INTRODUCTION:
- A.Turn in your Bibles to Matthew 25:14-30:
- 1.Jesus’s story of 3 servants.
- 2.Story of “Stewardship”
- 3.2 of 3 faithful…prospered.
- 4.The 3rd was “cast out.” (Afraid).
- B.What, biblically, is a “Steward”?
- 1.Steward
- 2.Numerous application related to managing:
- a.A teacher manages students.
- b.A boss manages employees.
- c.A politician manages our resources.
- d.A banker manages our finances, etc.
- e.A physician manages our health care.
- f.A parent manages children, etc.
- g.A judge manages equity of the law.
- C.Biblically, every person, especially Christians, is a steward:
- 1.Everything belongs to God by right of creation (Gen. 1-3).
- a.
- b.
- c.
- d.
- e.
- f.Job 40:11, “Everything under heaven belongs to God.”
- g.1 Tim. 6:7, 8 “We brought nothing and will leave with nothing.”
- 1.Everything belongs to God by right of creation (Gen. 1-3).
- 2.We are ALL Stewards:
- 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.”
- b.HOW are we managing that which God has given us?
- D.The Apostle Paul’s teaching to the Corinthian Christians:
- 1.2 Corinthians 8:1-15 (Read):
- 2.2 Corinthians 9:1-15 (Read):
- E.Some Traits, expediently speaking, of a good servant-steward:
- 1.Committed to honest and accountable service—selfless.
- 2.Committed to sustainability—not wasteful.
- 3.Committed to making wise decisions and choices.
- 4.Committed to biblical innovation and change for growth.
- 5.Committed to being a “member and team player.”
- 6.Committed to being open and above-board.
- 7.Committed first and foremost to Christ and Word.
CONCLUSION:
- A.We are living in troublesome times:
- 1.Pandemic Corona Virus.
- 2.Loss of lives, etc.
- 3.Financial losses.
- B.The church—members—are facing tough times:
- 1.Besides the 3 we’ve just mentioned facing everyone.
- 2.The church is facing stewardship issues.
- 3.The solution is given by God: “God loves a cheerful giver.”
- C.Let’s read and study 1 & 2 Corinthian’s stewardship messages this week.
- 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