W5 - ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

SERMON 5:

"ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP"

November 30 | The Way English Ministry

MOMENT OF TITHING AND OFFERINGS

"Before we move into our giving time, I want to connect this to what we've been talking about today. Listen to this verse:

Leviticus 25:23-24 (NLT) — "The land must never be sold on a permanent basis, for the land belongs to me. You are only foreigners and tenant farmers working for me. With every purchase of land, you must grant the sellers the right to buy it back."

Here's the thing: we don't own the earth. We're stewards of it. We're caretakers. And when we give our offerings, we're acknowledging that everything—including the earth itself—belongs to God.

We're saying, 'God, I trust you with the resources of this world. I'm committed to caring for what You've entrusted to me.'

That's stewardship. That's recognizing that we're responsible for the creation God has given us."

SmallGroup leadership prayer

WELCOME TO NEW VISITORS

"I want to take a moment to welcome our new friends and visitors who are here with us today. We are so glad you're here! You didn't wake up this morning by accident—God brought you to The Way, and we believe that's significant.

Here's what I want you to know: church isn't just about Sunday mornings. We're a family that connects throughout the week, and we'd love for you to be part of that!

Here's how you can connect with us:

Conversation Clubs & Small Groups — We have groups meeting all across the city during the week. These are spaces where we dig deeper, ask real questions, and build genuine friendships. No judgment, just real community.

Social Media — Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and our website for updates, encouragement, and ways to stay connected.

Talk to someone today — Our team members are wearing name tags. Don't be shy—grab one of us and ask questions!

We believe that real faith happens in community, and we want you to experience that. You're not just a visitor—you're family.

LAST WEEK'S SUMMARY

"For those who were with us last week—or for those who are new and wondering where we're coming from—let me give you the big picture of what we've been doing this month.

We're in a five-week journey called 'Gratitude and Stewardship.'

Four weeks ago, we explored 'The Heart of Gratitude'—understanding that gratitude is a choice that transforms how we see God.

Three weeks ago, we talked about 'Stewardship of Time'—recognizing that our time is a gift from God and learning to use it wisely.

Two weeks ago, we explored 'Stewardship of Talents'—discovering that God has given us abilities and gifts, and He expects us to use them.

Last week, we talked about 'Stewardship of Treasures'—understanding that our money is a tool, not a master, and that we're called to use it wisely and generously.

This week, we're asking: 'What about the earth itself? How do we steward God's creation?'

Because God didn't just give us time, talents, and treasures. He gave us a world. And He expects us to take care of it.

So if you're new, don't worry—you're jumping in at the perfect moment. Let's go!"

INTRODUCTION: "THE STAR MOMENT"

"How many of you think about the environment?

Some of you do. Some of you don't. And I get it. There's a lot of noise out there about climate change and pollution and environmental issues. It can feel overwhelming. It can feel political. It can feel like it's not your responsibility.

But here's what I'm learning: environmental stewardship isn't political. It's biblical.

In fact, the very first job God gave humans was to take care of the earth.

Genesis 2:15 says: 'The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.'

That's not a suggestion. That's a command. That's a responsibility.

And it's not just about saving the planet. It's about recognizing that the earth belongs to God, and we're caretakers of it.

Today, we're going to discover what it means to be a good steward of God's creation—and why it matters more than you think."

MAIN VERSE & CONTEXT

Genesis 2:15 (NLT) "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it."

Historical & Literary Context:

The Author: Moses, writing the creation account The Audience: The people of Israel, establishing their identity and relationship with God The Purpose: Genesis establishes God's design for humanity and creation. This verse shows that from the very beginning, humans were given the responsibility to care for the earth. It's not an afterthought. It's part of God's original design.

The word "work" (Hebrew: "abad") means to serve or cultivate. The word "take care" (Hebrew: "shamar") means to guard or protect. So humans are called to both develop and protect the earth.

POINT ONE: THE EARTH BELONGS TO GOD; WE ARE STEWARDS, NOT OWNERS

Psalm 24:1 (NLT) — "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it. The world belongs to God, and all who live in it."

The Greek/Hebrew Word Study:

Hebrew: "Eretz" (אֶרֶץ) — earth, land, ground

This word encompasses not just the physical earth, but the entire created order. When the psalmist says the earth belongs to God, they're saying everything belongs to God—the land, the sea, the sky, all living things.

Supporting Scripture & Biblical Characters:

Leviticus 25:23 (NLT) — "The land must never be sold on a permanent basis, for the land belongs to me. You are only foreigners and tenant farmers working for me."

God is saying: You don't own the land. You're renting it from me. You're a tenant farmer. You have a responsibility to care for it, but you don't have the right to destroy it or exploit it.

Leviticus 25 introduces two major rhythms for Israel’s life:

1️⃣ The Sabbath Year (every 7th year)

• The land must rest (v. 4).

