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"Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful."  [1 Corinthians 4:1-2].

         While in the context there is a definite reference to the apostles, Paul, Apollos, and Cephas, certainly this includes more than these three men of God in that time, for when we read "Let a man so account of us. . . " the US will surely include the called and chosen, the elect of God-- those who have been foreordained, and are now being prepared in this hour, to bear the message of the Gospel to all creation. His firstfruits of the new creation, specifically apprehended of Him, to be brought into the fullness of redemption and an understanding of the mysteries of God, that these might be able to instruct mankind in the ways of the Lord.
         Therefore we account, reckon His firstfruit company, to be "ministers of Christ." It is also to be noted that the word "Christ" is not prefixed in the Greek text with the definite article "the" to identify it solely as our Lord Jesus Christ, but rather it bespeaks of QUALITY-- and while it does include The Christ, it also includes that entire ANOINTED COMPANY of which He is the Head. These are they who shall be led by the Spirit, speak by the unction of the Spirit, to fulfill the will and purpose of God. The word "minister" is a Greek word that literally means-- an under rower, assistant. At no time will these "labourers together with God" [1 Corinthians 3:9] ever usurp His Headship, even though we are to "grow up into Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ." [Ephesians 4:15]. There is a HEADSHIP REALM in which the over comer shall share, "to sit with Me in My throne." [Revelation 3:21].  However, it is also emphatically clear, "that in all He shall have the pre-eminence." [Colossians 1:18].
        "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech by us: we pray in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."  [2 Corinthians 5:20].  The terms are all very expressive-- we are to become saviours in The Saviour, mediators in The Mediator, anointed ones of the Anointed, and thus be able "in His stead" to further His claims upon mankind. These are the VISIBLE VESSELS through whom the Invisible God ministers to man. Indeed, "the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God," [Romans 8:19] for these will be the visible expression of His redemption-- and thus all earth shall SEE the salvation of the Lord IN WHICH ALL CREATION SHALL HAVE A PART.
         Of the firstfruits it is written, "Whom having not seen, ye love; in Whom, though now ye see Him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." [ 1 Peter 1:8]. For with Moses they "endure, as seeing Him who is invisible." [Hebrews 11:27]. But when for them, "reality breaks through, they shall reflect His likeness, for they shall see Him as He really is." [1 John 3:2, Phillips].  And then shall they BE faith made sight, hope expressed in reality, and love personified. Living epistles to be "known and read of all men." [2 Corinthians 3:2].
         Not only are these to be thought of as "ministers of Christ," but also as "stewards." A fascinating word in the Greek text, for it literally means a "house manager," one who has been given oversight of the household, to govern all the affairs thereof. Joseph, that blessed example of the trailblazer in the Old Testament, when sold as a slave by his brethren, taken down into Egypt, bought by Potiphar and brought into his house, when Potiphar saw that the Lord was with Joseph, "he had made him OVERSEER in his house, and over all that he had. . . he left all that he had in Joseph's hand. . . " [Genesis 39:5-6]. God has been processing His firstfruits company to be trained and fitted for a stewardship position, that He might entrust them with His precious mysteries.
         The word "mystery" also bears examination, for it comes from the Greek word "musterion", meaning: what is known only to the initiated, from a derivative of "muo," to shut the mouth. Through the idea of silence imposed by initiation, it comes to refer to a secret, or mystery.
         From the noun "mystery" comes the adjective "mystic" in reference to one who has been initiated into those secrets. We also have the adjective "mystical" as in reference to the MYSTICAL BODY OF CHRIST. This is defined as: Having a spiritual meaning, reality, neither apparent to the senses nor obvious to the intelligence (of the carnal mind). But it refers to an individual's direct communion with God through contemplation, vision, an inner light, giving spiritual insight.
         Because creation is waiting for a visible expression, they always look for that which they can recognize by their senses, see, hear, touch, taste, smell. So the church has to be a collective body of people gathering in a building with a cross and steeple, etc. If you tell them "I cannot go to church, because I am the church," they have no idea of what you are talking about. Church-- Greek, ekklesia, means CALLED OUT. We are to BE His called out ones, called out of the world, called out of Babylon, to become His own peculiar treasure. We can gather together in a building, certainly, but not because the building is the church, but because we are HIS CHURCH, we are His BODY, and truly it is a MYSTICAL BODY, for it speaks of those who have a direct contact and communion with God, beyond the knowledge of the natural flesh senses, beyond the intelligence of the carnal mind, but by the Spirit revelation of the carnal mind, but by the Spirit revelation within, they know Him, and are learning of His secrets. This is beautifully expressed in the little chorus:

                                           "O to know the Father's will and plan
                                            And to share the secrets of His heart,
                                            O to love mount Zion ever more,
                                            Then for Zion's sake deliverance will come."

