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These words may be applied these two ways: First, to all the faithful servants of God in general; and then the note is this, that for a Christian to spend and end his days in the service of Christ, and doing his will, gives good assurance of a happy and blessed condition: Blessed is that servant.
Secondly, these words may be applied to the ministers of the gospel in special; and then observe,
1. The character and duty of a gospel minister; he is the steward of Christ's household, to give them their meat in due season.
2. A double qualification requisite in such stewards: namely, prudence and faithfulness. Who then is that faithful and wise steward?
Observe, 3. The reward insured to such stewards, with whom are found these qualifications: Blessed is that servant.
Learn hence,
1. That the ministers of the gospel are in a spiritual sense stewards of Christ's household.
2. That faithfulness and prudence are the indispensable qualifications of Christ's stewards.
3. That where these qualifications are found, Christ will graciously and abundantly reward them. Our faithfulness must respect God, ourselves, and our flock; and includes integrity of heart, purity of intention, industry of endeavor, and impartiality in all our administrations. Our prudence must appear in the choice of suitable subjects, in the choice of fit language, in exciting our own affections in order to the moving of our people's. Ministerial prudence also must teach us, by the strictness and gravity of our deportment, to maintain our authority, and to keep up our esteem in the consciences of our people: it will also assist us to bear reproach, and direct us to give reproof: he that is silent cannot be innocent: reprove we must, or we cannot be faithful; but prudently, or we cannot be successful.