RD 101 - Stewardship

By Jack Eberle

“Let a man so account of us, as the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.  Moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (I Cor. 4:1-2 KJV).

Our Lord was set as the prime example for His sacrifice on the cross. He was faithful unto death that we might live for Him. Isaiah says He set His face as a flint. Is. 50:1-7. The principle of His “faithfulness” is well reported in The Scriptures, His consistency, mercy, devotion to purpose, steadfastness. He would not succumb to the wiles of Satan, though hungry and weak. He died only after speaking the epochal words, “It is finished.” No one ever started and finished a job like Jesus Christ, the Saviour of mankind did. His aim was accomplished in the salvation of countless numbers of believers through the ages.

“THEREFORE, My beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of The Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in The Lord” (I Cor.15:58). That “therefore” is huge. It encompasses the being and persons of The Godhead. It transcends the sphere and reaches to endless expanse. It plumbs the very purposes, plans, and heart of God.

Believe His Word and carry it. No other quest is greater. The steward is thus divinely privileged to please the almighty One. Would you wear the mantle of the steward of “the mysteries of God”? Would you walk in the steps of the devoted Paul and His Master, The Loving Saviour?

“There is one body, and one spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God, and Father of all…” (Eph. 4:4-6).

The message is clear. The Saviour was unequivocal. His apostle of the mystery was unwavering, though an apostle in flesh. “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake” (Phil.1:29).

Paul was a steward of the mysteries of God. In the Ephesian letter, two mysteries are spoken of: The Mystery of Christ, and simply, The Mystery. The latter is included in the former. After Acts 28:28 and the Damascus road experience, Paul carried “The Mystery” to new lands by the direction of The Holy Spirit. Eph. 3:9 speaks of “the mystery” as hidden in God until its revelation to Paul. He is to make all see. Even those beings of the heavenlies will behold His “manifold wisdom” (Eph. 3:10). Col. 1:25 indicates that this message of Paul completes The Holy Word. Eph. speaks of “…the dispensation of the fullness of times…” as the age in which Paul and his followers must work.