7 For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money,
as a steward of God,
The Greek word “steward” comes from two words: house and law. The idea is to rule the household on behalf of the master or owner. Stewards were usually slaves or slaves who became freemen. Although they were slaves, they had great authority; they were responsible for the children’s education, the household finances, the other slaves, and the overarching business associated with the family. A steward was to run the household on behalf of the owner.
The local church in this context is the household. The pastor is to run the church on behalf of God. The church is God’s family but He puts leaders in charge (1 Ti 3:5, 15).
PRINCIPLE:
The church is God’s house and the pastor is its steward.
APPLICATION:
Stewardship of God’s church is by divine appointment. A steward was also a householder who dispensed goods; here, the goods are the Word of God. A steward is someone entrusted with the responsibility of representing who and what God is.
1 Co 4: 1 Let 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.
1 Pe 4: 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Since the steward is responsible for running his master’s house, he is accountable for what happens under his economy. This is like a chef who prepares meals with a dietary prioritization. His meals must do more than taste good; they must be nutritious. A good meal has necessary vitamins and minerals. People cannot live on salt and vinegar; food itself gives them strength, not the condiments. Condiments simply make it taste better. A pastor must set forth God’s Word, which provides the nutriments necessary to grow spiritually.
