Stewards of the Gospel

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:1-13

The apostle Paul talks about many mysteries in his epistles.  They are not whodunit mysteries, as we might think; instead, they are hidden truths revealed or made plain since then.  

The good news of salvation to the world through Christ's death and resurrection (Ephesians 6:19; Colossians 4:3).  The Mystery of Christ in us (Colossians 1:26–27).  The Old Testament saints knew God was present among His people; now, through Christ, He dwells within His people.  Jews and Gentiles are united in one spiritual body, the Church, with equal access to God through Christ (Ephesians 3:3–6).  The rapture of believers at Christ's return, the dead raised, and the living transformed (1 Corinthians 15:51–52).  The Kingdom of God is not merely in the future but is present in every believer's heart through the Spirit (Colossians 1:13; Romans 14:17).  

These are some of the mysteries Paul talks about.

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 4:1, "Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God." Servants had no unique position in a household, but stewards did.  A steward was also a slave, but he administered all the affairs of his master’s household.  Joseph held such a position in Potiphar’s household (Genesis 39:2-19). 

Paul viewed himself and all believers as stewards—caretakers of truths once hidden but now revealed through Jesus Christ.  Not only the mysteries of the Gospel but also our families, jobs, businesses, education, talents, and training have been given to us by God (1 Corinthians 4:7).  We do not have anything that has not been given to us!  As stewards, we manage what God owns: time, talents, treasures, or truth.

As stewards of the Gospel, we have been entrusted with the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ.  Paul says in 1 Timothy 1:11 that the glorious Gospel of the blessed God was committed to his trust.  Stewardship demands faithfulness, not popularity (1 Corinthians 4:2).  As a steward, he was not to worry about the evaluation of the people around him or even his own self-assessment.  He was answerable only to the master!

So, what is the challenge for us today?

The Gospel is not meant to be hidden.  The truths of the Bible are not for a few.  As in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14–30), we must invest what has been given, sharing it so it multiplies in the lives of others.  Every believer is called to be a witness, making Christ known through word and deed.

My friend, as stewards, our duty is to proclaim the Gospel truthfully and courageously, without distortion or compromise, even when it is unpopular or costly.  

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to live a life that reveals You to the world. Amen.