         One who is "initiated" is one who has been instructed in the rudiments and principles. God isn't taking just anybody and entrusting them with His "SECRET PURPOSES", but those who have been instructed, trained, disciplined in the rudiments of His kingdom, and then are able to progress into the deeper realities. "Therefore let us go on and get past the elementary stage in the teachings and doctrine of Christ, the Messiah, advancing steadily toward the completeness and perfection that belongs to spiritual maturity. " [Hebrews 6:1, Amplified].
        "Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven." [Matthew 7:21]. There are those who claim to be of the "deeper life" who still have never been initiated in the principles of Christian behaviour and character and development. So filled with self, their own ways, petty carnal doctrines, they are not yet subject to the will of God. And neither are they receiving an understanding of the mysteries of God.
         "And He said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: But without a parable spake He not unto them: and when they were alone, He expounded all things to His disciples. " [Mark 4:11-34].
         "When they were alone. . . " many resist this "aloneness", they desire the fellowship of the multitudes, and the excitement of the gatherings. But we find that those who are being SPIRIT-TAUGHT, the ones to whom He expounds the deeper truths, are those who are willing to walk alone with God. Not that they never are permitted fellowships, to share with others of "like precious faith," [2 Peter 1:1] but they are not dependent upon others for their life, they have learned to draw from Him who is the Source.
        "How I long for you to grow more certain in your knowledge and more sure in your grasp of God Himself.  May your spiritual experience become richer as you see more and more fully God's great secret, Christ Himself!  For it is in Him, and in Him alone, that men will find all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." [Colossians 2:2-3, Phillips].
         Becoming stewards of the mysteries, Paul goes on, there is a definite requirement, as we read, "Moreover, it is essentially required of stewards that a man should be found faithful - proving himself worthy of trust." [1 Corinthians 4:2, Amplified]. Note also William's translation, "Now in this matter of trustees the first and final requirement is that they should prove to be trustworthy."
         "He who is faithful in a very little thing, is faithful also in much; and he who is dishonest and unjust in a very little thing, is dishonest and unjust also in much. Therefore, if you have not been faithful in the case of the unrighteous mammon-- the deceitful riches, money, possessions-- who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not proved faithful in that which belongs to another (whether God or man), who will give you that which is your own (that is, the true riches?)" [Luke 16:10-12, Amplified].
         Suffice it to say that all of these natural things-- our families, our homes, our jobs, etc. are but loaned to us for a time, that we might learn to be faithful and trustworthy, and if these character traits cannot be developed in us NOW, we shall never qualify for Him to reveal unto us the true riches, and the deeper mysteries.
         "For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation (stewardship) of the gospel is committed unto me. What is my reward then? Verily, that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel." [1 Corinthians 9:16-18].
         God has laid hold of us for a stewardship-- if we yield to His in working with a willing heart, there shall be a reward. But, Paul also points out, if we are not of a "willing heart", we'll still have to bow to Divine Will, but what then is our reward? So as He moves within us, prepares and fits us for His purpose, may we do so with all willingness to do, yes, to BE an expression of His will, giving ourselves to Him with a whole heart, and ready to learn through His disciplines how to please Him in all things. We learn to accept the adversities He sends our way, and yield to the processings, so that they work in us faithfulness, trustworthiness, and we can say with all that is within us, "Lo, I come, I delight to do Thy will, O my God." Amen.
         Now then, what a sacred trust is ours-- the secret purposes of God revealed by His Spirit to our heart. If we cannot handle properly the small revelations of the "in part" realm, who will commit to our trust those truths which are to be revealed? If we cannot properly use the "gifts and graces" which are presently loaned to us, who will give us the Spirit without measure? If we cannot "house-manage" our little vessel of clay, who shall give us a glorious body in His own image?
          IF God favors us with these precious blessings now, loaned to us, that we might learn to be trustworthy, and we continually mis-use them, turn them to advantage for self, to build our own selfish kingdoms, seeking only our own selfish ends, how shall He ever commit to us the true riches of His kingdom? All that we have, whether natural or spiritual, we have because of His kindness towards us. "What hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, who dost thou glory, as if thou hadest not received it?" [1 Corinthians 4:7]. LOANED BY GOD, He now watches to see how we will manage them-- take care of these responsibilities, diligently, honestly, faithfully, with an eye single only to His glory and praise. "Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling." [2 Thessalonians 1:11]. To be found "approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed." [2 Timothy 2:15].
         Therefore, "I have seen the travail that is given to the sons of men to be exercised thereby." [Eccl. 3: 10] . Called to be a gardener, yours ought to be the best garden in the region. Called to be a dishwasher, you ought to have the cleanest dishes possible. "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." [Colossians 3:23-24]. Proving ourselves to be faithful stewards in that which is least, that we might be counted worthy to receive the true riches, yea, and share in that stewardship of the mysteries of God.
         "Now unto Him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began. But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith. " [Romans 16:25-26] .
         To begin with, let us rejoice that HE has the POWER to stablish us, to process, purge, purify, prepare, until we are proved to be faithful stewards. "Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it." [1Thessalonians 5 :24).  And He is "able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us." [Ephesians 3:20].
         Next, we observe that the mysteries which God is now bringing to light have been kept secret since the world (Greek, ancient ages) began. Peter wrote that "the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify." [ 1 Peter 1:10-11].  But God's secrets were kept-- it was silent, quiet. One translation speaks of it as a "hushed secret." HE controls the timing of the revelation.
