The Graces We Steward

Introduction: The great pendulum swing of what to do with my life continues in the hearts of people today.

The reality for Peter and these believers he is writing too is this; When the majority of the people around you are non-believers and they would rather speak words of division, jealousy, revenge, live for personal gain, etc., God’s people are subject to begin to model the same kind of life.

Peter is writing to remind these believers (God’s message for us today) of their new identity and stewardship in relation to their position in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Let us all take notice how Peter also encourages them to live as faithful stewards in light of the future judgement (v17).

Remember, if your faith has been placed upon Jesus’ gospel, you are now on the God glorifying side of stewardship. Your life has purpose; God’s purpose!

1) The Giver & Owner Of Grace

Everything comes from and belongs to God.

You only manage it for a season. Nothing you have is a permanent possession.

Paul said, “I came with nothing and will leave with nothing.”

There is a day of accountability.

2) The Words Of His Grace

A. “speak as the oracles of God”

God has given each and every one of you HIS WORDS that you might receive them, depend on them, and faithfully share them with others.

God’s people are His channels of Truth

Illustration: (show pic) The Judaean port of Caesarea had no reliable source of fresh water when construction on the city began around 22 BC. King Herod commissioned a raised aqueduct to deliver water from the springs near Shuni, 16 kilometres north-east of Caesarea Maritima.

“oracles”

Acts 7:37-38

OT - God’s law

NT - words or utterances of God

Hebrews 5:12 - “principals” = this word speaks to the foundational sounds one would learn of the alphabet in order to construct useful words.

Christians must learn the importance of stewarding the tools God has given for their learning of foundational spiritual truths that they might provide PROFITABLE speech (spiritual speech) to their family, friends, etc...

The #1 foundational truth your voice should be a channel for is the gospel of Jesus Christ!!!

John 7:38

This is not a gift you must figure out if it has been given to you. IT HAS!

3) The Abilities Of His Grace

A. “...let him do it as of the ability which GOD GIVETH”

2 Corinthians 8:11-15

“...let him do it...” (the attitude and action)

Peter is speaking of a believer making a choice to propel their life into a pattern of WORK in relation to their GOD GIVEN abilities.

Man has ALWAYS been told to work!!!

Some would say, “I just don’t think I can do it” WAIT WAIT WAIT!

READ THE TEXT AGAIN!

Your ability comes from God.

“Minister” = tending to the wants and needs of others (primarily believers)

Serving is equal to worshiping.

I want to introduce an illustration Jesus himself shared with his disciples to help them understand: 1) What unfaithfulness looks like, 2) The right perspective of His giving of gifts, 3) There will be a time of accountability.

Turn to: Matthew 25:13-30

We want to understand the

3 levels of being unfaithful

First - Neglect (not taking proper care of what God has sent to you)

Listen, God didn’t give him SEEDS. He gave him money.

Second - Abuse (abnormal use)

Using God’s gifts to only bless yourself.

Your body, home, etc.

Third - Unprofitable (taking God’s gift and only do some dirt to do with it)

Not bringing God glory.

You ALWAYS find time to spend God’s money on you but never enough to invest in God’s kingdom.

4 reasons for unfaithfulness

First - He compared his gift to the gifts of others

The Master sovereignly did not give equal distribution.

Life comparisons will make you discouraged to use your own gift.

You think since they have more, their faithfulness is more important than yours. Then you relieve yourself of the responsibility because you expect others to do more than you.

Since others have been given more than you, they can carry the church financially and do all the work.

LISTEN - All gifts are given to support each other. They are most certainly different in quantity, but definitely no different in value.

COMPARISON also leads to being UN-GREATFUL.

The one who received “one” never deserved the one to begin with!!

Many of believers thinks they are a “5” or a “2” servant.

Instead of being jealous of what others have, why don’t you try being grateful for what God has given you.

It would do you good to compare yourself with yourself!

Second - He excused himself from what the master expected.

Notice how the one with “one” talent responded.

Jesus said, “If you knew, why didn’t you do.”

YOU KNOW exactly what God’s expects you to do.

NEVER NEVER excuse yourself from service because you cleverly say, “Well, that is not my gift”

The Devil is such a soother to Christians.

He will say, “God understands”

Notice, the master DID NOT EXCEPT THE EXCUSE.

Third - He didn’t know you have to WORK WITH WHAT GOD GAVE YOU!

If you work the five, you might have ten.

If you work the two, you might have four.

God’s gifts do not come with the privilege comes with being lazy.

IT WILL WORK if you work it!!!

Fourthly - Did not know the reward for being faithful.

Faithfulness never fails.

4) Practical Instruction About Knowing Your Gifts

A. FIRST - Stay in God’s Word and continue in prayer.

B. SECOND - Inquire from your pastor about where there is opportunity to serve.

C. THRID - God will begin to speak to your heart about you the gifts He has given you, your strengths and weaknesses.

Illustration: Have you ever made a career choice but once you got in to it, you quickly figured out that this was not for you? It is very similar to figuring out what your place of ministry is.

There are some things in ministry that are given to ALL BELIEVERS, but there are some gifts that are special to YOUR PERSON; God made you special for that calling.

Conclusion: The Master is returning quickly and only at a time that He knows. When the Master returns, judgement begins! How will your stewardship fare before the Heavenly judge?