“So, a man is to look upon us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this matter, moreover, it is required among the stewards that a person be found faithful” (I Corinthians 4:1-2)

Required (Def): (Gr.): Zeteitai from Zeteo: To seek, request, demand

When one is given the responsibility to be a caretaker, a fiduciary, a trustee, a steward, or administrator, there is a requirement placed upon them to be found faithfull in their position of trust.

Faithful (Def): (Gr.): Pistos from Peitho: Dependable, Trustworthy, One who inspires faith and trust

This Pistos is especially true of stewards.

Stewards (Def): (Gr.): Oikonomos from Oikos and Nomos: A House Manager, Overseer, Treasurer

Concerning Things Required of stewards handling, and being an overseer concerning the mysteries of God, it is essential that they be found faithful. Faithful to God, faithful to handle rightly the mysteries of God, not being deceitful, or false so as to lead into heresy, or error. As the Apostle warned:

“We have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God” (II Corinthians 4:2).

This is the manner concerning things required of us who minister in holy things, and there is no dispute the mysteries of God are these. James counsels us:

“My Brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater judgment” (James 3:1).

Indeed, we are required to be found faithful, and to be unfaithful in our stewardship will bring us into the judgment of the Righteous Judge in that Day.

Concerning things required in this regard, the Apostle kept his eyes fixed on the Lord and worried little concerning the judgments of men:

“For myself it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human tribunal; rather I do not even judge myself. For I know nothing against myself, yet I am not hereby justified; rather it is the Lord who judges me” (I Corinthians 4:3-4).

“Concerning things required it is essential that we have right motives and desires. The Apostle again gives us wise counsel:

“Quit judging anything before the proper time until the Lord comes who will bring to light the hidden things of the darkness and will reveal the motives of the hearts; and then the praise will come to each from God” (I Corinthians 4:5).

Concerning things required there is a demand for earnest seeking, for it is of first importance for us as stewards. Jesus said:

“Seek (Zeteo) first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

Stewardship over the things of God is a holy calling in the Lord, and the one thing He requires is faithfulness. In the oft quoted words of Jesus:

“His Lord said unto him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant, you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things, enter into the joy of your Lord'” (Matthew 25:23).

Concering things required we can clearly see that faithfulness is of utmost importance. Of course, the most faithful One is our Lord. The Apostle wrote:

“God is faithful by whom you were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (I Corinthians 1:9).

Brethren, let us be faithful in our stewardship and lay hold concerning things required of us. Let us diligently seek after them. Indeed, the demand has been placed upon us and we are accountable to fulfil them by His Grace. Faithful is He who called you, who also will perform it.

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