| LESSON 1 | SEPTEMBER 19, 2026 ETHANIM 8, 5787 |
Steward is defined as a house-distributor (i.e., manager) or overseer, i.e., an employee in that capacity; by extension, a fiscal agent (treasurer); figuratively, a preacher (Strong’s Dictionary). Paul described himself, Apollos, and Cephas as servants of Christ and as managers or overseers of the mysteries (a secret) of God (Strong’s Dictionary). Mysteries describe secret or hidden things of God that must be revealed to the natural man. Helps Word Studies defines mystery in the Bible to mean what can only be known through revelation, i.e., because God reveals it. Scripture describes how unsearchable are God’s judgments, and his ways past finding out (Romans 11:33). The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law (Deuteronomy 29:29). The Lord reveals things of himself for his glory and for the purpose of making us doers of his law not for our glory. Faithfulness is an attribute that is required of stewards.
I Corinthians 4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
Faithful stewardship of the mysteries of God includes teaching and preaching God’s Word with fidelity. Some handle the Word of God deceitfully using it for personal profit and try to make it say something different than it actually does. Peter warned against false teachers who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. (II Peter 2:1-2). Paul called out Hymenaeus and Philetus by name because they overthrew the faith of some by false teaching, saying that the resurrection was past (II Timothy 2:17-18). Scripture exhorts withdrawing from any man that teaches servants not to honour their masters and consents not to the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; and suppose that gain is godliness (I Timothy 6:1-5). Faithful stewards recognize that every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar (Proverbs 30:5-6). May we use all diligence to make our calling and election sure and to be faithful stewards who rightly divide the word of truth.
Faithfulness is required. 1 Corinthians 3:19-23, 4:1-7.
The mystery is manifested. Colossians 1:23-29, Ephesians 3:1-13; I Timothy 3:16.
Jesus commanded them to observe all things. Matthew 28:19-20, 5:17-20; Deuteronomy 4:1-14; Revelation 22:18-21.
Even if you are not a licensed minister, you are called to be a faithful steward of God’s Word. Pray for wisdom and guidance to share his truth with others.
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