Author: Rev. Lek Aik Wee

This word “faithful” is the word that describes persons trusting, believing, full of faith. In the passive, it describes one who is trustworthy, steadfast, faithful, dependable and reliable. One who can be entrusted with a task. It is the opposite of one who is dishonest. “Such a steward would be worthless if the master of the house had to be constantly looking over his shoulder to see if he was doing things right or to make sure he wasn’t embezzling money… while the context speaks specifically of “full-time ministers”, such as Paul and his co-workers, the clear application is to every Christian” (A Word for the Day, J.D. Watson). “Faithfulness” is the criteria for all who serves their Master Jesus Christ in God’s vineyard.

The Apostle Paul speaks of the Apostles and other teachers entrusted by God with spiritual authority as ministers of the gospel, as stewards or ministers of the gospel (1Corinthians 4:1; Titus 1:7; 1Peter 4:10), given spiritual oversight of the church. This word is used in the same way in two other places in the New Testament. The Apostle Peter uses the word “steward” to describe all Christians given spiritual gifts to use them edify members of the God’s household, the church.

A steward is entrusted great responsibilities in ancient times. The steward is held responsible for his master’s possessions and therefore he has to periodically give an account of his stewardship. He is a holder of a commission in the service of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 4:1; Titus 1:7; 1 Peter 4:10) [The New Analytical Greek Lexicon; W. J. Perschbacher] We observe the stewardship of Joseph as a servant of Pharaoh. He served with distinction his master to fulfill God’s purpose.

Indeed, it is a blessing to be a steward of the gospel. May God help His servants to know the Master’s will and do it well. Amen.

The faithful minister of Christ is a diligent servant serving his Master who knows his lowly or humble position and accepts it as his calling in life. We may apply this to all who serves the Lord, not necessary just in the Word although the context refers to preachers of the gospel.

Who is s steward? He is a diligent and Unprivileged Server (v1a), caring for the Master’s possessions (v1b). The Apostle Paul was called by Christ and sent by Christ to preach the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15-16; 22:14-16). He calls himself and his fellow-workers (1) “Ministers of Christ” and (2) “stewards of the mysteries of God”. The steward’s role stipulated for our learning in verse 1 “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.” Two-word pictures are given here “ministers” and “stewards” to help us understand the position/disposition of the steward.

The Apostle Paul tells us the godly qualities to look out for in God’s servants. The word “minister” has the basic meaning one who acts under orders of another to carry out his will, an assistant or helper. In our text, it refers to those who work with Christ to accomplish His purposes – a trusted servant or minister. Just as Joshua was an assistant to Moses and Timothy was an assistant to Paul.

The church is united in Christ. Christ is sent by God the Father to save men from their sins and to prepare them for eternity in heaven. When men try to divide the church by rising factions, the Apostle Paul, the mission of the church is compromised.

The Apostle Paul tells us that we belong to Christ. He alone is Master, not any earthly person whether it’s Paul, Apollos or Peter. In fact, we are bought by Him at a price. Jesus Christ paid the ransom for our sins by His life and death! He alone, both divinely God and fully man, is the mediator between God and man. We owe our salvation to Him. We are to serve Him for all that He has given us on earth and in heaven.