The Discipline of Stewardship

The Motive

1 Tim 4:7-8 “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”

We are called to train ourselves (discipline ourselves) for godliness. It is the means by which we cooperate with the Holy Spirit in our spiritual growth.

Donald Whitney said that spiritual disciplines are likened to putting ourselves “in the way” of the Lord to be blessed.

“Discipline without direction is drudgery.” - Don Whitney. But, the “reward of discipline is freedom.”

Three Areas of Stewardship - Time, Talents, Treasure

Our days are numbered and time is a gift from God. Eph 5:15-18 “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,”

Our talents are the gifts that he has given us for His glory - 1 Peter 4:10 “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:”

How we use our time and treasure reveals where our heart lies.

The Motive for Stewardship is Worship

Jesus said that our acts of charity are to be done before the Lord, not for the praise of men.

Don’t sound the trumpet - announce how much you are giving. If you view giving as paying your dues you will only seek the praise of men. If you view giving as worship then you will receive the joy of fellowship with the Lord.

Tithing in the O.T. was baseline. Offering was given over and above. Both were to be done in recognition that everything we have belongs to the Lord and we are to worship Him with them!

Who’s Your Master?

Where you spend your money will reveal where your heart is.

Don’t lay up treasure on earth. It is deceptive, because it is not permanent. You are either going to serve God or self!

You cannot serve both God and mammon. Money will test your heart motives. If you serve money, you try to use God to gain wealth. If you serve God, you seek to use your resources for His glory!

Luke 12:15 “And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.””

If the Lord is your Master then all that you are and have will be available to Him for His use when necessary. (Bill Douglas would loan out anything to someone that needed it).

The Means to Freedom

Prioritize worship! Seek first the Kingdom of God and He will meet your earthly needs.

Seek first God’s Kingdom!

Trust God for His provision!