We are to WISELY PLAN for Sharing Our Faith Together

Introduction

Have you ever started something with great excitement—only to realize halfway through that you weren’t ready to finish it? Maybe it was a home project, a financial goal, or even a spiritual commitment. I know I have. I can totally relate to the home projects—just ask my wife or visit my home. The enthusiasm was real, but the plan was missing. And without a plan, even the best intentions fall flat.

That’s not just a practical problem - it’s a spiritual one.

We live in a culture that values spontaneity and speed, but Scripture calls us to something deeper: FAITHFUL STEWARDSHIP THROUGH INTENTIONAL PLANNING. The truth is, many of us feel the urgency to share our faith, but we rush into it without strategy, prayer, or a plan. When we do, we often end up discouraged, ineffective, and silenced.

This is the FALLEN CONDITION we’re addressing today:

We’ve been entrusted with the gospel, but we often mishandle it - not because we lack care, but because we fail to plan.

Today’s message is a call to WISDOM, PREPARATION, AND COLLABORATION. It’s about learning how to steward our faith in a way that hears Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Here’s the theme we’ll explore together:

God entrusts His people to carefully plan and faithfully work together in sharing the gospel, understanding that spiritual fruitfulness relies on intentional stewardship—not impulsive effort.

And the purpose of this sermon is simple:

To help us move from impulse to intention, from good ideas to godly strategy, and from individual effort (even though needed and required) to shared mission - so that our witness is not only faithful but also fruitful.

Let’s begin with our first truth from Scripture:

Planning Is a Spiritual Discipline, Not a Secular Distraction

There are two key passages that I want us to consider for this first point.

Proverbs 21:5 KJV 1900

5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; But of every one that is hasty only to want.

The key words or phrases in this verse are:

· “thoughts of the diligent” - In Hebrew, this phrase implies making careful plans. Note that such plans...

· “tend (lead) only to plenteousness”- As a result, God rewards those who carefully plan. However, there is a warning:

· “haste (leads) only to want.” The word “want” is also the Hebrew word for “poverty.” If we hastily move from one thing to the next in our lives without taking the time to plan carefully and adequately, we are likely to head toward poverty. I believe this speaks to both material and spiritual poverty.

Now, consider the second text, which is found in the New Testament.

Luke 14:28–30 KJV 1900

28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? 29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, 30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

The key phrase in this warning from Christ is “counteth the cost.” Building a tower, a house, or any other structure requires that you sit down, carefully plan what you are building, and ensure you have the means to finish it. Why is that? Well, as Christ pointed out, anyone who doesn’t do so ends up not completing what they started. How many times have you seen a house that begins with a foundation, the walls go up, and even a roof put on, but years later it remains unfinished—lacking doors, windows, siding, and with the inside still bare? I’ve seen this happen several times. My first thought was always how much of a waste it was. I remember one particular site in Northern Virginia. The person who bought the land had big dreams. The house they were building was supposed to be a huge mansion. But somewhere in the middle of construction, the owner could no longer afford it, and work stopped. It was abandoned for years. Every time I drove past, I thought of this passage. Starting a project without planning every detail is a recipe for failure and a quick way to become the subject of ridicule in the community.

What is the significance of planning for us? Planning is not unspiritual; it’s essential. As believers, regardless of what we are about to undertake, we must plan and prepare. We are not meant to rush in blindly. Instead, we need to develop solid strategies and carefully consider the costs involved. When it comes to the stewardship of the gospel, it’s no different. Sharing our faith requires foresight, strategy, and prayerful preparation. Last week, we were reminded that we are Divinely Called to share our faith with those around us. Here is a good question for all of us this morning: how many of us were challenged by that message, decided to share our faith, and set out with the goal of “building” that tower, but instead of devising a solid plan, we rushed into the week and never fully carried out our mission? That is the key point of today’s message. Are we rushing into ministry without considering the true costs? Are we building a tower we cannot complete?

FAITHFULNESS BEGINS WITH FORESIGHT!

We need to plan carefully if we want to finish well. What is your strategy for sharing the gospel this week? Have you made a plan for how you will achieve a stewardship that hears Christ say, “Well done, good and faithful steward”? Have you even thoughtfully considered what Christ expects from us as good and faithful stewards? It’s time for all of us to sit down, take our stewardship seriously, and think about the cost of finishing in a way that pleases Him.

Here is our second point.

Stewardship Requires Action, Not Just Intention

As we all know, there's a point when planning ends and action starts. If we only sit around planning and never follow through, nothing gets done.

For this point, we focus on Matthew 25 and the story of the three servants. It's a lengthy story, and to save time, I will summarize the main points, and we will examine some key verses from it.

Essentially, the story Jesus tells involves a master and his three stewards. The master, who was about to set off on a long journey lasting many months, called his three stewards and gave each of them responsibilities. A key statement is found in Matthew 25:15.

Matthew 25:15 KJV 1900

15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

Note that he gave them “according to his several ability.” The word “ability” is the Greek word “dynamis,” which is the same root as our English word “dynamite.” The connection is important because we know that dynamite is powerful. In this story, the master distributed talents to each based on what he believed they could handle. He gave one five talents, the second two talents, and the last one talent. Then he went on his journey. Interestingly, the first two stewards immediately took theirs, invested them, and multiplied them. The steward with five talents invested all five and gained five more. Similarly, the second steward with two talents invested and earned two more. The last steward, however, took a different approach. Instead of investing and multiplying, he hid his talent and waited for his master to return. As we know, the master eventually returned and called each steward to give an account of their stewardship. The master was very pleased with the first two but was furious with the last one.

