"Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful."
1 Corinthians 4:2
“Moreover it is required in stewards,”
One of the primary lessons we believers need to learn is that we own nothing, and God owns everything. He is our Master, and we are His “servants/slaves.” In Bible times the steward owned nothing, but he cared for everything that the master owned. He was a most trusted member of the household. If a steward were greedy and dishonest without integrity, he surely would not be a steward long. You see, there is a requirement for all stewards. The Greek word Paul used for “required” is a word that literally means, “it is sought for.”[1] What is the quality that is “sought for” in a steward? It is this,
“That a man be found faithful.”
Even lost people of the world understand, that, “in this world, moreover, it is customary to make diligent inquiry for a trustworthy man.”[2] A “faithful man” is needed as a steward.
“Eminently in that office fidelity is required as an indispensable and cardinal virtue. Fidelity to the master, faithfulness to his trust, as the virtue which by way of eminence is demanded there” (Barnes).
To be a steward is to hold an office of trust. The master must have complete confidence in His steward for everything he owns is given into the hand of the steward for his protection and correct usage.
Paul was not a steward for a wealthy landowner, but he freely acknowledged his stewardship to God.
“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Corinthians 4:1).
Paul used the word that was translated as “ministers” here to describe himself and the other apostles. He says they are servants. In fact, the word he uses isn’t the usual word for a slave (doulos) but is the word that means “an under-rower, subordinate rower”[3] (Thayer).
The last place on a Roman galley that you wanted to serve is as an under-rower. It was the lowest level of oarsmen, underneath the other rowers, a place of danger and unthinkable filth. And yet, this is how Paul describes himself, as a low servant. He wasn’t in it for self-glory, but for God’s glory. Unfortunately, the Corinthians didn’t seem to understand this of Paul or trust him, but still, he remained their under-rower. He cleaned up several of the messes they made in the church at Corinth.
Believers, God would have us to love and serve one another. Would you serve Him by serving others? The Lord wants your service, and your church needs you. Will you be a faithful steward for Him?
[1] M.R. Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament, the electronic version in eSword.
[2] Cambridge Bible, the electronic version in eSword.
[3] J.H. Thayer. Thayer’s Greek Definitions, the electronic version in eSword.