• The people cannot sow or reap as usual.

• Whatever grows naturally is for everyone—rich, poor, servants, immigrants, and even animals.

2️⃣ The Year of Jubilee (every 50th year)

After seven cycles of seven years (49), the 50th year is proclaimed as the Year of Jubilee (“Yovel,” meaning a trumpet blast).

In the Jubilee:

• Slaves are set free (v. 10).

• Land returns to the original family owners (v. 10, 13).

• Debts are canceled (connected with Deut. 15).

• The land must again remain uncultivated, resting for a second consecutive year (v. 11).

The heart behind Jubilee is in verse 23:

“The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is Mine, and you are but strangers and sojourners with Me.”

(Leviticus 25:23)

God makes two things very clear:

1. Israel doesn’t own the land—God does.

2. Israel is only a tenant, a steward, a caretaker.

⸻

What Jubilee Teaches Us About Stewardship

1️⃣ God is the true owner of the earth

From the start:

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”

(Psalm 24:1)

In Leviticus 25, God reminds Israel:

• You are managers, not masters.

• Land is a gift, not a possession.

For Christians today:

We don’t own creation. We steward it on God’s behalf.

⸻

2️⃣ Creation itself needs rest

Sabbath laws applied not only to people, but to soil.

Why?

• To prevent exploitation

• To maintain fertility

• To teach trust in God rather than human productivity

In other words, God built ecological wisdom into spiritual discipline.

For Christians today:

Even in modern society, the principle remains:

We must not exhaust the earth for short-term gain.

Caring for creation is not political—it’s biblical.

Colossians 1:16-17 (NLT) — "For through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together."

Paul is saying: Jesus created everything, and He holds it all together. We're not just caretakers of random stuff. We're caretakers of God's creation—creation that Jesus made and sustains.

Biblical Character:

Noah

Noah was commanded to preserve the animals during the flood. He didn't just save humans. He saved the creatures. He recognized that all of creation matters to God.

Quote from a Renowned Figure:

Billy Graham said:

"God has given us two hands, one to receive with and the other to give with. He has also given us two ears, one to listen to the voice of the world and one to listen to the voice of God."

While Graham wasn't specifically talking about the environment, his principle applies: we need to listen to God's voice about how we should treat His creation.

Illustration: The Warmth Moment (Humor & Connection)

"You know what's funny? We treat things we own very differently from things we rent.

If you rent a car, you're careful with it. You don't want to damage it because it's not yours.

But if you own a car, sometimes we're less careful. We think, 'It's mine. I can do what I want with it.'

But here's the thing: we don't own the earth. We're renting it from God.

And yet, we treat it like we own it. We exploit it. We pollute it. We take from it without giving back. We act like we have the right to do whatever we want with it.

But we don't. We're tenants. We're caretakers. And we're going to have to answer to the landlord—God—for how we've treated His property.

I have a friend who rents a house. And he takes such good care of it. He maintains it. He fixes things. He respects it. Because he knows it's not his, and he wants to leave it in good condition for the next tenant.

That's how we should treat the earth. Not because it's ours, but because it's God's. And we want to leave it in good condition for the next generation."

Reflective Questions:

How would your behavior change if you truly believed the earth belongs to God and you're just a steward?

What's one way you could treat the earth with more respect this week?

Practical Application:

This week, try this:

Shift your mindset. Instead of thinking, "This is mine," think, "This is God's, and I'm taking care of it."

Make one choice that shows respect for God's creation—reduce waste, conserve water, use less energy.

Notice how your perspective changes when you see yourself as a steward instead of an owner.

POINT TWO: CREATION CARE IS NOT OPTIONAL; IT'S A COMMAND

Genesis 2:15 (NLT) — "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it."

The Greek/Hebrew Word Study:

Hebrew: "Shamar" (שָׁמַר) — to guard, to protect, to keep, to preserve

This word is used throughout the Bible to protect something precious. It's the same word used for guarding a treasure or protecting a city. God is commanding us to protect and preserve creation.

Supporting Scripture & Biblical Characters:

Proverbs 12:10 (NLT) — "The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel."

The proverb is saying: caring for creation is a sign of righteousness. It's not optional. It's part of what it means to follow God.

Romans 12:2 (NLT) — "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you—which is good and pleasing and perfect."

Paul is saying: Don't just follow the world's pattern of exploitation and consumption. Let God transform how you think about creation.

Biblical Character:

Job

Job says: "Ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?" (Job 12:7-8)

Job understood that all of creation reveals God's character and deserves our respect.

Quote from a Renowned Figure:

Charles H. Spurgeon said, "A man may as well expect to grow wiser by always talking, as to grow in grace by always praying and never working."

