Faithful Stewardship

1 Corinthians 4:1-21

"Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful."
1 Corinthians 4:2.

A steward is the administrator of someone else's estate. All Christians are stewards in that we are managers of all gifts that God has bestowed upon us. We are responsible to Him. The very thought of stewardship should humble us before the Lord. All that we have comes from Him. Paul asked the proud Corinthian believers, "What do you have that you did not receive?" 1 Corinthians 4:7. God has given us the gifts of time, talents, treasures, and truth. Are we faithful in the use of these things?

Everywhere that the apostle Paul went others had an opinion of him. He had a polarizing effect upon people. They either loved him or hated him. The latter looked upon him "as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things." 1 Corinthians 4:13. He was called a liar and a lunatic. Yet Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court." What others think about us in the administration of our God-given responsibilities should also mean very little to us.

Paul did not even place a high premium on his personal evaluation of himself. When he examined himself, he found nothing between him and the Lord. But that didn't necessarily mean that everything was fine and dandy. He said, "In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord."

We shall all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. Judgment will be withheld "until the Lord comes." He will judge us in righteousness. For some of us it will be a time of embarrassment, as He will "bring to light the hidden things of darkness." Are there any skeletons in our closet? He will also "reveal the counsels (or motives) of the heart." Why do we do what we do? Do we seek the favor of others more than the favor of God?

The Lord has different expectations from each of us, depending upon the gifts that He has freely given. He doesn't expect fish to fly, or birds to swim. He doesn't expect more from us that what we are capable of doing. What God is looking for in each of us in the execution of our stewardship before Him may be summarized in one word...faithfulness. It is better to be faithful to Him than famous. God rewards faithfulness. What would be more rewarding than hearing Him say to you, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23.

Father, thank You for Your gifts to us. Guide us by Your Spirit in the administration of our responsibilities. Grant that we may be found faithful stewards. In Jesus' name. Amen!

Sexual Immorality - 1 Corinthians 5

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