1 Corinthians 4:1
¹Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.²Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
To minister to the Lord, means to draw near to God, to worship Him and to bring Him joy and pleasure. It is to do something for His benefit and pleasure. And what is God’s pleasure concerning man? He wills that none should perish but all come to repentance
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
To minister also means to perform acts of service to others. I find that most people have gotten it wrong by assuming that ministry is only on the pulpit…God did not call all of us to be on the pulpit, He called us to serve in the various places that He has placed us; be it our homes, workplaces, businesses…that is where your pulpit is. Preach the gospel in the various places that God has entrusted you with.
What really stands out for me in these verses is that God chose me to be a steward of His mysteries…many want to see the things that we say we see, to hear God speak directly to you but are blocked…what an honor, what a privilege that God found us worthy!!!
Luke 10:23-24
And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:²⁴For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
Verse 2 of our opening scripture reminds us of characteristic of a good steward…Faithfulness meaning you tell the truth which is the word of God and also stand for the truth, you are not to be swayed by any doctrine besides that of Christ. Stand by the word of God in your everyday life.
2 Corinthians 3:5
⁵Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;⁶Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
We cannot say we are capable enough to carry out this assignment (broken vessels that we are) no, it’s God that grants us the strength to do what we do. It is Him that qualifies us and makes us adequate ministers. It is Him that gives us the words that we must speak, we are simply vessels .
Luke 21:15
For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
Numbers 16:9
Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?
Furthermore let us not take the office that God has given unto us lightly. He could have chosen anyone else (for many are called but a few are chosen) yet it is you He knew would execute His will perfectly. Win souls for the kingdom, God is counting on you.
Prophetic Utterance:
I am found faithful in the stewardship of the mysteries of God
I am running this race to completion; I will not stop halfway
My sufficiency is of God and not of myself
God’s doctrine continues to fall on me like dew.
Halleluya!!
Guiding text:
2 Chronicles 29:11
My sons, be not now negligent: for the LORD hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense.
Ephesians 3:7
Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.