Stewardship

By Rev. Barbara Falana |  

STEWARDSHIP & GOD'S PROVISION

The life of every believer and follower of Jesus Christ begins by hearing the “word” by God’s own design and will. Romans 10:14-17 (paraphrased) denotes, “how then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? . . . So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Proclamation of God’s word is then indeed necessary and ordained.

From the perspective of a minister, the responsibility of men and women called to carry the gospel of Jesus Christ is great and figuratively speaking, is a type of “stewardship”. A “steward” simply means to oversee or manage another’s affairs or household (Greek terms: epitropos = manager or oikonomos = overseer). Stewardship is commonly acknowledged in different denominations of Christian fellowship to oversee the business of the church or of assigned responsibilities in support of the pastor/congregation. However, for the minister (prophet, pastor, teacher), the term “steward” means: God as the owner and creator of the word, has allowed a chosen vessel/person the privilege by entrusting His property (holy word) to be overseen just as He himself would do. The Apostle Paul stated, “let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful, 1 Corinthians 4:1-2. In the epistle written to Titus from Paul, the value placed upon stewardship for leaders requires much diligence and accountability at all times when overseeing the affairs of the church, Titus 1:7 - For a bishop (elder), must be blameless as the steward of God.

With every call to ministry comes a significant requirement to obtain wisdom and knowledge in the word. Paul admonished his son of the gospel, Timothy, to: “study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 Again, the responsibility and standard of accountability to correctly administer God’s word was taught and expected. In essence, God’s word and infallible truth must be accurate. At the beginning of Chapter 2 of Timothy, Paul speaks on the importance of duplicating the same or unchanged truth for others to follow, “thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 2 Tim 2:1-2 Ministers are to lead by example, actively living/walking a genuine and sincere lifestyle before God and His people as Paul instructed, 1 Timothy 4:12 - Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Shepherds (pastors, overseers) in particular, should model or practice what they preach with humility and not with an iron fist 1 Peter 5:2-3. Over the years, I too

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discovered it was not “the call” to carry the word to the uttermost parts of the earth that I should be most concerned with, but more important was learning how and ensuring that God’s word was properly handled and rightly divide/interpret in context at all times to His people.

Why is “stewardship” and the provision of the “word of God” so important? St. John Chapter 1:1 tells us, “in the beginning was the Word and the Word was God; And he became flesh and dwelt among us.” The word has always existed and is eternal providing the keys to kingdom truths and as light to show the way in all things, Psalms 119:105 “Thy Word is a “lamp” unto my feet and a light unto my path.” God has so graciously made provision of his Word to give us direction and knowledge, to help us avoid dangers and see consequences that befell others who were disobedient to him, to enlighten us on life issues and problems, and to help us understand His plans for our future. Simply stated, the word of God is “omni” or all, it is inclusive and infinite without limitations for the strength and help of all believers of Christ. Furthermore, we are forewarned through scriptures to be aware of “false prophets and teachers,” [1 John 4:1; 2 Peter 2:1; Mark 13:22; Matthew 24:24; Matthew 24:11; Matthew 7:15] and to avoid being tossed or pulled by “wind of doctrines,” . . .by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive Ephesians 4:14.

For those who are in ministry, the hour is at hand to meet the ongoing challenge to be faithful, remain faithful and true in the study and presentation of the word. With the times of the signs we see occurring before our eyes (wars and rumors of wars); the truth of God must go forth amidst the turmoil, terrorism and propaganda that is on the rise. While the minister of the gospel has been given the greater responsibility in “stewardship” with the word, every believer must strive to be knowledgeable, take heed and actively read the word of God for themselves and grow in grace to bring testimony and hope to others. Let us not forget these words, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Matthew 24:35

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