Stewards of the Mysteries of God

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INTRODUCTION: A steward is one who is put in charge of something that does not belong to him. See Luke 16:1-7.

I.         HIS ACCOUNTING (4:1)

A.     As the Ministers of Christ (1Corinthians 3:5-7; 2Corinthians 4:5)

B.     As Stewards of the Mysteries of God (Titus 1:7; 1Peter 4:10)

II.      HIS REQUIREMENT (4:2): Faithfulness

A.     The Need for Faithfulness (Psalm 12:1; Proverbs 20:6)

B.     The Example for Faithfulness (Lamentations 3:23; 2Thessalonians 3:3)

C.     The Work of Faithfulness (Matthew 24:45; Luke 16:10-12)

D.     The Blessings for Faithfulness (Proverbs 28:20; Matthew 25:21)

III.   HIS JUDGMENT (4:3-4)

A.     Not of Men (4:3)

B.     Not of Himself (4:3-4)

C.     But of God (4:4)

IV.  HIS PRAISE (4:5)

A.     Judge Nothing Before the Time 

B.     God will Judge All When He Comes

1.      The hidden things of darkness

2.      The counsels of the heart

C.     Then All Men Will Have Their Praise in God

V.     HIS HUMILITY (4:6-7)

A.     By Application to Paul and Apollos (4:6)

1.      Learn not to think of men above that which is written

2.      Do not be puffed up one against another

B.     By Understanding the Gifts of God (4:7)

1.      Our differences come from God

2.      Our gifts come from God

3.      No cause to glory in self

CONCLUSION: My earthly father used the gifts given to him by God and though he was a very common man; he left a very uncommon heritage. What are you doing with what God has given you?