         "I have showed thee new things from this time, even hidden things, and thou didst not know them. They are created now, and not from the beginning; even before the day when thou heardest them not; Iest thou shouldest say, Behold, I knew them. Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb." [Isaiah 48:6-8]. This is a strong indictment against the carnal man. But God also had a remedy, for going on to the 10th verse of the chapter, we read "Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." Full well He knows the purifying that is necessary before He can trust us with His secrets. So He keeps the mystery silent, it is hushed, while He processes a people, and then sends His Spirit of truth to guide us into all truth. There is no other way to come into an understanding of the mysteries. It is BY REVELATION to those who are prepared by Him, "for how should My name be polluted? and I will not give My glory unto another." [Isaiah 48:11].
         Surely we are drawing near to the hour when there shall be a further declaration from His throne. A new manifestation of His Word. A message, "at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle." [1 Samuel 3:11]. "The word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision." (verse 1). Then God apprehended the ear of a young lad, Samuel, and it was time for a word to be given-- an ear-tingling message. Again in this day "the Word of the Lord is precious ", it is rare, for there is no open vision. God has HUSHED His secrets, while He is preparing a people in whom He can place His Word-- yea, the message and the messenger shall become one.
         Revelation is given at the prerogative of the Revelator! One does not demand, claim, appropriate revelation. One yields to the purgings, and then waits with an open, listening ear, ready to "hear what the Spirit saith unto the called out." [Revelation 3:6].
        Revelation-- Greek, apokalupsis, an uncovering. Only as the Spirit uncovers, is a thing revealed to us. He illumines! You might even have heard another share what the Spirit has spoken to them, and the words come to you, letter by letter, and yet they have no real meaning to you, because it takes the Spirit to quicken them. You might even repeat by rote what you have heard others say, and only jangle as a sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal, because until the Spirit causes it to become LIFE in you, you cannot speak it with life. Then suddenly HE uncovers it to your understanding, and you cry out, "I see, I see." The words you might have known for some time, but the message lay hidden, hushed, until He prepared you for the hearing. The parable the multitudes heard, and they could repeat the story over and over, never grasping its deeper message. Then He drew His disciplined ones aside, an expounded unto them-- uncovered, quickened understanding.
         HIS SPIRIT DWELLS WITHIN US, and IN HIM  are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Hence the uncovering takes place within. "The Word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart." [Romans 10: 8]. Uniquely, once a revelation is made known, it is as if you had always known it. This is it, it can be no other way. The eternalness of truth. Praise God!
         Paul writes on, "If ye have heard of the dispensation (stewardship) of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: how that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery. . . which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit." [Ephesians 3 :2-3, 5].
         There was no theological university where Paul could go to learn these things. The Rabbi held no classes that could instruct him in the mysteries of God. Other ages had not known of them, they were hushed, held secret, and it was only now that BY REVELATION it was being made known.  And even now, while being uncovered, those who receive them cannot impart them, they can share what they have received-- but only as the Spirit quickens them to you, while you read, hear, etc. do they become yours.  And indeed, we dare to say with John, "The anointing which ye have received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him." [1 John 2:27]. Certainly we share, and yes, we receive from one another-- but it still requires that personal quickening of the anointing within, before we KNOW in Whom we have believed.
        Furthermore, beloved friend, the understanding of all mysteries must be controlled by love, else of no profit to us. "For though I have prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge. . . and have not love, I am nothing." [1 Corinthians 13:2]. The deeper the revelation, the more imperative that it be covered by love. Truth in unsanctified vessels can be used to destroy.  Love suffereth long, and is kind. Love is not puffed up, nor behaveth unseemly.  Love being the motivating force, will use all revelation to bless, build, and bring life.
         It is also to be noted that ignorance of a mystery makes one wise in their own conceit, for Paul writes again, "I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, Iest ye should be wise in your own conceits." [Romans 11:25]. The specific mystery referred to here, we shall come to in another chapter, for the moment it is this principle that we would take note of: ignorance only serves to aid our self-conceit. Man builds an image of error, puffed up and arrogant, and suddenly truth is uncovered which proves the whole thing to be empty and false, and it all tumbles down. With a revelation of truth there is balance, there is rightness. No false work, no illusions, but by righteousness the throne is established. Thank God, there shall be an unfolding of the mysteries as He inworks His purpose-- we shall "KNOW in Whom we have believed."
         It is BY HIM, who is the Author and the Finisher of our faith, that we shall be energized and enabled to bring "so great a salvation" unto every man. But for now, beloved friend, remember, "it is required of stewards that a man be found faithful." Ever we are entrusted with the mysteries, that we might share them and initiate others into their glories, it will be because we have been tested and tried, and found approved unto Him, our Lord and our God. Faithfulness can only be proven by the passing of time. That the years can slip by, and yet one holds steadfast to the vision, unwavering, this becomes proof of our faithfulness. And by testing-- when it seems that all the contrary winds blow, with no sign of positive fulfillment, and yet one is faithful to their charge, this redounds to the glory of God, and is also preparing us for those greater things ahead. Precious indeed are the inworkings of God, and every mystery; brought to completion will reveal yet the more of His manifold wisdom and purpose, and how great is that love which He bestows upon us, that we might be stewards of these verities.

