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What Does it Mean to be a Faithful Steward in the Bible? – Viral Believer
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What Does it Mean to be a Faithful Steward in the Bible?

Introduction

The concept of stewardship is a central theme in the Bible and is highly valued by Christians. A steward is someone who is entrusted with the management of resources, time, and people.

As Christians, we are called to be faithful stewards of all that God has given us, including our talents, gifts, time, and resources. In this role, we are responsible for using these resources in a way that brings glory to God and serves others.

Being a faithful steward is not just about managing our resources, but also about using our time and talents for God’s purposes. In the New Testament, we are reminded that our gifts are to be used to serve others, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God (1 Peter 4:10).

This means that we must be mindful of how we spend our time and use our gifts to bring glory to God and serve others.

Being a faithful steward also involves serving with integrity and being accountable for our actions. In 1 Corinthians 4:2, it says, “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” This verse reminds us that as stewards, we must be faithful in all that we do and act in a way that brings glory to God.

As Christians, we are called to live as faithful stewards, using our resources, time, and talents for God’s purposes and serving others with integrity.

faithful stewards in the Bible

Biblical Definition of a Steward:

A steward in the Bible is someone who is entrusted with the management of resources, time, and people. This person is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the household or estate and is accountable to the owner.

In the same way, Christians are called to be stewards of all that God has given us, including our talents, gifts, time, and resources.

Stewardship in the Old Testament:

In the Old Testament, stewardship is a recurring theme in the stories of Abraham, Joseph, and Job. These individuals were all faithful stewards of the resources that God had given them and used them for His glory.

The story of Joseph, for example, illustrates how he managed the resources of Egypt during a time of famine and used them to care for the needs of the people.

Stewardship in the New Testament:

In the New Testament, the concept of stewardship is expanded to include our time, talents, and gifts. We are called to be good stewards of all that God has given us and to use these gifts to serve others.

For example, in 1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV), it says, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

The Responsibilities of a Faithful Steward:

Managing Resources:

As stewards, we are responsible for managing the resources that God has given us. This includes our financial resources, but also extends to our time and energy. We are called to be wise with our resources and use them for God’s purposes.

For example, in Matthew 25:14-30 (NKJV), the Parable of the Talents teaches us about the importance of being good stewards of our resources and using them for God’s glory.

Accounting for Time:

Time is a precious resource that cannot be replaced. As stewards, we are called to be mindful of how we spend our time and to use it wisely.

For example, in Ephesians 5:16 (NKJV), it says, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” This verse reminds us that we must make the most of the time that God has given us and use it for His glory.

Caring for Others:

As stewards, we are called to care for others and to use our resources to meet their needs. In Matthew 25:40 (NKJV), Jesus says, “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’”

This verse reminds us that as we serve others, we are serving Jesus.

Serving with Integrity:

Finally, as stewards, we are called to serve with integrity. This means that we must be honest and transparent in our dealings and always act in a way that brings glory to God.

In 1 Corinthians 4:2 (NKJV), it says, “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” This verse reminds us that as stewards, we must be faithful in all that we do.

Examples of Faithful Stewards in the Bible:

Joseph:

Joseph is a great example of a faithful steward in the Bible. As the administrator of Pharaoh’s household, Joseph was responsible for managing the resources of Egypt during a time of famine. Despite his position of power, Joseph remained humble and used his resources wisely to care for the needs of the people.

This story teaches us about the importance of being faithful stewards and using our resources for God’s purposes.

Daniel:

Daniel was a faithful steward of his time and talents, using them for God’s purposes. Despite facing persecution and opposition, Daniel remained steadfast in his faith and used his gifts to serve others. This story teaches us about the importance of being faithful stewards, even in difficult circumstances.

The Faithful Servants in the Parable of the Talents:

In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus tells the story of three servants who were entrusted with their master’s resources. The two faithful servants used their resources wisely, while the unfaithful servant buried his talent and did nothing with it.

This parable reminds us of the importance of being faithful stewards and using our resources for God’s glory.

The Reward for Being a Faithful Steward:

Rewards in this Life:

As faithful stewards, we can experience blessings and rewards in this life. This may come in the form of financial blessings, but also includes the satisfaction and joy that comes from serving others and using our resources for God’s purposes.

Rewards in the Afterlife:

In addition to rewards in this life, faithful stewards will also be rewarded in the afterlife. In Matthew 25:21 (NKJV), Jesus says, “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’”

This verse reminds us that as faithful stewards, we will be rewarded in heaven and experience the joy of our Lord.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, being a faithful steward in the Bible is a calling for all Christians. It involves managing our resources, time, and talents in a way that brings glory to God and serves others.

As faithful stewards, we must be wise with our resources, mindful of how we spend our time and use our gifts to serve others. We must also serve with integrity, being accountable for our actions and acting in a way that brings glory to God.

The rewards of being a faithful steward are both in this life and in the afterlife. We can experience blessings and joy in this life as we serve others and use our resources for God’s purposes. In the afterlife, we will be rewarded for our faithfulness and enter into the joy of our Lord.

Let us strive to live as faithful stewards, using all that God has given us for His glory and serving others with integrity. May we be found faithful in all that we do, bringing glory to God in all that we say and do.

As we live as faithful stewards, we can be confident that we are serving God’s purposes and making a difference in the world for His kingdom.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.