While Spurgeon wasn't specifically about the environment, his principle applies: faith without action is incomplete. We can't just pray about creation care. We have to act.

Illustration:

"Here's something that puts things in perspective: we're the only species that destroys its own habitat.

Every other animal takes what it needs and leaves the rest. But humans? We take more than we need. We pollute. We destroy. We exploit.

And here's the data:

We've lost 68% of wildlife populations since 1970

We produce 2.12 billion tons of waste per year

We've polluted the oceans so much that there's a garbage patch the size of Texas

We're losing forests at a rate of 10 million hectares per year

These aren't just statistics. These are signs that we're not stewarding creation well.

But here's the good news: we can change. Individual actions matter. When you reduce waste, you're making a difference. When you conserve water, you're making a difference. When you support environmental causes, you're making a difference.

It's not about being perfect. It's about being intentional."

Reflective Questions:

Do you see creation care as a command from God, or as optional?

What's one area where you could be a better steward of creation?

Practical Application:

This week, try this:

Reduce waste. Use reusable bags. Recycle. Compost if possible.

Conserve water. Take shorter showers. Fix leaks. Be mindful of water usage.

Use less energy. Turn off the lights. Use public transportation. Reduce your carbon footprint.

POINT THREE: ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP IS ABOUT JUSTICE AND COMPASSION

Proverbs 31:8-9 (NLT) — "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice."

The Greek/Hebrew Word Study:

Hebrew: "Mishpat" (מִשְׁפָּט) — justice, judgment, righteousness

This word encompasses not just legal justice, but moral justice—treating others (and creation) with fairness and compassion.

Supporting Scripture & Biblical Characters:

Deuteronomy 22:6-7 (NLT) — "If you happen to find a bird's nest in a tree or on the ground beside the road, and there are young ones or eggs in it with the mother sitting in the nest or on the eggs, do not take the mother with the young. You may take the young, but let the mother go, so you may prosper and enjoy a long life."

This law shows that God cares about the welfare of animals. It's not just about humans. It's about all of creation.

Hosea 4:1-3 (NLT) — "Hear the word of the Lord, you people of Israel! The Lord has brought charges against you, saying: 'There is no faithfulness, no kindness, no knowledge of God in your land. You make vows and break them; you kill and steal and commit adultery. There is violence everywhere—one murder after another. So the land will wither, and everything living in it will waste away. Even the wild animals, the birds of the sky, and the fish of the sea are disappearing.'"

The prophet is saying: when we're unjust and unfaithful, creation suffers. Environmental destruction is connected to moral failure.

Quote:

Dr. Dharius Daniels (contemporary pastor and author) said: "Justice is not just about people. It's about the whole creation. When we care for the environment, we're caring for the most vulnerable among us—those who will inherit the earth we leave behind."

Daniels understood that environmental justice is social justice. The poor are often the most affected by environmental destruction.

Illustration: The Awe Moment

"I want to tell you about a community called Flint, Michigan.

For years, the water system was contaminated with lead. And you know who suffered the most? The poorest residents. The people who couldn't afford to buy bottled water. The children who drank the contaminated water and suffered developmental problems.

This is environmental injustice. This is what happens when we don't steward creation well. The wealthy can escape. The poor are left behind.

But then something beautiful happened.

A group of Christians decided to do something about it. They organized water distribution. They advocated for change. They fought for justice.

And slowly, things started to change.

Not because the government suddenly cared. But because people of faith decided that environmental stewardship is about justice.

That's what I'm talking about. That's what it means to care for creation—not just for the sake of nature, but for the sake of people. For the sake of justice. For the sake of compassion."

Reflective Questions:

How does environmental destruction affect the most vulnerable in our society?

What's one way you could advocate for environmental justice?

Practical Application:

This week, try this:

Learn about environmental justice issues in your community.

Support organizations that are working to protect both people and the environment.

Advocate for change. Write to your representatives. Support policies that protect creation and people.

POINT FOUR: CREATION CARE IS AN ACT OF WORSHIP AND HOPE

Revelation 11:18 (NLT) — "The nations were filled with wrath, but now the time of your wrath has come. It is time to judge the dead and reward your servants the prophets, as well as your holy people and all who fear your name, from the least to the greatest. It is time to destroy all who have caused destruction on the earth."

The Greek/Hebrew Word Study:

Greek: "Diaphtheiro" (διαφθείρω) — to destroy, to corrupt, to ruin

John is saying: God takes seriously the destruction of creation. Those who destroy the earth will be held accountable.

Supporting Scripture & Biblical Characters:

Romans 8:19-21 (NLT) — "All creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. Against its will, all creation was subjected to God's curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay. For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time."

Paul is saying: creation itself is waiting for redemption. When we care for creation, we're participating in God's redemptive work.

2 Peter 3:13 (NLT) — "But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth that he has promised, a world filled with God's righteousness."

