Aug. 09, 2009 / Sunday Pulpit II / Rev. Shin, Bong Jun
Stewards of The Mysteries of God(1Cor.4:1-4)

Introduction: How can we change the world and the field? God has raised up important disciples whenever disasters come. The answer to change the world is "people." When people change, fields change as well. They are the people of the covenant who correctly know, enjoy, and proclaim the work of God"s power. Rasing up such people is the plan of God and the work that churches must do. There are things that we need to hold onto in order to enjoy the blessing to save people.
1. The Blessing of Immanuel
(1) The Remnant in the Bible who enjoyed Immanuel.
1) Joseph (Gen.39) : He was taken to Egypt where he had no choice but to perish as a slave; however, he enjoyed Immanuel (Gen.39:2). Potiphar saw God being with Joseph. Even in prison, the field of suffering, Joseph enjoyed Immanuel, and then, the place became his platform of success ☞ The beginning of prayer: Keep praying for your problems until answers are given. While doing this, you will experience the power of the Gospel and open spiritual eyes to see truth.
2) David(Ps. 23) : David enjoyed Immanuel even while King Saul was attacking him with his royal authority. (Ps.23:1) ☞ There is reason for every problem. If you keep praying without giving up, you will see God"s vision beyond simple answers.
3) Elisha(2Ki.6) : When king"s spiritual eyes became darkened, Israelites were in the midst of troubles, and an alien country invaded Israel, Elisha enjoyed Immanuel. He experienced the heavenly army mobilized and even opened the spiritual eyes of another person.
4) Daniel(Da. 6) : He enjoyed the mystery of Immanuel even when Israelites were hovering between believing in God and worshipping idols. Even the king who did not believe in God could know that God had saved Daniel. ☞ If you enjoy the mystery of Immanuel, you will gain strength and save others. When the Holy Spirit comes upon you, evidences will be given to you to become a witness. (Ac.1:8)
(2) When we enjoy Immanuel, people will regard us as "the workers of Christ" and "the stewards of the mysteries of God." (v.1)
1) The fact that God is using me will be seen to me and others. (Spiritual power)
2) When this happens, the work to change the field and save life will be revealed. (Joseph, Daniel, Moses)
3) The only mystery of God is Christ. (Col.1:26-27, 2:2)
2. The Mystery of Christ
(1) The mystery of Christ is what you must keep enjoying and applying to your life while you are living on the earth.
1) Christ came to me as God. (The True Prophet)
2) Christ is the one who was crucified (Mk.10:45, Col.1:13-14, The True Priest)
3) Christ is the one who completely broke out the forces of darkness and resurrected for the proof of victory (The True King)
(2) Faithfulness will follow to those who have the mystery (power) of Christ. (v.2)
1) If you know the reason of God"s calling, you will give true devotion to God (it is different from overcredulity)
2) A faithful servant entrusts judgement to God while waiting for the work of God. (v.3-5)
3) You can live as a faithful servant if you know the worth of yourself (the indwelling, the guidance, and the work of the Holy Spirit. You have been called as the one who will save the world enjoying the blessing of God.)
Conclusion: Do not throw yourself to other"s judgement, complement, or rumors. As a worker of Christ and a steward of the mysteries of God, enjoy enough of the blessing of God who loves us. May you all be the witnesses who deliver this mystery of Christ to your future generation.