Have you ever wondered what good stewardship entails and why it matters? A faithful steward does not allow pride, greed, or the desire to be popular taint his motives. He will not be lured or tempted into disobedience. That’s why, Paul explained in 1 Thessalonians 2, his message was true to God’s instruction. His motives were pure toward God—and toward the Thessalonians. All of his actions and methods were open and aboveboard.

Why did Paul think it necessary to underscore the obligation he felt as a faithful steward of the Gospel? Because stewards are sometimes tempted to go into business for themselves. Many people today are exploiting the Gospel for personal gain. They live in big houses and fly in private jets, purchased by people who give sacrificially to their organizations. Paul could have profited from the Gospel as well, but he wanted the Thessalonians to know that his motives were pure and the Gospel he preached to them was untainted by greed or the ambition for fame.

You and I are stewards as well. Like Paul, we have been entrusted by God with the Good News of Jesus Christ, and we need to manage this precious asset with absolute integrity and purity. We need to share the Good News with everyone around us.

We are stewards of our finances, which God has entrusted to us. We are stewards of our time, which He has entrusted to us. We are stewards of the Gospel, which He has entrusted to us. We are stewards of all that we are and all that we have. We own nothing, not even ourselves. We have to give an account to the Master. And He is coming soon.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the high calling of stewardship You have given me. Help me to stay focused on You and to bring all aspects of my life into submission to You. May I steward the resources You have given me with integrity so that my witness is not tainted. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much” (Luke 16:10).

*Excerpt adapted from Fearless Living in Troubled Times by Michael Youssef © 2017. Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, OR. Used by permission.

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon series Until Christ Returns: Living Confidently in Turbulent Times: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.



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