1 Cor. 4:1-2

    Every Christian is a steward. What is a steward?-- A steward is one who orders a house. He is a trustee; a house manager. He manages or orders the property of another (Luke 12:42).
    A minister is a steward of "the mysteries of God" (v. 1). These mysteries are revealed in the New Testament and include:

• The indwelling Christ (Col. 1:27)
• The Body of Christ (Eph. 5:30-32)
• The rapture (1 Cor. 15:51-53)
• The incarnation (1 Tim. 3:16).
• The restoration of Israel (Rom. 11:25)
• The mystery of iniquity (2 Thess. 2:7)

    Stewardship of these mysteries means a minister must faithfully protect them and promote them in a profitable way. There is only ONE requirement in stewardship: BE FAITHFUL! Requirement is not to be talented, but to be faithful.
    What does it mean to be faithful? Dictionary defines "faithful" -- Firm in adherence to the truth and to the duty; reliable; dependable; honest; loyal. Consistent in the performance of duties or service. Steady; not fickle."

1. ILLUS: OLD FAITHFUL geyser in Yellowstone National Park. 
2. Faithful spouse; Faithful employee; Faithful transportation

    God is faithful--

1. FAITHFUL IN HIS PROMISES (Dt. 7:9).
2. FAITHFUL IN COMPASSION (Lam. 3:22-23).
3. FAITHFUL WHEN WE ARE NOT (2 Tim. 2:13).
4. FAITHFUL TO FORGIVE (1 John 1:9).
5. FAITHFUL IN TEMPTATION (1 Cor. 10:13).
6. FAITHFUL IN HIS NAME (Rev. 19:11).
7. FAITHFUL IN SALVATION (1 Tim. 1:15).

    Faithfulness is POSITIVE-- Being faithful means more than "not being unfaithful." Faithfulness is not merely the absence of negative acts, but also the constant practice of positive acts. 
    Faithfulness must be DEVELOPED. Men are not naturally faithful (Ps. 12:2; Prov. 20:6). Therefore, how does one develop faithfulness into their character?

I. FAITHFULNESS IS A MATTER OF PRACTICE. A faithful man disciplines himself to do what he should do. It involves saying "yes" to some thing's and "no" to other things.
II. FAITHFULNESS IS A MATTER OF PRINCIPLE. Our loyalties should be to principles, not institutions. If a school, church, or business changes it's principles, then you should remain true to biblical principles.
III. FAITHFULNESS IS A MATTER OF PROPRIETY. A faithful man can be counted on; is on time for appointments; keeps his commitments and honors his word, EVEN IF IT HURTS (see Ps. 15:1-4).

1. ILLUS-- A teenager agrees to baby-sit on Friday night. Later, the boy of her dreams asks her for a date on that same Friday night. What does she do? If she is faithful, she'll keep her word, even if it hurts.
2. ILLUS-- It cost Daniel to be faithful (Dan. 6:4). 

CONCLUSION: Every steward will give account of his stewardship to God (Luke 16:1-2, 10-12).  How will God measure your success as a steward? By your faithfulness (Matt. 25:21). 

Are you faithful? It is something you must determine to do--"BE THOU faithful unto death…" 

SERMON OUTLINE By Al Hughes (Pastor Bible Baptist Church, Port Orchard, WA