A Clay Jar

Encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. (1 Thess. 2:12 NIV)

Being a Trusted Steward

1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Published on:

Last Updated on:

This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.

1 Corinthians 4:1-5 NIV

While Paul is talking here about himself and the other apostles, I believe this passage is very applicable to all of us who profess to follow Jesus as our Lord. He is my master, and I am his servant. It is too easy to forget that and assume a more familiar relationship. And indeed, Jesus does call us his friends. But the relationship is not what I have with a buddy. He is still Lord and God, and I need to live in obedience to him.

Trusted Stewards

As a servant, Paul had been entrusted with the mysteries of God. The wording here is that of a steward, a trusted servant who is given responsibility for some part of the master’s belongings. I have not been entrusted with the mysteries of God as Paul had But I have nonetheless been entrusted with a task by God. As have each of us who serve him. I have been entrusted with faithfully representing God in this world, as well as training other believers in His word. Others of you have been entrusted with other tasks. Tasks that help to build up the body of Christ.

But, all who have been entrusted must prove faithful, and will give an answer to the Master at the end; see the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. In the passage above, Paul makes it clear that the judgment of others on my stewardship doesn’t matter. Nor does it ultimately matter how I judge my performance, although it would be good for me to have a clear conscience concerning it. The judgment that ultimately matters is what comes from the one who assigned me the task.

Do Your Best

In whatever God has entrusted you with, do your best to present yourself to him as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed.  And one who looks forward to hearing his master say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Additional Related Posts

If you have found value in this post, please consider sharing it with your friends.

Subscribe to A Clay Jar

If you have found value in this post, please consider subscribing to A Clay Jar so that you don't miss any other posts. 

Ed Jarrett

Just an old clay jar that God continues to see fit to use in his kingdom's work. I am retired, married with 2 children, and 4 grandchildren. I have followed Jesus for many years. And I love to share what He has given me from His word.

A Note to Readers

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.

2 thoughts on “Being a Trusted Steward – 1 Corinthians 4:1-5”

  1. Hello, I am a new subscriber, this message was right on time for me. The Lord is my Master and I am his servant, have to remember this daily.

    Thank you for what you do, I am enjoying the teachings.

    Alison

    Reply

Leave a Comment