Matthew 25:26–29 KJV 1900

26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: 27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. 28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

Here is our application for today.

God has entrusted each believer with talents. By talents, I mean time, gifts, and relationships. We all have the same amount of time—24 hours in a day, seven days a week. We each have at least one gift. Even the wicked steward had one talent. Some have the gift of teaching, while others have the gift of mercy. As believers, we all have the gift of the gospel. I would argue that, based on that fact alone, we all possess more than one gift. We have the gift of the gospel and at least one other gift. Additionally, we all have relationships—family, friends, coworkers, and those who surround us.

Therefore, the question is not IF we’ve been given something, but WHAT ARE WE DOING WITH IT?

Are we burying our talents out of fear or faithfully investing them in others?

Here is the main takeaway!

GOD EXPECTS FRUITFULNESS, NOT PERFECTION.

What matters is faithful action with what we’ve been given.

Here is the last point of today’s message.

Our Witness Is Strongest When We Plan and Serve Together

Here are two more key verses supporting this point.

Colossians 4:5 KJV 1900

5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

The key word is “redeeming.” It essentially means making the most of every opportunity. Our entire focus should be on those who have not heard the gospel. We are to live each day with the purpose of reaching them. Every word and action we take should aim to achieve that goal. Therefore, we must plan and serve with the understanding that whenever an opportunity arises to share the gospel, we are ready. We are making the most of those opportunities.

The following passage illustrates exactly what we're discussing.

Acts 6:1–4 KJV 1900

1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

In this example from the first local church in Jerusalem, an issue arose. The church was growing quickly, now filled with both Hebrew and Greek believers. Additionally, the number of widows in this 8,000-member congregation was extremely high. Apparently, the apostles, recognizing the importance of widows to God, had taken it upon themselves to assist the widows daily. Unfortunately, prejudice still lingered in the hearts of many of these new believers. Eventually, conflict arose between the Greek and Hebrew believers over what was meant to be an act of service to all widows. This problem became so serious that it distracted the apostles from their main duties of studying, teaching, and preaching God’s Word. So, they decided it was time to delegate responsibility. They encouraged the church to find “seven men of honest report” who could take over this vital ministry to widows and handle it effectively. When they did, and the seven were chosen, note what happened.

Acts 6:7 KJV 1900

7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

How does this relate to us and our responsibility in handling the gospel? Notice that the gospel (the word of God) grew, and the number of disciples increased. In other words, more people heard the gospel and genuinely followed Christ. You see, sharing faith is not a solo effort. It requires all of us to plan and work together. As we do, God blesses, His word spreads, and disciples grow in number. It is a stewardship that calls for Spirit-filled teamwork, wise organization, and shared responsibility.

As we consider our church, I often wonder where the breakdown occurs. Why aren't disciples multiplying? Is it due to a lack of Spirit-filled collaboration? Maybe we are organizing effectively, or is it because we're not sharing responsibilities? I don’t know if I have the answer. However, what I do know is that God blesses us when we all plan and work together. It takes all of us.

Reflectively, we need to ask ourselves: are we empowering others to serve? Are we structuring our ministry to reach outsiders effectively?

Individually, we must consider what we are doing personally to help reach our community. Are we participating in the organized outreaches of our church, such as the upcoming Trunk or Treat?

Ultimately, the main point is this.

The gospel of Christ advances when we, as the body of Christ, plan and work together. Planning enables both proclamation and care. Getting involved makes the plan work.

Conclusion

We began this morning with a simple observation: starting without planning leads to unfinished work. That true for buildings, budgets, and most of all - for our witness.

We’ve seen from Scripture that:

Planning is a spiritual discipline (Proverbs 21, Luke 14) - God honors foresight.

Stewardship requires action (Matthew 25) - God expects fruitfulness, not perfection.

Our witness is strongest when we serve together (Colossians 4, Acts 6) - God multiplies what we offer in unity.

So here’s the final application:

Don’t just intend to share your faith - plan for it. Prepare for it. Act on it. And do it together.

Whether you’re a parent, student, retiree, or a ministry leader - God has entrusted you with time, gifts, and relationships. The question is not if you’ve been given something. It’s what you’re doing with it.

Let’s not be the servant who buried his talent. Let’s be the ones who hear, “Well done, good and faithful.”

And let’s remember:

The gospel doesn’t advance through good intentions - it advances through faithful planning and Spirit-filled action.

So as we leave today, let’s not jus walk away inspired. Let’s walk away prepared.

Because the foundation has been laid. Now it’s time to build.

Altar Call

We’ve heard the call today—not just to believe, but to build. Not just to feel convicted, but to be commissioned. Not just to start, but to finish well.

God has entrusted you with time, gifts, and relationships. He’s placed people around you who need the hope of the gospel. And He’s calling you—not to rush, not to bury, but to plan and act faithfully.

So today, if you’re ready to move from intention to action… If you want to be a faithful steward of the gospel… If you’re ready to say, “Lord, I want to finish well”… Then come.

Come to the altar and commit your plan to the Lord. Come and ask for wisdom, courage, and clarity. Come and say, “Here I am, Lord—use me.”

Whether you’re a parent, a student, a leader, or someone who’s just beginning… This is your moment to respond. Because the foundation has been laid. Now it’s time to build.

Let’s pray. Let’s commit. Let’s begin.