So then let us be looked upon as ministering servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is essentially required of stewards (trustees) that a man should be found faithful [proving himself worthy of trust].

Servants

We are first and foremost servants of Christ. But what exactly does it mean to be a servant of Christ? The Greek word for servant here hupertes means “under rower or subordinate rower” or “one who serves or aids another in work”. The thought here is that the servant is always in a supportive role and never in charge. Servants are attendants to kings, soldiers to generals, subordinates to potentates.

Paul says: “Let us be looked upon as “lower-rowers” of Christ. Lower-rowers were slaves on the warships of the Roman military. They were positioned on the lowest deck and were used to row the ship in battle. The Captain of the ship was positioned on a little deck raised above all these lower-rowers so that each rower could see him. All that the rowers had to do was to simply and swiftly obey the commands of the captain, who would make decisions in battle to maneuver the ship into victorious positions. This tactical advantage depended on the instant obedience of the lower-rowers. What a great picture of Christ and His followers! This coming from one of the greatest apostles of Christ!

One rower by himself cannot turn the ship, nor propel it in the right direction. It takes all the rowers in tandem, rowing in unity to produce the maximized result. Let’s not brag on who’s oar is the biggest and brightest. Let’s get our oars in the water and follow Christ’s Kingdom commandments. Let’s not be distracted by training our eyes on those around us. Let’s look at Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Let’s not inspect and criticize the rowing techniques of others while catching a breath ourselves. We’re in a battle for souls! Lives are being lost. Souls need salvation! Let’s do our part and be the best “lower-rowers” we can be in honor of Captain Christ! Just because Jesus calls us His friends, let’s not forget our place in His presence. Let’s not assume a higher rank or view ourselves of equal importance than Him! He remains our Captain and we will ever be lower-rowers, working together to please and satisfy the King.

Stewards

Now that we have identified our position in our relationship with Christ, Paul takes us further to define another Kingdom role for us. Not only are we servants of Christ but also stewards of the mysteries of God. The word “steward” here is the Greek word “oikonomos” and means “the manager of household affairs” or “a steward, manager or superintendent of a house”. This steward, in Bible days, was entrusted by the head of the house to manage his affairs, keep track of receipts and expenditures, and the duty of dealing out the proper portion to every servant and the children not yet of age. As stewards of the mysteries of God we are entrusted by the Lord to see to it that these mysteries are shared, celebrated and enjoyed by all. The steward has responsibility to make these mysteries accessible to others. Too often we assume the role of an armed guard, protecting the Gospel from the long fingers of the undeserved, or hoarding all the Kingdom resources and blessings for ourselves while others remain hungry and shut out of the promises of God. We must share the goodness of God.

According to the Vines dictionary of Bible words, the “mysteries of God” here are not knowledge withheld but rather truth revealed! God is not a concealing God Who wants to keep the Kingdom ultra exclusive. He is a revealing God Who wants no one to perish but all to have eternal life! The gospel is God’s great treasure for everyone! Jesus said to His disciples in Matt. 3:11: “To you it has been given to know the secrets and mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. . .” Proverbs 25:2 says: ”It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings is to search a thing out.” What does this mean? God has hidden tremendous treasures in His kingdom; gems waiting to be discovered and revealed. Truths and revelations that will blow our minds! His objective was not to hide them, never to be found. The joy of life is in the discovery of truth! Life is an expedition of discovery. When we unearth new mysteries and discover destinies; God’s plans and purposes for our lives we truly live! The real joy is not in the hiding of things but in the discovery of them.

So why are there so many mysteries in life? Why did the Lord not simply placed all truth, revelations, promises and blessings out on the table where we could simply receive them all. It is not because He does not want us to have access to these treasures. There is another reason. In John 15:12 Jesus tells His disciples: “I still have many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them or to take them upon you or grasp them now.” After more than 3 years of teaching them, sharing with them, explaining and demonstrating the Kingdom of heaven with them, Jesus still had so much to tell them! I love this! He reveals as we are ready to receive. Some things cannot be shared prematurely. They were not able to receive at that moment. Those, unrevealed things had to be concealed or hidden until the disciples developed the ability spiritually to discover them. This is where the Holy Spirit comes in. He knows where every treasure and mystery is hidden! He has the treasure map. As we grow in God and in spiritual maturity He guides us to uncover the mysteries of heaven; the very things Jesus wanted to share with us all along!

As stewards of these mysteries we are to share them with others! We are to spread the joy of discovery. Have you ever bought the perfect gift for someone? You picked it, wrapped it and presented it. The joy of discovery is not limited to the recipient of the gift but also warms you who presented the gift. When we receive the grace and gifts of God He rejoices with us. When we share the good news of the Gospel to others we share in their joy and His joy!

So be a good servant. Be the best lower-rower you can be. But do not forget that you are also a steward or administrator of the mysteries of God, the greatest of them all: The Gospel of Jesus Christ! A servant must be obedient. A steward must be faithful! (1 Cor. 4:2) Faithful here means to prove you worthy of trust. It comes from the root word “to convince”.  Let’s convince God we are reliable stewards by sharing, managing and administrating all the great things He has given us with others. Let’s be ever more convincing when we share the mysteries of God’s love with people around us.