Christians as Stewards

Christians as Stewards

Introduction:

During December, we talked about how we are servants of God. In fact, we are people owned by God. Becoming a servant of God is expected behavior for God’s child. We learn from looking to Jesus what God expects of us as servants. He wants us to aspire to the highest level of service! He wants us to be servants who function as stewards. What is a steward? At first glance, we may see a steward as someone who is a responsible, capable servant who is trusted by the master. Is there more to it than that? Join us now as we look at some biblical expectations for God’s steward.

I. A Better Understanding.

A. Two NT Greek words are translated as “steward.”

1. one who is entrusted w/the care or the honor of another person.

2. one who is entrusted w/a responsibility of the household.

3. stewardship today: exercising & holding power of attorney.

B. Acts 10:36 – Jesus is Lord of all.

1. As responsible stewards, we use everything under our control in God’s best interests!

C. God expects us to:

1. Demonstrate our dependability; sensibility; and trustworthiness. Demonstrate devotion in His absence as in His presence.

II. Principles of stewardship: Lk. 12:42-48.

A. 12:42 – character attributes that makes a servant a steward:

1. He was faithful. He was sensible.

B. 12:43-48 – blessings & a warning. 12:45 – acted foolishly? Punishment!

C. 12:47-48 –refuse to carry out mission as a steward –punished!

1. 12:48 –THE MOST is expected from the person to whom THE MOST is entrusted.

III. All things belong to God.

A. 1 Cor. 10:26 – memory verse. Brethren: there is nothing that is not his!

B. Wisdom; skills; capabilities; resources come from God.

C. 1 Cor. 4:7 – what do we have that we did not receive? Ex. 31:1-6 – what skills were Bezalel given?

D. Deut. 8:17-18 – where did Israel get the power to get wealth?

E. God gives us, by inheritance, certain abilities; skills; & resources.

1. Develop them; cultivate them; and use them for His glory.

F. We are merely possessors, not owners, of all we have! 1 Tim. 6:7

IV. Stewards must give an account.

A. No escape from reckoning w/God.

1. 1 Cor. 4:2 – what is required? Rom. 14:12 2 Cor. 5:10

2. Mt. 25:14-30 - had to account for what they did.

Conclusion:

A. The only thing we “own” is our will. We are free moral agents.

B. 1 Peter 4:10 – we use to serve/honor God! Not to serve/honor ourselves!

C. Honor him by giving yourself to Him; by taking advantage of His grace.



Christians as Stewards Introduction: During December, we talked about how we are servants of God. In fact, we are people owned by God. Becoming a servant of God is expected behavior for God’s child. We learn from looking to Jesus what God expects of us as servants. He wants us to aspire to the highest level of service! He wants us to be servants who function as stewards. What is a steward? At first glance, we may see a steward as someone who is a responsible, capable servant who is trusted by the master. Is there more to it than that? Join us now as we look at some biblical expectations for God’s steward. I. A Better Understanding. A. Two NT Greek words are translated as “steward.” 1. one who is entrusted w/the care or the honor of another person. 2. one who is entrusted w/a responsibility of the household. 3. stewardship today: exercising & holding power of attorney. B. Acts 10:36 – Jesus is Lord of all. 1. As responsible stewards, we use everything under our control in God’s best interests! C. God expects us to: 1. Demonstrate our dependability; sensibility; and trustworthiness. Demonstrate devotion in His absence as in His presence. II. Principles of stewardship: Lk. 12:42-48. A. 12:42 – character attributes that makes a servant a steward: 1. He was faithful. He was sensible. B. 12:43-48 – blessings & a warning. 12:45 – acted foolishly? Punishment! C. 12:47-48 –refuse to carry out mission as a steward –punished! 1. 12:48 –THE MOST is expected from the person to whom THE MOST is entrusted. III. All things belong to God. A. 1 Cor. 10:26 – memory verse. Brethren: there is nothing that is not his! B. Wisdom; skills; capabilities; resources come from God. C. 1 Cor. 4:7 – what do we have that we did not receive? Ex. 31:1-6 – what skills were Bezalel given? D. Deut. 8:17-18 – where did Israel get the power to get wealth? E. God gives us, by inheritance, certain abilities; skills; & resources. 1. Develop them; cultivate them; and use them for His glory. F. We are merely possessors, not owners, of all we have! 1 Tim. 6:7 IV. Stewards must give an account. A. No escape from reckoning w/God. 1. 1 Cor. 4:2 – what is required? Rom. 14:12 2 Cor. 5:10 2. Mt. 25:14-30 - had to account for what they did. Conclusion: A. The only thing we “own” is our will. We are free moral agents. B. 1 Peter 4:10 – we use to serve/honor God! Not to serve/honor ourselves! C. Honor him by giving yourself to Him; by taking advantage of His grace.