Stewardship
1 Corinthians 4:2
Intro: When the builders of a proposed bridge across the Niagara Falls began construction many years ago, the first matter at hand was how to span the river w/ the suspension cables. Launching a simple kite, the builders were able to get a thin string across. Using the string, they drew a rope across, which was followed by a larger rope, then a small cable, and finally a cable heavy enough to use as support in building the bridge. When it was completed, the huge structure, that could support a train, showed no signs of having once been launched by a simple kite!
Trans: This story reminds us that to do a great work you must begin small and keep it simple. This is one of life¡¦s foundational truths. We don¡¦t have to make life complex. The same is true w/ stewardship. We don¡¦t have to make it burdensome ¡V God intends it to be rewarding, fulfilling and exhilarating.
I. STEWARDSHIP DEFINED
-Stewardship is not about your money, it is about your life.
Note: Stewardship is about how we manage our time, talents, etc. It is about giving to God the best of who we are and what we have received.
Verse: Where your heart is there your treasure will be. Mt. 6:21
-Stewardship is about who is in charge of your life.
Verse: You shall have no other gods before Me. Ex. 20:2
Note: To address the issue of who is in charge, God requires His people to give the tithe. The Tithe simply reveals who is on the throne.
Quote: We show God that He is first in our lives when we give Him the best of who we are and what we have possessed.
A. It is management (Matt. 25:14—30).
B. It is a lifestyle (Matt. 6:25—33).
C. It is a commitment to the Person of Jesus Christ
D. It involves carefully using everything we’ve been entrusted with!
God Owns Everything
Idea: We often speak of our possessions, but according to the Bible, God owns it all and we own nothing ¡V we are stewards of everything God entrusts to us.
Verse: The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it. Ps. 24:1
Truth: We are stewards and not owners ¡V thus giving is nothing more than managing His assets and resources.
1 It all belongs to God.
2 God gives His property to us for our enjoyment & investment.
3 To keep perspective, God asks that we give Him the first 10%.
4 Those who live by the ownership principle, God blesses.
5 Those who steal from God, God disciplines.
II. STEWARDSHIP DISPLAYED
A. TIME
1. Time has value
2. Time is limits (24 hours per day for maybe 70+ years)
3. Time holds accountability (Rom. 2:6).
24 Hrs a day
7 days a week = 168 hrs week
52 Weeks a year = 8736 hrs
over 16 hrs a week needs to be devoted to God
In 2007 the average adult will spend 65 days in front of the TV; 41 days listening to the radio; a little over a week on the Internet; a week reading a daily newspaper; and another week listening to recorded music.
30 hrs a week watching TV
40 hrs at work
56 hrs sleeping
3 hrs on the Intrnet
2 hrs reading a newspaper
2 hrs listening to music
133 hrs but you still have over 30+
B. TALENTS
1. Talents and gifts are distributed by God (1 Cor 12:11)
2. We all have specific and separate giftedness (1 Cor. 12).
3. We are all required to use our gifts for ministry (1 Pet 4:10)
3. We all will give account for the use of gifts and talents (Luke 12:48).
Quote: Bumper sticker - Tithe is you love Jesus, any idiot can honk!
C. TREASURES
1. Our hearts are linked to our treasures (Mt 6:21).
2. Giving shows our allegiance and faithfulness to Christ- Lk 16:10
To whom much is given much is required; but all will give an account for what they have been given.
God doesn’t need anything; yet He wants us to grow in grace by giving.
Verse: Give and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into you lap. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return. Lk. 6:38
D. TELLING.
1. In general, this is our influence (Ezek. 22:30).
2. In particular, this is our proclamation (Ezek. 3:17, 18).
III. STEWARDSHIP DEPICTED
A. Stability (Matt. 25:14—30).
1. Someone on whom we can depend.
2. Someone who responds to the needs of others (Luke 10:33—35).
B. Surrender (Phil 2:5-8)
C. Service (Mat 25:14
