Chapter Two done with their life and with the talents and treasures
STEWARDSHIP God entrusted them.
(Two Meetings) Stewardship involves managing someone else’s property. The -Man as the Selected Steward- Genesis 1: 26-30, 2:7, 8, 15 Christian is steward of both his life and his possessions, since both belong to God. As those who are accountable to God, we should As steward, he is to accomplish the following: Psalm 8:6-8 become responsible stewards of our time, money, gifts, and bodies. 1. For the glory of God- Psalm 8:1, Romans 1:20b 2. For human habitation and fulfillment- Acts 17: 26-27 Christian Stewardship- The practice of systematic and 3. For the universal good, maintaining the ecological balance proportionate giving of time, abilities, material possessions and all to insure substance for all other creatures- Psalm 104:14- God’s gifts to us based on the conviction that these are a trust from 23 God, to be used in His service for the benefit of all mankind in grateful acknowledgement of Christ’s redeeming love. -Resources Given to Stewards Steward- One is entrusted with the property of someone else and dispenses the same according to the instructions of the owner. A. Life- how do you spend your life? 1. Life’s choices: The Bible warns against earthly 1st Meeting-God’s Ownership of All Things possessions Memorize Colossians 3:1,23 Luke 12:13-14- the Bible warns against any form of greed. It endangers a person’s moral God’s owner is based on 4 divine rights: and physical well-being. 1. Right to creation- Genesis 1:1, Psalm 24:1, Isaiah 66:1-2 Discussion: “God created all things…” by His word. a. What is greed? 2. Right to providence- Psalm 36:6, Psalm 104: 27-30, Isaiah b. What are the forms of greed? 40:22-26 2. Life spent in Godliness with contentment- 1 Timothy 6: This asserts the personal involvement of God in every 6-10 is the biblical alternative to greed. This lifestyle is: turn of human affairs and his constant upholding of all Desirable, profitable, livable, relevant and for as long natural processes. as we do His will, God promises to provide for life’s 3. Right to redemption- Romans 8:20-21, Ephesians 1:7-10 basic necessities and may even pour extra blessings. Through Christ’s death, God redeemed and bought back Himself fallen humanity and all of creation B. Time- Matthew 25: 14-20 affected by man’s fall. 1. God Commands that “we make the most of our time 4. Right to judgment- 2 Corinthians 5:10, Matthew 25: 14-30 because the days are evil…- Ephesians 5:15-16 God created all people as responsible moral beings 2. People Misuse Their Time By: who will answer in judgment to Him for all they have a. Having no objectives/direction in life- Psalm 1:4-6 b. Doing the wrong thing time (time robbers) - 1 f. Distinguish important from urgent Samuel 11:1 g. Make the most of every opportunity- Colossians c. Irresponsibility and unteachability- Hebrews 5:12- 4:5 13 h. Impose deadline- John 9:4 d. Idleness- 2 Thessalonians 3: 6-11 -time is so precious to be wasted e. Slothfulness- Proverbs 6:6-11 f. Unnecessary haste- Ecclesiastes 5:1-2, 2 Timothy DISCUSSION QUESTIONS/SELF EVALUATION QUESTIONS: 5:22 1. What are my “time robbers”? Are they relevant? g. Procrastination- John 9:4 2. How can I improve my use of time? h. Double-mindedness-James 1:7-8 3. Four Steps to Make the Most of Our Time Notes: a. Plan long-range 1 Corinthians 9:24 “I do not run aimlessly…” __________________________________________________ We get 30-40-50 without concept of finish line __________________________________________________ Sprinters find out where the finish line before __________________________________________________ the race begins- Luke 14: 28-30 __________________________________________________ Write down what you hope to accomplish in __________________________________________________ your lifetime b. Schedule your time- Haggai 1:6 2ndMeeting- Possessions/ Money c. Follow your schedule- plans, schedules are 1 Chronicles 29:10-13, 2 Corinthians 8-9, Malachi 1: 6-14, 3:10 useless if not implemented have proper Memorize Malachi 3:8-10 motivation- Philippians 2:13 Be disciplined- Galatians 5:22-23 1. Ten principles of Biblical Stewardship- In Old d. Multiply your time- accomplish the most with each Testament, people were obliged to give. In New activity and do it in the best possible way. Testament, giving was elevated to a higher level- 4. Using time wisely From one demanded by law to one motivated by a. Start the day with God- Psalm 5:3 love. b. Do things for God’s glory not man- Colossians 3:1, Principle 1. Give back to God what belongs to Him- 23 1 Chronicles 29:14 c. Do not delay in doing God’s revealed will- Proverbs Principle 2. Give yourself to God first- 2 Corinthians 21: 5 8:1-5 d. Delegate if appropriate- Exodus 18:13-26 Principle 3. Give after Christ’s example- 2 e. Do one thing at a time and stick to it till done- Corinthians 8:9, Romans 8:32 Philippians 3:13-14 Principle 4. Give proportionately- 2 Corinthians 2. Discipline from the Lord – Acts 5:1-10 8:12 -Ananias and Sapphira Luke 12:16-21 – He asks us not to give what we don’t have but Parable of the rich man to share what we have. 3. Forfeit the joy of serving the master – Parable Principle 5. Give to equalize- 2 Corinthians 8:13-15 of the Talent – Luke 19:11-27 The abundance of one will supply the lack of 4. Rewards to good stewardship others 1. God’s commendation – Matthew 25:14-30 Principle 6. Give according to the law of sowing a. Divine honor – John 12:26 and reaping-2 Corinthians 9:6 2. Acceptance before God and man – Romans Principle 7. Give with cheerful purpose- 2 14-18 Corinthians 9:17 3. Inheritance –Colossians 3:23-24, Daniel 6:3 Principle 8. Give as God enables – 2 Corinthians 4. Eternal blessedness- Revelations 7:15, 22:3- 9:8-11 4 As we become open channels, He will pour His 5. Irritations/little things must not be ignored, but resources more abundantly. identified so that together, the couple can deal Principle 9. Give because of spiritual returns- 2 with them – Song of Songs 2:15 Corinthians 9:14 As we give materially, we benefit spiritually. DISCUSSION QUESTION/SELF EVALUATION Principle 10. Give to glorify God – 2 Corinthians QUESTIONS: 8:12,13 1. What are my expenditures every month? People will see God first and give thanks to Are they relevant? Him. 2. How can I improve my use of money? 2. Man’s Responsibilities 1. Work to eat/earn – 2 Timothy 2:6, Proverbs Notes: 10;4,5, 12:1 2. The Limit: powerless yet not dependent and __________________________________________________ vice versa –Proverbs 30:8,9 __________________________________________________ 3. Save/Store for the future not hoard –Proverbs __________________________________________________ 6:6-8 and Ecclesiastes 3:6 __________________________________________________ 4. Plan and budget – Proverbs 6:3 __________________________________________________ 5. Give __________________________________________________ 3. Demerits of Bad Stewardship __________________________________________________ 1. Incurs God’s wrath and disapproval – Matthew __________________________________________________ 25:14-30