                               Mysteries so long concealed in the deep of man,
                               Are at last to be revealed, grace doth bridge the span,
                               Bringing now unto the light, truth God did encase
                               Past the bounds of natural sight; in the secret place.

                               Now the Spirit comes to teach, bringing to thy mind
                               Wisdom far beyond thy reach, so that you can find
                               A foundation firm and true, that thy feet might stand
                               Steady when the storms do blow, victory, His command.

                               When God places in thy soul blessings from above,
                               Though the gates of hell do roar, nought can conquer love.
                                Love that's found in every word from the Saviour's throne,
                               Given thee to undergird for the path unknown.

                               Stedfast and unmoveable, when thy root is firm
                               In the strength of God's degree, truth He doth confirm,
                               Wondrous hope that now contains power to fulfill
                               All the scope of our birth pangs, fullness of His will.

                               Inner depths now bursting forth, glorious in their sweep,
                               From east to west, south to north, destiny to keep.
                               Hinder not their onward course, open wide the gate,
                               While the light from inner Source doth illuminate.

                               Transformations long ordained before ages past,
                               By the Spirit are attained when the soul at last
                               Fully yields itself to Him, the Life, Truth, and Way,
                               Then mysteries, nought can bedim, shine clear as the day.

_________________________________________________________
  ⁽¹⁾ Prinzing, Ray and Doris  WHISPERS OF THE MYSTERIES.  Boise, Idaho 83705, P.O. Box 5822

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