26/04/2026
Lesson Seventeen: 26th April, 2026
CHRISTIAN
STEWARDSHIP
1Corinthians 4:1-21
MEMORY VERSE:
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. [1 Corinthians 4:2]
INTRODUCTION
There must have been a very considerable group of church leaders or workers by Paul's own comments, who in his absence had become influential and self-important, and were trying to view the church as a personal property. They had become proud and dominating and boastful in their attitude towards Paul. It is not surprising what is happening these days. People come to church with different reasons. Some to make peace with God and remain at peace with God, others come for selfish purposes thereby causing confusion in the church without regarding consequence. "If any man defile the temple (the church) of God, him shall God destroy, (1 Cor. 3:17).
The amount of peace and stable-mindedness individuals come with to the church will indicate the degree of peacefulness and stability that prevails.
The church should be a place people come to settle their quarrels and not where members ignite squabbles.
FAITHFUL STEWARDS Vs 1- 6
The Apostle challenges the respect due to him on the account of his character and office, "Let a man so account of us as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God". We must be careful in our opinion and estimation of ministers. Ministers are not masters, they are servants of Christ. They are not representing themselves. Theirs is the spreading of the Gospel. We must not under value them as well, for they are ministers of Christ. They are not stewards of common things of the world, but divine mysteries. They deserve respect and esteem in their honourable services especially when they are doing their duties as required in stewardship-faithfully. This is trustworthy, Paul said, "But with me it is a very small thing..."
Reputation and credibility among men is a good step towards usefulness in the ministry. The Apostle was very sure of himself so must every Christian minister and worker. If you are sure of yourself, it does not matter what distractors may say. He that is ready to please His Lord must be ready to displease men or if you must please men, be ready to displease the Lord. The Lord will bring to light the hidden things of the heart. All who were against Paul were no better than him, they were envious.
VIRTUE IN STEWARDSHIP: VS. 7-13
The servant of Christ must be humble. To do the Christian work is a privilege that no one should glory at; the apostle's question is "who maketh thee to differ? And what has thou that thou didst not receive?" For any church worker to feel more superior than others is wrong, that is the spirit of pride. Pride is a great hindrance to our improvement. Whatever gifts we have should be used to glorify the giver and not self. True ministers of God and church workers are humble and patient in spite of all the odds that are against them. For I think it had pleased God to set forth us the apostles last as it were appointed to death. For we are made a spectacle to the world, and to angels and to men. Men who know their calling always keep cool. Paul said we are fools for Christ's sake. Learn to imitate good things and not bad.
EXAMPLE IN STEWARDSHIP: 14:21
I write not these things to shame you but as my beloved sons I warn you. This warnings is a rebuke to let them be careful of their behaviours. He shows them why he called them his sons. He was their father for in Christ Jesus had I begotten you through the gospel". They were made Christians by his ministry. That is why he chose them to "Follow me".
Workers and Ministers, as pillars in the church should embed the virtue of exemplary life and performance in discharge of their duties. Our exemplary life in conduct, service and love induces aloof standards in the church to be part of the ongoing process to build a dynamic church. We are demanded to be examples unto th
