“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.” – 1 Corinthians 4:1
Stewardship in this verse has nothing to do with money. It has everything to do with God’s mysteries revealed to Paul.
Paul writes that “a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me” (1 Cor 9:17), and that he is commissioned “to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery” (Eph 3:9).
These mysteries concern the Lord Jesus Christ and his operation in the world today: the gospel of Christ, Christ in you, and the new creature called the Body of Christ.
Paul talks about the Lord Jesus Christ more than any other writer of scripture. He also mentions the “mystery” more than any other. This is because he was a faithful steward of the mystery of Christ.
“Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ…” – Ephesians 3:4
Many do not know the mystery nor Paul’s stewardship. They think their stewardship, commission, gospel, and instructions come from the red letters of the Bible, or in the letters of the twelve apostles (Hebrews-Revelation).
Ignorance of the mystery of Christ has kept the church under the law, thinking they are Israel, trying to build a kingdom for long enough.
According to the mystery, Paul has the liberty to stand apart from the judgment of his Jewish kinsmen, apart from the law, and complete in Christ. So do we.
Every generation requires new stewards to hold fast to the mysteries. If we are ministers of Christ, we are all stewards of that which was given to Paul.
Can you be counted a steward of the mysteries of God? Do you know the mystery of Christ? Are you involved in making all men see the fellowship of the mystery?
Paul prayed that he would speak boldly about the mystery.
“[Pray] for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel…” – Ephesians 6:19
He knew the importance of being a steward of the mysteries, and prayed for what was most required in stewards when faced with peer pressure from religious people to be silent: faithfulness.
“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” – 1 Corinthians 4:2
Will you be a faithful steward of the mysteries even when it is more convenient to be silent in order to gain a larger crowd, to avoid controversy, or to use the law as a crutch and cane?
If so, stand and be counted.
Article Index Published: January 2, 2016
Last Modified: November 30, 2019