An Accountable Steward

1. Introduction

A. Biblical Stewardship

i. Defined

Biblical Stewardship – Understanding, managing, and employing all resources God provides for the glory of God and the advancement of the kingdom

*Biblical Stewardship is the intersecting point of Faith, Work, and Economics

ii. Four Principles of Biblical Stewardship

1. Ownership, Responsibility, Accountability, & Reward

2. Principle of Ownership - Review

a. God the Father has absolute rights of ownership over all things - To miss starting this is like misaligning the top button on our shirt or blouse—nothing else will ever line up.

3. Principle of Responsibility - Review

a. The weight of God’s generosity impressed upon an individual, demanding the respect and a response of thoughtful care, cultivation, and complete enjoyment of the many gifts He’s allowed us to manage.

4. Principle of Accountability

a. The assumption of “the answerable role” as it relates to the proper development and discharge of actions, products, decisions, policies, and gifts. (Time, talents, and treasures)

b. God is not pleased with us ruling over creation in whatever way we see fit.

c. We are called to carry out our various life-stewardships under the watchful eye of our Creator, managing what He’s given in accordance with His will and values.

d. We will ultimately give an account to Him for our entire lives, including our money, abilities, time, relationships, jobs, authority, information, and wisdom. :

B. Context of the Text

i. We are on the tail end of 3 Days of Fasting (No Food or Drink)

ii. The edict to destroy the Jews is in developmental phase

iii. Esther decides to go into the Kings court and petition hi on her and her peoples behalf - Jews

iv. Prepares 2 feasts before she makes her request – Invites King and Haman

v. King & Haman can’t sleep for the same reason – Mordecai

vi. Haman honors Mordecai

2. Accountability Is an Extension of your access (Vs. 5:2)

A. Esther is granted access to the King’s court, after she has dressed in royal regalia and presented herself humbly before the king – Present Yourself Humbly, But Come Bodly!!

“Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.[1]” –

B. Because of your access (favor), you will be held accountable, and because God knows he can hold you accountable he can give access (favor).

“…From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.[2]” –

3. Accountability is a result of your aspiration (vs. 5:9-14, 14*)

A. Unchecked Aspirations can be a breeding ground for Demonic Achievement – Haman, no doubt, had aspirations to be great in the kingdom. But in the midst of achieving his initial aspirations the one thing (Mordecai) that seemingly prevented it became the target of a new aspiration.

Check your aspirations because you will be held accountable for them!

“The aspirations of good people end in celebration; the ambitions of bad people crash.[3]” – Proverb 10:28

4. accountability is a consequence of your actions (Vs. 13-14)

“Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. [4]” Exekiel 28:17

Lucifer apparently became so impressed with his own beauty, intelligence, power, and position that he began to desire for himself the honor and glory that belonged to God alone.

[1] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

[2] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

[3] Peterson, E. H. (2005). The Message: the Bible in contemporary language (). Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.

[4] The Holy Bible: New Revised Standard Version. (1989). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.