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 ____or the honor of another person.

2. One who is entrusted w/a responsibility of the ___________.

3. Stewardship today: exercising & holding power of __________.

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 ___________; sensibility; and trustworthiness. Demonstrate ___________ 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 _____________. He was ______________.

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 ________ is expected from the person to whom THE ____________-- 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; ___________; capabilities; resources come from God.

C. 1 Cor. 4:7 – what do we have that we did not __________?

1. Ex. 31:1-6 – what skills were ___________ given?

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

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

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

F. We are merely _____________, 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 ________. 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 ____or the honor of another person. 2. One who is entrusted w/a responsibility of the ___________. 3. Stewardship today: exercising & holding power of __________. 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 ___________; sensibility; and trustworthiness. Demonstrate ___________ 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 _____________. He was ______________. 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 ________ is expected from the person to whom THE ____________-- 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; ___________; capabilities; resources come from God. C. 1 Cor. 4:7 – what do we have that we did not __________? 1. Ex. 31:1-6 – what skills were ___________ given? D. Deut. 8:17-18 – where did Israel get the power to get ________? E. God gives us, by inheritance, certain ___________; skills; & resources. 1. __________ them; cultivate them; and use them for His glory. F. We are merely _____________, 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 ________. 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.