“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:1–2 (ESV)
If you want to see our journey into this topic look up September’s Messenger.
“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” In the day of judgment we will be evaluated on our faithfulness. Are you faithful in your responsibility as a steward of the mysteries of God?
The adj. πιστός occurs more than 65× in the NT, esp. in 1 Timothy (11×) and Revelation (8×). It usually has the pass. sense “faithful, trustworthy, dependable” (of God, 1 Cor 1:9; of human beings, 4:2; of statements, 1 Tim 1:15), but the act. sense “trusting, believing” is common also (1 Pet 1:21; as a subst., “believer,” i.e., Christian, Acts 16:1), though in some cases the decision between “faithful” and “believing” is difficult. (see: NIDNTTE)
The Hebrew understanding of faithful is found in :
To sum up, it may be said that the אמן word group describes a living act of trust, and also the dimension of human existence in a historical situation. The terms do not step outside the realm of the personal. Special stress is laid on the future goal. The past was the starting point but not the goal of trust. The whole emphasis falls on overcoming the opp. of the ungodly and the realization of the divine purpose (see: NIDNTTE)
So I ask the question this way, are you reliable for God to accomplish His goal through you in the future? Are you being used by God today to accomplish His will for tomorrow? For this to be real I must first be in agreement with God. To be in agreement I must know His will, His ways and His wants. To know means that I fully understand and apply all that He has shared with me. Next it is required for agreement that I am actively and intentionally engaged in moving in the same direction as my Lord. We are on the same path, at the same pace, for the same purpose. Then I would ask do you have any disagreements with our Lord? Disagreements reveal the fracture of intimacy which will be fatal to ultimate faithfulness.
If you look at faithful in the dictionary, Merriam Webster defines it this way
2: steadfast in affection or allegiance :loyal a faithful friend
3: firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty :conscientious a faithful employee
4: given with strong assurance :binding a faithful promise
5: true to the facts, to a standard, or to an original a faithful copy
Apply these characteristics to your life. Are you steadfast in affection or allegiance to Jesus Christ? Every day in every way does your life demonstrate allegiance to Jesus? Every word, every action and even desire consistent with that assertion. The problem here is sin. I say my allegiance is to Christ but I do things (sin) that dishonor Him. So I need to ask myself is my real allegiance to myself (lusts of flesh, lust of the eyes and pride of life) or to Jesus Christ?
Are you firm in adherence to His promises or in observance of duty? Unbelief, doubt and disobedience all raise their ugly heads at this point. Simple question, does my whole life demonstrate that adherence to Christ?
Do you possesses a strong assurance of His love for you, His purpose for you and His provision for you. Here’s the Apostle Paul’s assurance, Romans 8:38–39 (ESV) “38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Is this your assurance as well? Are you fully convinced?
Faithful stewardship is that living act of trust by which I choose to live in fellowship and obedience to God through Christ, under the power of the Holy Spirit so that God’s purpose is fulfilled in my life. I am dependable in every aspect of my walk with Christ.
Lord, please make this so for each of us, every day.