In the Bible, “entrusted” refers to being given responsibility or care over something valuable, often pertaining to God entrusting His servants with tasks, resources, or the gospel message (1 Thessalonians 2:4). It signifies a trust relationship where accountability and faithful stewardship are expected.
Scripture
14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.
15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.
16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more.
17 So also he who had received the two talents made two talents more.
18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money.
19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’
21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
22 And he also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed,
23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed,
25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’
26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed?
27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest.
28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents.
29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.
30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Biblical Meaning of Entrusted
The concept of being “entrusted” in the Bible carries profound implications regarding responsibility, stewardship, and fidelity to the tasks assigned by God. This notion is notably articulated in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), where servants are given varying amounts of money to manage in their master’s absence. Each servant’s success or failure reflects how faithfully they handled what was entrusted to them, illustrating the expectation of productivity and accountability in the God-given responsibilities.
Moreover, 1 Thessalonians 2:4 reinforces the idea that God not only entrusts believers with the gospel message but also expects them to share it faithfully and boldly. This theme of being entrusted with God’s truth echoes throughout scripture, implying that trust is reciprocal; as God entrusts His followers with the truth, He also seeks their dedication in spreading and living out that truth (2 Timothy 1:14). The broader meaning of being entrusted thus encompasses the acknowledgment that everything we have—be it spiritual gifts, resources, or relationships—comes with the divine responsibility to care for and use them wisely in accordance with God’s will. It calls for believers to reflect on their stewardship in daily life and recognize their role in God’s greater plan for the world.
In addition to the stewardship exemplified in the previous passages, the theme of being “entrusted” can also be seen in the context of spiritual gifts in the New Testament. The Apostle Paul often highlights how believers are given specific gifts by the Holy Spirit for the purpose of building up the Church and serving one another (1 Corinthians 12). This entrustment emphasizes the responsibility to utilize these gifts wisely and effectively, as they are not merely personal possessions but divine resources meant for the common good. The comparison can be drawn to a trust placed in stewards who are expected to enhance and protect that which has been given to them, highlighting that neglect or misuse of these gifts may have lasting consequences for the community of faith.
Furthermore, the Old Testament provides profound insights into the concept of trust and responsibility, particularly in the stories of figures like Joseph and Daniel. Joseph, when placed in positions of authority in Egypt, was entrusted with the stewardship of the grain storehouses during times of famine (Genesis 41), illustrating a model of wise and strategic governance in service to others. Similarly, Daniel was entrusted with interpreting dreams and serving in a foreign court, showing how God enabled him to execute his responsibilities with integrity and insight (Daniel 2). These narratives reflect a consistent biblical theme where being entrusted involves not only receiving a responsibility but also responding with faithfulness and discernment, thus reinforcing the notion that God’s trust in His people aligns with their capacity to reflect His character in their stewardship.
Stewardship and Responsibility
In the Bible, being entrusted with something signifies a call to stewardship and responsibility. This concept emphasizes that individuals are given resources, gifts, or tasks not merely for personal gain but to manage wisely for the benefit of others and to honor God. This stewardship reflects a deeper understanding of one’s role in the community and the importance of using one’s abilities and resources to serve a greater purpose.
Faithfulness and Trust
The notion of being entrusted also carries the implication of faithfulness and trustworthiness. When God entrusts individuals with responsibilities or gifts, it reflects His confidence in their ability to fulfill those duties. This trust is reciprocal; believers are called to demonstrate faithfulness in their actions and decisions, thereby reflecting the character of God. The expectation is that those who are entrusted will act with integrity and commitment, reinforcing the bond of trust between them and God.
Divine Purpose and Calling
Being entrusted in a biblical context often relates to a divine purpose or calling. It signifies that God has a specific plan for each individual, and the responsibilities given are part of that divine design. This understanding encourages believers to seek out their unique roles within the larger narrative of faith, recognizing that their contributions are vital to the fulfillment of God’s will on earth. It invites a sense of purpose and direction, motivating individuals to engage actively in their spiritual journey.
How to Cultivate Faithfulness in Daily Stewardship
Cultivating faithfulness in daily stewardship is a beautiful journey that invites us to see every moment as an opportunity to honor God with our lives. Start by recognizing that stewardship isn’t just about managing resources; it’s about nurturing relationships—first with God, then with others, and even with ourselves. Begin each day with a prayer, asking for guidance and a heart open to serving. Look for small ways to be faithful in your responsibilities, whether it’s being diligent at work, caring for your family, or volunteering in your community. Remember, faithfulness is often found in the mundane; it’s in the little acts of kindness, the moments of patience, and the choices we make that reflect our values. As you practice gratitude for what you have, you’ll find that your faithfulness grows, transforming your daily tasks into acts of worship. Embrace this journey with joy, knowing that each step you take in faithfulness brings you closer to the heart of God.
Bible References to Being Entrusted:
Luke 16:1-13: 1 He also said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions.
2 And he called him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.’
3 And the manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg.
4 I have decided what to do, so that when I am removed from management, people may receive me into their houses.
5 So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’
6 He said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’
7 Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’
8 The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light.
9 And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.
10 “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.”
11 If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?
12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?
13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
1 Timothy 6:20-21: 20 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,”
21 for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you.
1 Corinthians 4:1-2: 1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.
2 Timothy 1:12-14: 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.
13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
1 Peter 4:10-11: 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Luke 19:12-27: He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return.
13 Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’
14 But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’
15 When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business.
19 He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return.
17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’
18 And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’
19 He said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’
20 Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief;
21 for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’
22 He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow.
23 Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’
24 And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’
25 ‘And they said to him, “Lord, he has ten minas!”‘
26 ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.’
27 But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’”
Romans 3:1-2: 1 Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision?
2 Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God.
1 Thessalonians 2:4-6: 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.
5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness.
6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.
Titus 1:7-9: 7 For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,
8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.