Seven Non-Negotiables of Christian Stewardship
Seven Non-Negotiables of Christian Stewardship
Pastor Keith Hassell
Foundation Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30
Bridge across the Niagra River: They used a kite with a string, then used the string to pull across a rope, then a larger rope, then a cable, and finally a cable that was heavy enough to use as a support in building the bridge. When it was finished, the huge structure could support the heaviest trains and showed no signs of having been launched by a simple but sturdy kite!
NON-NEGOTIABLE # 1: God owns Everything
1. Martin Luther: “There are three conversions necessary: the conversion of the heart, the mind, and the purse. Of these three, it may well be that we find the conversion of the purse the most difficult.”
2. Psalm 24:1 “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.”
NON-NEGOTIABLE #2: God’s work must be supported by God’s people.
1. REGULAR GIVING: According to a specific, consistent pattern.
2. RESPONSIVE GIVING: In proportion to God’s blessing.
3. RELIANT GIVING: According to faith in God’s ability to supply.
4. REVELATION GIVING: According to God’s specific leading.
NON-NEGOTIABLE #3: God holds every person accountable.
1. Daniel Webster was asked what he believed to be the most profound thought that he had ever had. He replied, “The most profound and important thought ever to occupy my mind is that I am individually accountable to Almighty God.”
2. 1 Corinthians 4:2 “It is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.”
NON-NEGOTIABLE #4: God’s will is that we give wisely and generously.
1. 2 Corinthians 9:7 “God loves a cheerful giver.”
2. God wants us to give wisely, investing His resources wisely and not squandering them.
3. Ask yourself: Is this need proven and spiritual? Does it fit with our purpose and vision? Will meeting this need be pleasing to God? Is this the right time to meet this need? How can we best engage in meeting this need?
NON-NEGOTIABLE #5: God desires equal commitment, not equal
contribution.
1. This underscores the priority of making the most of what one is given in life. A wealthy person who gives a substantial gift may not be giving sacrificially while the poorer person who gives less may be giving with a higher degree of sacrifice.
2. Sacrificial giving is giving our of our need, not out of our abundance.
3. Mark 12:42-44 The poor widow and her giving
NON-NEGOTIABLE #6: God holds more responsible those to whom
more is given.
1. This is crucial to church leaders. Because church leaders have been given greater position and influence, it is imperative to lead by example as generous, sacrificial givers---and this includes areas other than finances.
2. 1 Chronicles 29:5 (David) “Moreover, I have set my affections on the house of my God, I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, my own special treasure of gold and silver.” David gave over and above his already substantial offerings. He gave from his special treasure---a source he prized very highly. As a result, others followed and “offered willingly” to the building of the temple.
NON-NEGOTIABLE #7: God blesses the giver in proportionate measure.
1. God does not need anything; yet, He wants us to grow in grace by giving to Him. As we obey Him in practicing this spiritual discipline of giving, He blesses us accordingly.
2. Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
Message adapted from an article entitled “7 Non-Negotiables of Christian Stewardship” by Kirk Nowery of INJOY Stewardship Services in the Fall 2002 edition