In "Ministers Compared to Stewards," Benjamin Keach explores the theological concepts of stewardship and accountability within the context of ministry, emphasizing that ministers serve as stewards of God's mysteries. He argues that just as a steward has a significant responsibility in managing a household, ministers are entrusted by Christ with the sacred truths of the Gospel and the care of the church community. Key scriptural references include Luke 12:42 and 1 Corinthians 4:1-2, which highlight the expectation of faithfulness and accountability in ministry. The significance of this doctrine is profound; it calls ministers to faithfully manage their roles with diligence and integrity, as they will ultimately be held accountable by Christ for their stewardship.
Key Quotes
“Moreover it is required in Stewards that a man be found faithful.”
“So true Gospel-Ministers or pastors are officers that belong to Christ's house who is a great Prince nay King of heaven and earth.”
“They ought continually to be about his affairs not leave the management of the Church and concerns of the ministry like some self-seeking priests of our days.”
“So all the Ministers of Christ must expect to be called to an account.”
What does the Bible say about the role of ministers?
The Bible describes ministers as stewards of the mysteries of God, requiring them to be faithful in their duties (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).
Ministers are likened to stewards who hold a great trust; they manage not only the spiritual well-being of congregants but also the integrity of the gospel. Just as a steward supervises the affairs of a household, effective ministers guide their congregations, providing direction in fulfilling their respective duties. The expectation is that they will remain focused on their responsibilities, avoiding distractions that could compromise their service to Christ and His Church (Luke 12:42-48). Consequently, they are to prioritize the interests of Christ over their self-interest and gain, reflecting the gravity of their stewardship.
1 Corinthians 4:1-2, Luke 12:42-48
How do we know that ministers are stewards according to Scripture?
Scripture explicitly identifies ministers as stewards of God's mysteries, as seen in 1 Corinthians 4:1-2.
In the parallel drawn between earthly stewards and spiritual ministers, we can see that both are subject to accountability. Just as stewards will one day answer for their management of a household, ministers will face judgment regarding their faithfulness in their ministry (Luke 16:2). This scriptural testimony underscores that the truth of their stewardship is not just a title, but a serious calling that demands diligence and integrity in serving God and His people. Thus, believers can find assurance in Scripture that the role of ministers as stewards is a foundational aspect of their ministry.
1 Corinthians 4:1-2, Luke 16:2
Why is the stewardship of ministers important for Christians?
The stewardship of ministers is crucial as it ensures the faithful administration of God’s truths and the spiritual welfare of the Church.
Moreover, ministers who see their roles through the lens of stewardship will prioritize the care of souls entrusted to them and focus on glorifying Christ in all aspects of their ministry. By contrasting faithful stewards with negligent ministers, the implications are clear: when ministers fail to fulfill their stewardship, it can lead to spiritual decay within the Church (Luke 12:42-48). Therefore, as Christians, recognizing the significance of ministers' stewardship reinforces the necessity of their role in maintaining the integrity of the Christian community and its mission in the world.
Luke 12:42-48
MINISTERS COMPARED TO STEWARDS
MINISTERS COMPARED TO STEWARDS
"Who is a faithful Steward" &c., Lu 12:42.
"Let men so account of us as the Ministers of Christ, and Stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required in Stewards, that a man be found faithful," 1Co 4:1-2.
STEWARD, stewardship, the original, oixonomia, [1] rendered in 1Co 9:17, dispensation, properly signifieth the administration of household business, whereof one taketh such and such care, and doth so dispose thereof, as that he appointeth every one what they are to do.
[1] Leigh's Crit. Sacr.
Note, true Gospel Ministers are Stewards, spiritual Stewards, Stewards of God.
METAPHOR
I. A Steward is an officer that principally belongs to great men; few, besides rich and noble persons, have Stewards of their houses.
PARALLEL
I. So true Gospel-Ministers, or pastors, are officers that belong to Christ's house, who is a great Prince, nay, King of heaven and earth.
METAPHOR
II. A Steward is a person that hath a great trust and charge reposed in him; many rich and excellent things are committed to his care and oversight, sometimes all the goods of the house, and charge of the family.
PARALLEL
II. So faithful Ministers have a mighty trust reposed in them; the Lord Jesus hath committed to their care and charge things of very great worth and value, even all the goods of his house. 1. They are entrusted with the truth, and every branch and part of it, called the mysteries of God, which is of inestimable value. 2. The whole Church; they have the care and charge of the whole family or household of God. 3. They have the care and charge of men's souls committed to them. See Watchmen.
METAPHOR
III. It behoveth a steward to be faithful in all things, seeking the honour of his Lord: they ought to be much in their business, not leaving it to others, that are not experienced in it, nor careful to look after it; nor leave their master's business, to mind and look after their own.
PARALLEL
III. So ought every Minister of Christ to be faithful in all things, wholly studying the profit, honour, and interest of the Lord Jesus. They ought continually to be about his affairs, not leave the management of the Church, and concerns of the ministry, like some self-seeking priests of our days, to others, who are unexperienced, negligent, and worse; to follow their own concerns, and living in ease and pleasure, pursuing after the riches and vanities of the world, mattering not whether Christ be honoured or no, or whether his interest sink or swim, so that things go well with them, and they thrive in the world. There are too many such in this day, so that we may well say with the apostle, "All seek their own, and none the things that are Jesus Christ's."
METAPHOR
IV. Stewards give direction to all inferior officers, and others in the family, about their respective work and business.
PARALLEL
IV. So Ministers give directions to the deacons, and other members of Christ's Church, how to discharge their duties in their respective places, &c.
METAPHOR
V. Stewards must expect to be called to an account, and if unfaithful, are frequently put out of their stewardship: "Give an account of thy stewardship, for thou mayest be no longer Steward," Lu 16:2.
PARALLEL
V. So all the Ministers of Christ must expect to be called to an account. The time is coming, when Christ will reckon with them; and happy will they be, that have their accounts to give up with joy, to whom the Lord Jesus will say, "Well done, good and faithful servant," &c.
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