Summary: God doesn’t require us to be intelligent, articulate, handsome or eloquent. He requires us to be faithful.

INTRODUCTION:

Ø Paul had reminded the Corinthians that they served a faithful God (1:9).

Ø He also declared that God can be depended on to be with them in any trial (10:13).

Ø He further encouraged them to be zealous with the assurance that their labor will not go unrewarded (15:58).

Ø Every believer is a minister of Christ and a steward of the mysteries of God (4:1).

o “Mysteries of God” = Truths that God has revealed through the Holy Spirit.

o Human reasoning or laboratory processes cannot discover them.

Ø “Steward” = manager, supervisor, administrator.

Ø The prerequisite to being a good steward is faithfulness.

o Not required to be brilliant—but FAITHFUL.

o Not required to be intelligent—but FAITHFUL.

o Not required to be articulate—but FAITHFUL.

o Not required to be literate—but FAITHFUL.

o Not required to be handsome—but FAITHFUL.

o Not required to be eloquent—but FAITHFUL.

Ø Faithfulness is the will of God for us and is possible.

BODY:

1. STEWARDS MUST BE FAITHFUL WITH THEIR TIME—ECCLESIASTES 3:1-8

a. Time to work.

b. Time to rest.

c. Time to serve.

2. STEWARDS MUST BE FAITHFUL WITH THEIR TALENTS—2 TIMOTHY 1:6

a. Our talents are gifts from God to be used for His glory.

b. Talents must not be exploited for self-advancement.

c. Every talent carries with it responsibility.

3. STEWARDS MUST BE FAITHFUL WITH THEIR TREASURES—MALACHI 3:8-10

a. It’s God who gives us the power to get wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18).

b. We must earn our money by honest and helpful means.

c. God requires that we share our income with His work.

4. STEWARDS MUST BE FAITHFUL IN THEIR TRIALS—1 PETER 4:12-16

a. Not all trials come form God—some come from selfishness, etc.

b. Our trials can make us bitter or better.

c. God makes all things work together for good (Romans 8:28).

5. STEWARDS MUST BE FAITHFUL IN THEIR TESTIMONY—1 PETER 3:15

a. We must use the language of our lips.

b. We must use the language of our lives.

CONCLUSION:

Ø It is not required to be intelligent, educated, clever, innovative or creative.

Ø It is required to be faithful.