“Stewards”: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, by CountrySlicker

¹ Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. ² Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. ³ But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court.  In fact, I do not even judge myself. ⁴ For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. ⁵ Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.  (1 Corinthians 4:1-5)

Do you consider yourself a steward?

The word “steward” here is translated from the Greek word “oikonomos” which indicates a steward, manager, superintendent (whether free-born or as was usually the case, a freed-man or a slave) to whom the head of the house or proprietor has intrusted the management of his affairs, the care of receipts and expenditures, and the duty of dealing out the proper portion to every servant and even to the children not yet of age.

Specifically, Paul writes that the Corinthians should consider him as a “steward of the mysteries of God”.  The mysteries of God that Paul is referring to are the secret counsels which govern God in dealing with the righteous, which are hidden from ungodly and wicked men but plain to the godly.  Part of growing as a Christian is to learn about the relationship between God and yourself (man) as a new, adopted member of His family.  As an unbeliever, we were outside of the family of God.  In fact, we were enemies of God as we were serving another master.  However, upon accepting Christ as our savior and committing our life to God, we have been brought into His family as sons and daughters.

To the Ephesians, Paul wrote “¹⁹ Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, ²⁰ having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, ²¹ in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, ²² in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22)  Notice here that Paul says that we “are being built together”.  We do not obtain full knowledge of all things of God on the day that we are save.  It is a process as we go from a self-serving life to a life dedicated to serving God, our Father and Creator.  These mysteries of God were hidden from the unbeliever.  The unbeliever is only capable of understanding the way of the world.  Once they dedicate their lives to God, they come into the household of God, those things that were once a mystery begin to be revealed.  As Paul explains it to the Ephesians… “for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light”. (Ephesians 5:8)  Where the unbeliever walks in darkness (a limited understanding) the believer now is able to walk in the light (with full access to the knowledge of heaven and earth).

Unfortunately, many Christians choose to continue walking as if in darkness.  They want the rewards that come with being a part of the household of God (eternal salvation, forgiveness of sins, heavenly blessings, etc.) while still living the life that coincides with the world (self-serving, fleshly, counter to the image of Christ, etc.).  This is the challenge that Paul is facing with the Corinthians.  The Corinthians have determined to be content with accepting their place in the household of God, but are unwilling to grow in the knowledge and responsibility that comes with this new relationship.

As a result, Paul is encouraging them to view him as a steward.  In essence, Paul is saying “I have much to share with you that you do not know.  There is so much available to you that you are unaware of as new Christians and it is my responsibility to teach you these things.”  Paul feels a burden for teaching others, not just the Corinthians but also the Ephesians and everyone that he encounters.  Paul recognizes that God places a responsibility upon us to share with others what has been revealed to us.  He acknowledges this in verses 3-4 as he makes it known that how he is judged by others is of little consequence to him.  In fact, Paul declares that he is not able to judge himself.  As a steward, Paul is not accountable to others or even himself.  He is accountable only to the head of the household… God himself.

Clarke comments that “The steward… was the master’s deputy in regulating the concerns of the family, providing food for the household, seeing it served out at proper times and seasons, and in proper quantities. He received all the cash, expended what was necessary for the support of the family, and kept exact accounts, for which he was obliged at certain times to lay before the master.”

Many individuals compromise their Christian walk in the process of seeking praise from others.  This worldly praise is of no eternal value.  As a Christian and a steward of God, we are accountable to God.  A time will come when we too will have to give account for how we have distributed the treasure that was entrusted to us.  If we have been good stewards, representing Christ and distributing the mysteries of God to all of those that we encounter, we will receive praise from God.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Mathew 6:33)

As a good steward of God, may you seek opportunities to freely and generously share the love, mercy, and grace that you received from God with those around you that they may grow in their relationship with Jesus.

God Bless,

CountrySlicker