Following Jesus 71

How are Followers of Jesus to conduct Ministry? 1 Corinthians 4:1-2. “This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”

 

Followers of Jesus are to conduct ministry as servants. Vs. 1a. “This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ…” The point of view that needs to be stressed by those doing ministry, and those receiving the same, is that ministers are to be regarded as servants: not rock stars.

 

This perspective is a command. The point of view of the church is that those who do ministry are servants. The word for servants is one of the three we have already examined: ὑπηρέτης; which literally means an under rower in a boat or ship; a subordinate acting under another’s direction. A servant in relationship to his/her superior.

 

Luke 4:20. And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him.

 

Acts 13:1-5. Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off. So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them. (Acts 13:1-5 ESV)

 

Secondly, followers of Jesus are to conduct ministry as stewards. Vs. 1b. “…and stewards of the mysteries of God.”

 

A steward (οἰκονόμος) is a manager of a household or an administrator. A steward is one who has the authority and responsibility for something—‘one who is in charge of, one who is responsible for, administrator, manager.’

 

Within this context, the responsibility stewards of God have is for the mysteries of God. The servant of God is to be responsible for the accurate teaching and preaching of God’s Word. 

 

1 Peter 4:10. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: (1 Peter 4:10 ESV)