August 06, 2019

BIBLE READING: I Corinthians 4

1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

In the next verse of this passage, Paul makes it clear that it is not nearly as important to him what men think about him, as it was to Paul what God thinks about him. I agree with that one hundred percent. But did you notice in verse one, he says “let a man so account of us”. This means Paul said that he was accountable to men. Paul says it is important that others see our life and faithfulness to the Lord. It is much more important what God thinks than what men think, but that doesn’t mean that it is not important to have a good testimony with others.

Notice what Paul describes as the responsibilities we have as followers of Christ:

1. WE ARE TO BE SERVANTS
“Ministers” is the word Paul uses here. This word literally means a servant. We are to be servants of Christ. We are not here to sulk in our misfortunes, or savor the good life, we are here to serve Christ.

2. WE ARE TO BE STEWARDS
We have a responsibility to be caretakers of the gospel. We are not just to handle it correctly, but to use it wisely. It has been entrusted to us, so we are to honor God with it. We are not owners, we are stewards. God is the owner and creator. Everything in our life we have because of Christ. Nothing in our life is ours to do with as we please. We are to be stewards of everything that God has given.

3. WE ARE TO BE STABLE
Paul says this is the most important thing in his life as a steward. Above all else, to be faithful. This means to be consistent, stable, and able to be counted on. The most important thing is not our ability, or talent, or resources. God says the most important thing is to be faithful. I encourage you to be “stable” today. Remember this verse:

* James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.