This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
I Corinthians 4:1-2 ESV
The requirement of Biblical Stewardship defines our relationship with God.
Stewardship expresses the answer to the ultimate question:
“Am I lord over my life or is Jesus truly Lord?”
What is stewardship?
The careful and responsible management of something _entrusted_ to your care.
What is Biblical stewardship?
The believer’s faithful practice of selflessly managing everything we have (talents, money, relationships, health) all for _God’s glory_.
The Biblical motivation for being a good steward…
The servant of God is mindful that Jesus will return anytime and will be _accountable_ for the care of others and the gifts of God.
And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.
Luke 12:42-43
Qualities of a good steward:
The Parable of the Talents
Matthew 25:14-30
1. _Investors_
- Diligent
- Hard working
- Risk takers
2. _Managers_, not owners.
Remember who you work for and what belongs to Him.
The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,
Psalm 24:1
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 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.
I Peter 4:10-11
3. _Wisdom_
- To be smart- Spend carefully
- To be wise- Save regularly
- To be a genus- Give extra-ordinary
The quality of a bad steward: _Self-indulgence_.
But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful.
Luke 12:45-46
Biblical Principles of Good Stewardship:
1. Everything was _created_ by God.
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1
For by hi all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities- all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Colossians 1:16-17
2. Everything _belongs_ to the Lord.
The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it, you have founded them.
Psalm 89:11
Therefore David blessed the LORD in the presence of all the assembly. And David said: “Blessed are you, O LORD, is the God of Israel our father, forever and ever Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.
I Chronicles 29:10-13
I know , my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to you.
I Chronicles 29:17
Who has first given to me, that I should repay him? Whatever is under the whole heaven is mine.
Job 41:11
3. Everyone is _called_ to be good stewards.
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
I Peter 4:10
4. Good stewards can expect _growth_.
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
II Corinthians 9:6-7
5. Everyone will be held _accountable_ for good stewardship.
2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
But with e it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.
I Corinthians 4:2-5
6. Good stewardship will be _rewarded_ and so will bad stewardship.
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
Knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24
Everything you spend your resources, time, and gifts on, you are casting a vote for the kind of world you want.
Pastoral Perspective:
God never tells you to give up something for the sake of getting something from you. Rather, God tells us to sacrifice things for the sake of the only thing worth having-_ life and relationship with Him!_