Peter is saying: God's plan includes the restoration of creation. This isn't just about saving souls. It's about renewing the entire creation.

Biblical Character:

Jesus

Jesus spent time in nature. He taught by the sea. He went to the mountains to pray. He used creation as a teacher. He showed us that creation is valuable to God.

Quote from a Renowned Figure:

C.S. Lewis wrote: "If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world."

Lewis understood that our longing for a restored creation points to God's promise of redemption.

When we care for creation, we're expressing hope in God's future.

Illustration: The Warmth Moment

"You know what's interesting? When you care for something, you fall in love with it.

I have a friend who started gardening. She said, 'I just wanted to grow some vegetables.' But then something happened.

She started noticing the soil.

She started watching the plants grow.

She started caring about the bees and the butterflies. And now she's passionate about environmental stewardship.

Why? Because she fell in love with creation. She started seeing it not as a resource to exploit, but as something precious to protect.

That's what happens when we practice environmental stewardship. We don't just do it out of obligation. We do it out of love. We do it out of worship.

And when we do it out of love, we experience hope. We experience the joy of participating in God's redemptive work. We experience the satisfaction of knowing that we're taking care of something precious.

That's the power of environmental stewardship. It's not just about saving the planet. It's about falling in love with God's creation. It's about worshiping God through how we treat His world."

Reflective Questions:

How would your environmental choices change if you saw them as an act of worship?

What gives you hope about the future of creation?

Practical Application:

This week, try this:

Spend time in nature. Go for a walk. Sit in a park. Notice God's creation.

Do something to care for creation as an act of worship—plant a tree, clean up a park, support an environmental cause.

Pray for creation. Ask God to help you be a better steward and to restore what has been damaged.

CONCLUSION:

THE POWERFUL TAKEAWAY

"Here's what I want you to remember as you leave here today:

The earth belongs to God. And you are a steward of it.

How you treat creation matters.

We've talked about four things today:

The earth belongs to God; we are stewards, not owners. We don't have the right to exploit or destroy. We have the responsibility to protect and preserve.

Creation care is not optional; it's a command. From the very beginning, God commanded us to work and take care of the earth. It's not a suggestion. It's a responsibility.

Environmental stewardship is about justice and compassion. When we care for creation, we're caring for the most vulnerable. We're fighting for justice.

Creation care is an act of worship and hope. When we care for creation, we're worshiping God. We're expressing hope in His redemptive plan.

But here's the real question: What are you going to do with this?

Because knowing this stuff doesn't change anything. Doing this stuff changes everything.

This week, I'm challenging you:

Make one choice that shows respect for God's creation.

Maybe it's reducing waste.

Maybe it's conserving water.

Maybe it's supporting an environmental cause.

Maybe it's spending time in nature and falling in love with creation.

Whatever it is, make it count.

Because creation matters.

The earth matters. How you treat God's world matters.

And when you do it right, you're not just helping the planet. You're worshiping God. You're participating in His redemptive work. You're expressing hope in His future."

🙏 ALTAR CALL / APPEAL

"I want to invite you into something today. Not just to think about environmental stewardship, but to practice it. To commit to it.

If you're here today and you've been indifferent to creation—not thinking about how your choices affect the earth, not caring about environmental issues—I want to invite you to surrender that to Jesus right now.

Here's what I mean: Jesus came to give us abundant life. But we can't experience that abundance if we're destroying the world He created. We can't experience that abundance if we're ignoring injustice. We can't experience that abundance if we're not participating in His redemptive work.

So I'm going to pray, and I want you to pray with me. And if you want to make a commitment—a real commitment—to be a better steward of creation, to care for the earth, to fight for environmental justice, I want you to stand up. Not because you have to. But because you want to. Because you're ready to let God transform how you treat His creation.

Let's pray:

"Father, thank you for creating this beautiful world. Thank you for entrusting it to us.

I confess that I've been indifferent to creation. I've been careless with resources. I've ignored environmental issues. I've acted like the earth is mine to exploit instead of God's to steward.

Today, I'm choosing differently. I'm choosing to care for creation. I'm choosing to be a good steward. I'm choosing to fight for justice.

Help me this week to make one choice that shows respect for Your creation. Help me to see creation as precious. Help me to participate in Your redemptive work.

Transform how I treat the earth. Transform my life through environmental stewardship.

In Jesus' name, Amen."

"If you stood up, or if you want to talk to someone about what that commitment looks like, our team is here. We're going to have some people available after service. Don't leave without connecting with someone.

And everyone else—I want to challenge you too. This week, make one choice that shows respect for God's creation. Reduce waste. Conserve water. Support an environmental cause. Spend time in nature.

Because creation matters. The earth matters. How you treat God's world matters.

Let's worship together."