(1 Corinthians 4:1-5)…..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.
Paul considered himself (and others working in God’s kingdom) as nothing more than a servants in God’s Kingdom. He considered himself a servant…. A servant…..
- Of the church – (1 Corinthians 3:5-7) (Colossians 1:24-25)
- Of Jesus Christ – (Philippians 1:1)
- Of the gospel – (Ephesians 3:6-7)
Paul also considered himself (and others working in God’s kingdom) as nothing more than a stewards in God’s Kingdom. This is what Paul wanted himself and others working in God’s Kingdom to be considered as, ministers, and stewards. The word minister means one who executes the commands of his/her master, servant, attendant, under rower – bondservant – one who puts himself/herself voluntarily under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. The word steward means the management of a household or of household affairs, specifically the management or oversight, administration of another’s property.He had received a stewardship from God, in that he had been entrusted with the mysteries of God (gospel of Jesus Christ), to make it available to those who would hear. Again, this mystery – had been hidden for ages, but has now been revealed to His saints (us) (Colossians 1:24-27), to all nations (Romans 16:25-27).
How about us? Do we consider ourselves servants of God? Yes? No? We should! (Mark 10:42-44). Do we consider ourselves “stewards” of His gospel? That we have been entrusted with the riches of the gospel? That to be faithful we must share them with others? Let’s not forget, we have been saved to serve our Lord (Hebrews 9:11-14) (Hebrews 12:28). Jesus Himself did not come to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45) (John 13:12-17). What an honor for God to look upon us as “His servants.” Being a servant Christ involves…….
- Being obedient
A servant of Christ knows no law but his Master’s Word. He has no rights of his own, he is the absolute possession of his master. Does this describe your relationship to Christ (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)?
2. Being Humble
When we have a humble opinion of ourselves we are receptive to the idea of complete obedience to our Master. Notice, Paul’s self-estimation (1 Corinthians 15:9-10)(Ephesians 3:8-9). Does this describe your relationship to Christ and His Will? Jesus said it should (Luke 17:5-10)! If we murmur or complain about what Jesus tells us to do, can we really be considered servants?
3. Being Loyal
A servant of Christ is concerned only with what pleases His Master (Galatians 1:9-10). It is amazing how we can claim to be servants of the Lord Jesus Christ all while refusing to obey what His Word tells us to do. Through His grace, He has given us salvation, how awful it is for any of us not to serve Him with grateful appreciation.