Topical Encyclopedia
In the New Testament, the term "stewards of God" is used to describe those who are entrusted with the responsibilities of managing and overseeing the affairs of God's household, which is the Church. This concept is deeply rooted in the understanding that ministers are not owners but caretakers of the divine mysteries and resources entrusted to them by God.
The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently employs the imagery of stewardship to convey the responsibilities of church leaders. In
1 Corinthians 4:1-2 , Paul writes, "So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful." Here, Paul emphasizes the necessity of faithfulness in those who serve as stewards, highlighting their role in managing the spiritual truths and teachings of the Gospel.
The role of a steward is further elaborated in
Titus 1:7 , where Paul instructs, "As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money." This passage outlines the moral and ethical qualifications expected of those who serve as stewards, underscoring the importance of integrity and self-control.
The concept of stewardship extends beyond mere management to include the nurturing and edification of the Church. In
1 Peter 4:10 , the apostle Peter exhorts believers, "As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another." This verse broadens the scope of stewardship to encompass the use of spiritual gifts for the benefit of the community, reinforcing the idea that ministers are to serve others selflessly.
The parable of the faithful and wise steward in
Luke 12:42-44 further illustrates the expectations placed upon those who are entrusted with God's work: "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master will put in charge of his servants to give them their portion at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions." This parable highlights the reward for diligence and faithfulness in stewardship, as well as the accountability that comes with such a role.
In summary, the title "Stewards of God" encapsulates the essence of ministerial duty within the Christian Church. It conveys a profound sense of responsibility, accountability, and service, rooted in the understanding that ministers are caretakers of God's household, called to faithfully manage the spiritual and material resources entrusted to them for the glory of God and the edification of His people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Titus 1:7For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
1 Cor. Iii. 18, 19
... we have been counted worthy to be His ministers in this ... be called saviour, benefactor,
defender, (the very names of God ... a fancy for any of these titles, but the ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily x 1 cor iii.htm
Motives to the Oversight of the Flock
... but the appendage of the work Is it names and honor ... and his Church, and never think
of titles and reputation ... The ministers of England, I am sure, may know this ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 3 motives to.htm
English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... in the books of the Kings, the names and books of ... although they be set out with goodly
titles, as though ... as if God himself should by his ministers exhort the ...
/.../english version of the second.htm
The Institution of Deacons, and the History of Stephen.
... persons in the higher ranks, whose names would reflect ... source, by the medium of its
ministers and rulers ... to certain persons, bearing such titles, and exercising ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture viii the institution of.htm
Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... what will become of its liberty, its endurance, its thought of God, particularly
since ... be does not go to meet the wants of life, but are ministers to vicious ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm
Letter Lii. To Nepotian.
... of those wives and concubines whose names the Scripture ... case the bishop combines
in himself many titles to your ... Yet to the choice of Christ's ministers no heed ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lii to nepotian.htm
Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... 138]321; not by witchcraft, [139]322; were ministers of reconciliation ... 440]173;
addresses God by various titles, why, [441 ... 463]324; called by such names as would ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm
Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... porch of the temple, and they had names given them ... What now are all other titles
of grandeur and ... Lamb's wife; and prophets, apostles, and ministers, &c., are ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm
Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... They were themselves stewards of the chase; what they would ... this is what they refer
to under other names. ... he had been a statue, while his ministers stood around ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm
The Evangelical Revival.
... reluctance to speak ill of her ministers,[709] and ... of that power which the providence
of God cast upon ... my care; of choosing and removing stewards, of receiving ...
/.../chapter ix the evangelical revival.htm
Resources
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