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Servants and Stewards - 1Corinthians 4
Servants and Stewards - 1Corinthians 4
"This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful" (1 Corinthians 4:1–2).
In this beginning of chapter 4, Paul recognized two important aspects of his relationship to Jesus: he was a servant of Christ, and he was a steward of the mysteries of God. The concept of being a servant of Christ permeates the writing of the New Testament. The writers often began their letters by identifying themselves as servants. Paul did (Phil. 1:1); James did (James 1:1); Peter did (2Pet. 1:1); Jude did (Jude 1:1). We serve the Lord our God (Matt. 4:10, 1Thess. 1:9). We are called to serve Jesus (John 12:26). We are taught to serve one another (Gal. 5:13). Jesus said that the greatest among us would be he that serves (Matt. 23:11; Luke 22:26).
Paul also identified himself as a 'steward of the mysteries of God'. These mysteries he has spoken of as the 'things of God' that were now revealed unto the apostles and prophets by the Spirit. To be a steward is to take care of and watch over the things of another. In this case it is the very message of God. How one handles the word of God is the measure of the faithfulness of his stewardship. Changing, adding to, or not declaring the whole of the message is to be unfaithful in stewardship.
Paul then instructs believers to imitate him: "I urge you, then, be imitators of me" (1 Corinthians 4:16). Let us be faithful stewards of God's message and diligent servants of our Lord.
Hugh DeLong
