INTRODUCTION

The relationship between the master and his stewards is one built upon trust. The master places his possessions into the hands of a steward. He will be reluctant to do this unless that man has proven himself trustworthy. The apostle Paul found no shame in claiming to be a faithful steward of God (1 Corinthians 4:1Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
See All...). As such, he understood the principle that the ministry was placed under his care because God had entrusted it to him (1 Corinthians 9:17For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
See All...; Colossians 1:25Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
See All...; 1 Thessalonians 2:4But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
See All...; 1 Timothy 1:11According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
See All...; Titus 1:3But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
See All...). This fact affected everything the apostle said and did. This truth constantly reminded him that he did not live for himself, and that one day he must give an account for his stewardship.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): God called Samuel to judge His people. When the people asked for a king instead to judge them, Samuel’s description of his service (1 Samuel 12:1-5 [1] And Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold, I have hearkened unto your voice in all that ye said unto me, and have made a king over you. [2] And now, behold, the king walketh before you: and I am old and grayheaded; and, behold, my sons are with you: and I have walked before you from my childhood unto this day. [3] Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you. [4] And they said, Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken ought of any man's hand. [5] And he said unto them, The LORD is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that ye have not found ought in my hand. And they answered, He is witness.
  See All...) along with his advice to the people (which he followed throughout his ministry) (1 Samuel 12:20And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;
  See All...b) proved he could be trusted.
• (For everyone): What has God entrusted into your care? Do you treat your family, or ministry, or work as though it belongs to the Lord? How would things change if you did?
• How could this truth be considered a blessing? How could this truth be considered a curse? What is the proper balance that a believer should seek?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask the Lord to help you walk worthy of your calling.
• Ask God to help you to be faithful with His possessions.

HYMN

A CHARGE TO KEEP I HAVE

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