“Of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God.”
“according to the stewardship from God”
God had a stake in Paul and made a deposit with him. 1 Corinthians 2 says that he was a steward,
1 Co 2:1-2, “1Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”
We need not be famous, simply faithful.
“For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship” (1 Cor. 9:16,17).
The word “stewardship” means dispensation. Paul became a minister by the dispensation of God.
“But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts” (1 Thes 2:4).
God entrusts the gospel to human beings, and he will reward us in eternity for faithful service.
Principle:
God has a stake in our ministry.
Application:
Are you faithful to the “stewardship” God has given you? God has never asked us to become great. He only asks that we be faithful to the ministry he has given us.
