INTRODUCTION:

1. A.Turn in your Bibles to Matthew 25:14-30:
   1. 1.Jesus’s story of 3 servants.
   2. 2.Story of “Stewardship”
   3. 3.2 of 3 faithful…prospered.
   4. 4.The 3rd was “cast out.” (Afraid).
2. B.What, biblically, is a “Steward”?
   1. 1.Steward
   2. 2.Numerous application related to managing:
      1. a.A teacher manages students.
      2. b.A boss manages employees.
      3. c.A politician manages our resources.
      4. d.A banker manages our finances, etc.
      5. e.A physician manages our health care.
      6. f.A parent manages children, etc.
      7. g.A judge manages equity of the law.
3. C.Biblically, every person, especially Christians, is a steward:
   1. 1.Everything belongs to God by right of creation (Gen. 1-3).
      1. a.
      2. b.
      3. c.
      4. d.
      5. e.
      6. f.Job 40:11, “Everything under heaven belongs to God.”
      7. g.1 Tim. 6:7, 8 “We brought nothing and will leave with nothing.”
4. 2.We are ALL Stewards:
   1. a.1 Cor. 4:1, 2: “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”
   2. b.HOW are we managing that which God has given us?
5. D.The Apostle Paul’s teaching to the Corinthian Christians:
   1. 1.2 Corinthians 8:1-15 (Read):
   2. 2.2 Corinthians 9:1-15 (Read):
6. E.Some Traits, expediently speaking, of a good servant-steward:
   1. 1.Committed to honest and accountable service—selfless.
   2. 2.Committed to sustainability—not wasteful.
   3. 3.Committed to making wise decisions and choices.
   4. 4.Committed to biblical innovation and change for growth.
   5. 5.Committed to being a “member and team player.”
   6. 6.Committed to being open and above-board.
   7. 7.Committed first and foremost to Christ and Word.

CONCLUSION:

1. A.We are living in troublesome times:
   1. 1.Pandemic Corona Virus.
   2. 2.Loss of lives, etc.
   3. 3.Financial losses.
2. B.The church—members—are facing tough times:
   1. 1.Besides the 3 we’ve just mentioned facing everyone.
   2. 2.The church is facing stewardship issues.
   3. 3.The solution is given by God: “God loves a cheerful giver.”
3. C.Let’s read and study 1 & 2 Corinthian’s stewardship messages this week.

1. D.Remember Malachi’s question: “Will a man ROB God?” (Mal. 3:8).

STEWARDSHIP EVALUATION

The Bible continually encourages us to examine ourselves (Psa. 26:2; 1 Cor. 11:28; 2 Cor. 13:5). Take a moment and examine your present total stewardship practices. Here is a chart covering most of the areas where we fulfill our stewardship responsibilities.

     Using the numerical scale of 1—11, with #1 being the FIRST priority. Use # 2

thru # 11 to identify the following priorities based on your personal numerical ranking. (Review your last 3 months expenditures for proof)

__House mortgage payment

__Giving to the church

__Groceries

__Health care

__Recreation

__Hobbies

__Transportation

__Eating out and entertainment

__Utilities and house upkeep

__Personal grooming

__Savings and investments

   How does your evaluation relate to “Seek the Kingdom first” (Matt. 6:33)?

__Matches it

__Close

__Distant

__Not at all