“Growth” Week 2
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Growth Keys:
Growth Key #1 The Word (Gospel)
Growth Key #2 Commitment (Apostles Teaching)
Growth Key #3 Generous (Meet the needs)
Growth Key #4 Stewardship
And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
God gave me a picture…
It is hard to meet the needs of others if I am financial strapped.
If a growth mindset is a generous heart.
Feeling wrapped up and tied up financially will cause me to focus on me than others.
People often find themselves financially strapped for various reasons:
Lack of Financial Education: Some people struggle with managing their finances because they lack the knowledge or skills to budget effectively
Debt: Many people carry significant amounts of debt, whether from student loans, credit cards, medical bills, or mortgages. High-interest rates and the burden of monthly payments can strain finances.
Stagnant Wages: While the cost of living has increased, wages for many jobs have not kept pace, leading to a gap between income and expenses.
Unexpected Expenses: Life is full of surprises, and unexpected expenses like car repairs, medical emergencies, or home maintenance can quickly deplete savings and lead to financial strain.
Lifestyle Inflation: As people earn more, they often increase their spending, sometimes beyond their means, leading to financial difficulties despite higher income.
Lack of Stewardship
Stewardship refers to the responsible management and care of the resources, gifts, and responsibilities that God has entrusted to individuals.
Everything we have—our time, talents, finances, the environment, and even our relationships—ultimately belongs to God, and we are called to manage these resources wisely and in a way that honors Him.
Key Aspects of Stewardship:
Key Aspects of Stewardship:
Ownership and Responsibility
The Bible teaches that God is the owner of all things (Psalm 24:1), and humans are stewards or caretakers of what God has provided
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof,
the world and those who dwell therein,
Tithing and Giving: One aspect of stewardship involves giving back to God through tithing (giving a portion of income to the church) and supporting those in need.
Budgeting and Saving: Financial stewardship also involves managing personal finances wisely—budgeting, saving, avoiding debt, and planning for the future—so that resources are available for God’s work and for caring for oneself and others.
Time Management
Using Time Wisely: Stewardship means using the hours in a day effectively, prioritizing activities that align with God’s purposes, and avoiding wasteful or harmful pursuits.
Balancing Priorities: We are encouraged to balance work, rest, worship, family time, and service to others, recognizing that time is a valuable and limited resource.
Talents and Gifts
Using God-Given Abilities: God has given each person unique talents and gifts (Romans 12:6-8).
Stewardship involves using these abilities to serve others, glorify God, and contribute to the well-being of the community.
Personal Development: Part of stewardship is developing and refining these gifts, whether through education, practice, or service, to maximize their impact.
Environmental Stewardship
Caring for Creation: Christians are called to care for the Earth and its resources (Genesis 2:15).
Relational Stewardship
Cultivating Healthy Relationships: Stewardship also applies to how individuals manage their relationships—with family, friends, community, and even with God. This includes nurturing love, forgiveness, and support in these relationships.
Growth Key #5 Corporate Synergy
And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,
Synergy refers to the concept that when two or more elements, individuals, or organizations work together, the combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects. In other words, synergy occurs when collaboration or cooperation produces a result that is more powerful or effective than if each party were to work independently.
Day by Day
Attending the temple together…
Breaking bread in their homes (Together)
Receiving their food (Together)
They did all of this with “Glad and Generous hearts”
If we want to grow we have to come together….
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
I need to make an intentional effort to get to know someone!
Collaboration is birthed from corporate gatherings.
“Stir up” provocation (act) n. — the act of stirring up (emotions, feelings, and responses); can be positive or negative.
#6 Corporate Praise
praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
This is what our culture is about…
When we come together corporately to eulogize God…
#1 It will encourage others around us…
#2 It is also a personal reminder…
But it something that happens when we do it together…
Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together!
Remember…. Psalms 150 teachers us:
Where we should eulogize
Why we should eulogize
How we should Eulogize
Who should Eulogize
Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens!
Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his excellent greatness!
Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with lute and harp!
Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!
Praise him with sounding cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!
(Close)
The favor of man is released…
Favor: honor ⇔ grace n. — the state of having positive social standing or reputation.