (1 Corinthians 4:1). • Integrity—renouncing hidden shame (2 Corinthians 4:2). • Dependence on the Spirit—“it is required…that he be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2); faithfulness grows only by the Spirit’s power. • Urgency—time is short; the Master will return (Luke 12:43). • Accountability—“each will receive his praise from God” (1 Corinthians 4:5). Practical Avenues for Modern Believers • Daily Bible intake: stewarding begins with knowing the mysteries. • Clear, uncompromised gospel sharing: guarding means refusing dilution or distortion. • Teaching children and new believers: distributing the household’s food at the proper time. • Lifestyle that adorns doctrine: honesty, sexual purity, generosity—showing the mystery’s power. • Prayerful dependence: asking the Spirit to illumine truth and open doors (Colossians 4:3-4). • Wise use of spiritual gifts: administration, mercy, giving, exhortation—each expresses another facet of God’s manifold grace. Why This Stewardship Matters • God’s glory—His wisdom is put on display “through the church” (Ephesians 3:10). • The church’s health—truth guarded and shared prevents famine of the Word. • The world’s salvation—faith comes by hearing the mystery revealed in Christ. • Eternal reward—“Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so” (Luke 12:43). Walking Forward Hold Scripture as priceless treasure, handle it with reverent care, pass it on with joyful boldness, and look for the Master’s smile when He returns. |
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