THE MARKS OF A STEWARD Lesson 6 for February 10, 2018

FAITHFULNESS. LOYALTY. A CLEAR CONSCIENCE. OBEDIENCE. TRUSTWORTHINESS. Many companies register their name or logo as a “trademark.” That’s a guarantee that their products and services are genuine and follow a quality assurance process. If a product has that name or logo printed on it, it’s reliable. God’s stewards also have a “trademark.” They must fulfill some quality requirements to be “certified” as stewards. Those who don’t fulfill those requirements cannot be effective stewards and cannot represent their Lord. What are those requirements? FAITHFULNESS. LOYALTY. A CLEAR CONSCIENCE. OBEDIENCE. TRUSTWORTHINESS.

FAITHFULNESS Remember… “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2) Being faithful to God involves trusting Him (having faith) and standing on His side. We must remember His Word and be faithful to it when tempted. Remember… If you are tempted by… “A little that a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked.” Psalm 37:16. Getting unfair profit “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” James 4:10 This world’s fame “let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2 Corinthians 7:1 Lust “But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Matthew 23:11 Abuse of authority Abraham is an example of faithfulness. He believed and remained faithful to God until the end. His eyes were fixed upon the Heavenly City (Hebrews 11:8-19).

LOYALTY “…Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10) Loyalty is to keep loving God and being faithful to Him to the end. It’s the external expression of our personal beliefs, our faith and our commitment. Our service to God is indivisible: “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). We cannot be loyal to God and to the things of this world at the same time. Our loyalty impacts our lifestyle. We obey the divine laws because we want to be faithful stewards of our Lord. We will be loyal to God no matter what happens in our lives (Job 13:15)

“The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.” E.G.W (Education, cp. 7, p. 57)

A CLEAR CONSCIENCE “They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.” (1 Timothy 3:9 NIV) Our conscience tells us what’s right and what’s wrong. Nevertheless, the conscience may be “faulty” or “seared” (Hebrews 10:22; 1 Timothy 4:2). When we constantly reject the advice of our conscience, it may eventually stop telling us that something is wrong. Our faulty conscience must be restored, but we’re cannot do so by ourselves. Only Jesus can purify our conscience (Hebrews 9:14). Once our conscience is purified, it aligns itself with God’s Law. God’s Law is the only safe conduct guide for the believers.

OBEDIENCE “In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3 NIV) The faithful and loyal stewards—with a clear conscience—understand that they work under the authority of their Lord. Accepting that authority involves obeying God’s orders. Abel obeyed God by giving an offering according to the divine requirements. Cain decided to give an offering according to his own rules. We completely disobey God if we obey Him partially or according to our own rules. Obedience is the evidence of our love towards God.

TRUSTWORTHINESS “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.” (Luke 16:10) As stewards, we must be trustworthy people. Christians must not follow public opinion but to act according to Biblical principles. Daniel and Joseph were trustworthy stewards because they were faithful both in small and in big things. We must carry out every task the best way we can, even if a task seems insignificant. Faithful stewards reflect Jesus’ character in the way they act and behave.

“[The true Christian] is guided by truth and uprightness. [ “[The true Christian] is guided by truth and uprightness. [...] He may be criticized, he may be tested; but through all, his unbending integrity shines out like pure gold. He is a friend and benefactor to all connected with him, and his fellow men place confidence in him, for he is trustworthy.” E.G.W (In Heavenly Places, August 24)