About Stewardship
What Is Stewardship?
Stewardship is the use of God-given ________________________ for the accomplishment of God-given ___________________ – Ron Blue, Master Your Money
Matthew 25:14-15 – 14 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. 15 He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last – dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.’” (New Living Translation)
What Are the Self-Evident Truths about Stewardship?
▸ God ____________ it all
Luke 12:16-21 – 16 Then he told them this story: “The farm of a certain rich man produced a terrific crop. 17 He talked to himself: ‘What can I do? My barn isn’t big enough for this harvest.’ 18 Then he said, ‘Here’s what I’ll do: I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll gather in all my grain and goods, 19 and I’ll say to myself, Self, you’ve done well! You’ve got it made and can now retire. Take it easy and have the time of your life!’ 20 “Just then God showed up and said, ‘Fool! Tonight you die. And your barnful of goods – who gets it?’ 21 “That’s what happens when you fill your barn with Self and not with God.” (The Message)
▸ God will hold us __________________________ for what He has entrusted to our care
Luke 12:48 – “. . . Much is required from those to whom much is given, for their responsibility is greater.” (The Living Bible)
▸ How we use His resources reveals the true nature of our __________________
Matthew 6:24, 31 – 24 “You can’t worship two gods at once. Loving one god, you’ll end up hating the other. Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other. You can’t worship God and Money both. . . . 31 What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving.” (The Message)
Matthew 6:21 – Your heart will be where your treasure is. (New Century Version)
▸ Stewardship requires __________________
Psalm 73:2-3 – 2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. 3 For I was envious of the arrogant; I saw the prosperity of the wicked. (New Revised Standard Version)
Psalm 73:16-17 – 16 I tried to think this problem through, but it was too difficult for me 17 until I went into your Temple. Then I understood what will happen to the wicked. (Good News Translation)
Practical Suggestion for Being a Good Steward
• The use of your time, talent and treasures must be ______________________
2 Corinthians 13:5 – Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it. (The Message)
