INTRODUCTION:
Ø Paul had reminded the Corinthians that they served a faithful God (1:9).
Ø He also declared that God can be depended on to be with them in any trial (10:13).
Ø He further encouraged them to be zealous with the assurance that their labor will not go unrewarded (15:58).
Ø Every believer is a minister of Christ and a steward of the mysteries of God (4:1).
o “Mysteries of God” = Truths that God has revealed through the Holy Spirit.
o Human reasoning or laboratory processes cannot discover them.
Ø “Steward” = manager, supervisor, administrator.
Ø The prerequisite to being a good steward is faithfulness.
o Not required to be brilliant—but FAITHFUL.
o Not required to be intelligent—but FAITHFUL.
o Not required to be articulate—but FAITHFUL.
o Not required to be literate—but FAITHFUL.
o Not required to be handsome—but FAITHFUL.
o Not required to be eloquent—but FAITHFUL.
Ø Faithfulness is the will of God for us and is possible.
BODY:
1. STEWARDS MUST BE FAITHFUL WITH THEIR TIME—ECCLESIASTES 3:1-8
a. Time to work.
b. Time to rest.
c. Time to serve.
2. STEWARDS MUST BE FAITHFUL WITH THEIR TALENTS—2 TIMOTHY 1:6
a. Our talents are gifts from God to be used for His glory.
b. Talents must not be exploited for self-advancement.
c. Every talent carries with it responsibility.
3. STEWARDS MUST BE FAITHFUL WITH THEIR TREASURES—MALACHI 3:8-10
a. It’s God who gives us the power to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18).
b. We must earn our money by honest and helpful means.
c. God requires that we share our income with His work.
4. STEWARDS MUST BE FAITHFUL IN THEIR TRIALS—1 PETER 4:12-16
a. Not all trials come form God—some come from selfishness, etc.
b. Our trials can make us bitter or better.
c. God makes all things work together for good (Romans 8:28).
5. STEWARDS MUST BE FAITHFUL IN THEIR TESTIMONY—1 PETER 3:15
a. We must use the language of our lips.
b. We must use the language of our lives.
CONCLUSION:
Ø It is not required to be intelligent, educated, clever, innovative or creative.
Ø It is required to be faithful.
