Thanks-Giving Series #4

I am wanting to spend our time together this morning establishing the identity of God’s steward and the imperative nature of living this life in light of that reality.

Some would even declare that within the doctrine of salvation that some do not have the ability (nor will they ever have) to steward their faith upon Jesus and yet be guilty because of that decreed reality from God. I CAN’T THINK OF A BETTER EXCUSE for the unbeliever on judgement day. You my friend are RESPONSIBLE for not only the stewardship of your faith but also of all that God has made you, is making you to be and what he has given you.

So, who is a steward? Can someone be a good steward outside of saving grace? Does stewardship have anything to do with my POSITION as a son or daughter of God? Finally, is stewardship something God requires faithfulness to from every believer?

1) Your Calling Of Stewardship

A. Your Stewardship should resemble Jesus

Peter is making it very clear how the stewardship of one’s life for Jesus is one that sparks a war in your mind.

Peter knew his audience very well.

Believers who were scattered due to persecution; exiled, living in places that were not their home.

Nero was the reigning emperor.

1 Peter 2:13 “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;”

They were exiles, yet they were chosen by God for a purpose!

(v1) “arm yourselves likewise with the same mind”

The greatest way to arm yourself is the God’s Word

Hebrews 4:12 “12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Christ conquered sin, He was never a servant to sin.

“In Christ” you are “more than a conquerer.”

(v3) “time past of our life may suffice us.....”

(v2) NO LONGER!!!........ “but to the will of God.”

(v4) You are no longer running with the culture’s crowd, you are pursuing Christ the King!

B. You are called to live for God’s glory

The key element in stewardship is for God to receive glory from it!

The grace mentioned here is the grace a heavenly Father gives to His children; gifts of His favour on your life.

God the creator does provide what we call common grace to all His creation. That is not the same grace Peter is talking about. God creator provides a common grace in order that you would come to Him and receive His fatherly grace of life.

It is only when you receive the gift of soul saving grace do you then surrender your personal gifts for a purpose that actually matters and makes the biggest impact for the glory of God.

What I am saying is this," You can never steward God's graces (gifts) for God's glory until you have received God's gift of saving grace.

You might say," Why should I care about God getting glory from my gifts?"Well, the same glory of God your stewardship should praise is the same glory Christ brought you back to to one day enjoy when this life is over!

2) Your Stewardship Of God’s Graces

A. You must be prepared to steward God’s graces

Peter was leading these believers to live in light of Jesus’ soon return.

Notice the call to preparation Peter gives:

Be sober — to be soberly wise v. — to think and live wisely in self-control over one’s passions and desires.

In other words, don’t allow yourself the be caught with your past sins and lusts.

Watch unto prayer — do all to make sure you remain in a disposition to pray; always be fit for prayer.

Luke 21:34 “34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.”

Matthew 26:40-41 “40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Fervent charity — diligent to show affection

Quote: Christians ought to love one another, which implies an affection to their persons, a desire of their welfare, and a hearty endeavour to promote it. This mutual affection must not be cold, but fervent, that is, sincere, strong, and lasting. Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994), 2431.

Notice where Peter ranks and assigns this preparation; #1 among believers.

Stewarding our vessel with Christ’s love reigning in our hearts will prompt a pursuit of each other to intentionally show love and extend forgiveness.

B. There are a multitude of graces from God

“every man” = that would mean every believer.

“received the gift” = God’s graces

“minister.....manifold grace of God”

Here is the best question to ask yourself when it comes to knowing what you should be stewarding: “What abilities has God given me and what blessings has He given me?”

Here are some examples:

What we share about God’s Word.

Think about your own health and body.

Your marriage — your eyes, thoughts, kindness, forgiveness, pursuit

Your time — what/whom do you make sure you are available for?

Your parenthood — temper, voice, teaching (wrong & right, discernment, giving…), grace, mercy, patience,

Your finances — The N.T. does not focus upon the tax of the tithe, but rather giving as God has given you.

3) Your Accountability Of Stewardship

A. We will give an account of our stewardship in ALL THINGS

“all things” = each and every thing

(v5) “Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.”

1 Cor. 4:5 “5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.”

B. Is how I am stewarding God’s graces giving Him glory?

“through Jesus Christ”

You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you!

Romans 11:36 “36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”

God’s gifts of grace are perfect. However, you must grow in perfecting your stewardship.

God has never asked you to steward the abilities of others!

Remember the story about the stewardship of the talents.

The master never compared the one against the other.

He judged them according to their honest effort.

Conclusion

Ephesians 5:16 “16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

Colossians 4:5 “5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.”

Time is not something you can borrow, stretch or add. Don’t wast it! Invest it by stewarding all that you are, are becoming and what God has given you for His glory! Who are you living for?

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