FAITHFUL STEWARDSHIP IN GOD’S KINGDOM
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Luke 16:1-13
Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 4:2; Matthew 25:14-30; Colossians 3:23-24
INTRODUCTION
The subject of stewardship is a foundational truth in the Kingdom of God. Everything we own, from the money in our bank account to the gifts we carry within us, is not truly ours but God’s. In Luke 16:1-13, Jesus uses the parable of the unjust steward to draw our attention to the seriousness of accountability. Just as the steward was called to give an account of his master’s resources, so will we one day stand before God to account for every blessing, responsibility, and opportunity placed in our hands.
Faithful stewardship goes beyond financial giving; it involves the way we live our lives, how we use our time, the way we treat people, and how we invest in the advancement of God’s Kingdom. God is looking for believers who will manage His resources with wisdom, integrity, and foresight. The blessings we long for tomorrow are often tied to how we handle the little we have today.
The relevance of this teaching cannot be overstated in a world where materialism, wastefulness, and misplaced priorities often compete for our attention. As believers, we are called to live differently—to handle God’s blessings in a way that honours Him and prepares us for greater responsibility in eternity.
1. UNDERSTANDING STEWARDSHIP AS A DIVINE TRUST
Stewardship is not ownership but a sacred responsibility. God entrusts us with resources, gifts, and opportunities to use for His glory and purposes.
a) God owns everything (Psalm 24:1) – The earth and everything in it belong to God, and we are temporary caretakers. Recognising His ownership should humble us and shape how we use His blessings.
b) We are accountable to God (Romans 14:12) – One day, every believer will stand before God to give a detailed account of how we used what He entrusted to us. Accountability keeps us diligent and faithful.
c) Faithfulness is required (1 Corinthians 4:2) – God does not reward talent alone but consistent obedience, reliability, and integrity. Faithfulness in small tasks proves our readiness for greater things.
d) Stewardship extends beyond money (Colossians 3:23) – It includes managing relationships, opportunities, time, and spiritual gifts with excellence, doing everything as unto the Lord.
Biblical Example: Joseph was entrusted with Potiphar’s house and later Egypt’s resources. His faithfulness, even in prison, positioned him for promotion and influence (Genesis 39:2-6; 41:39-41).
2. THE DANGERS OF MISMANAGING GOD’S RESOURCES
Mismanaging what God entrusts to us leads to loss, dishonour, and missed opportunities for greater blessings.
a) Wastefulness dishonours God (Luke 16:1) – The unjust steward wasted his master’s goods and lost his position. Careless handling of resources reveals ingratitude and disrespect for God’s blessings.
b) Unfaithfulness brings judgement (Matthew 25:30) – The unprofitable servant in the parable of the talents was cast out because he buried his talent instead of using it. Neglecting responsibility invites loss.
c) Selfishness leads to spiritual poverty (Proverbs 11:24) – Hoarding resources or using them selfishly dries up spiritual blessings and opportunities. Generosity opens doors for abundance.
d) Neglecting small matters leads to bigger failures (Luke 16:10) – If we cannot be trusted with little, God will not entrust us with much. Small tests prepare us for greater assignments.
Biblical Example: King Saul lost his kingdom because he mishandled God’s instructions, choosing partial obedience over full surrender (1 Samuel 15:22-23).
3. WISDOM IN STEWARDSHIP LEADS TO FAVOUR
Wise and intentional management of God’s resources invites divine favour and earthly promotion.
a) Planning ahead is wise (Proverbs 21:5) – The unjust steward, though dishonest, demonstrated foresight that Jesus commended. Believers must think ahead and act with godly wisdom.
b) Use resources to build eternal relationships (Luke 16:9) – Invest in people, evangelism, and Kingdom projects, for only what is done for Christ will last.
c) Wise management attracts promotion (Matthew 25:23) – Faithful stewards are rewarded with greater responsibilities and influence. God promotes those who prove trustworthy.
d) God’s wisdom ensures multiplication (Proverbs 3:5-6) – Relying on God’s guidance guarantees that every resource entrusted to you will multiply and bless many.
Biblical Example: The Proverbs 31 woman managed her household and investments with wisdom, earning respect and prosperity for her family (Proverbs 31:16-18).
4. FAITHFULNESS IN LITTLE THINGS OPENS GREATER DOORS
God often tests us with small responsibilities to see if we are ready for bigger ones.
a) Small beginnings matter (Zechariah 4:10) – Do not despise small assignments, for God watches how we handle them. Big doors swing on small hinges.
b) Integrity in private leads to honour in public (Luke 16:10) – What we do when no one is watching determines if God can elevate us before others.
c) Faithfulness attracts divine trust (Luke 16:12) – When you manage what belongs to others well, God will entrust you with your own blessings and opportunities.
d) God rewards diligence (Proverbs 22:29) – Diligent and excellent workers will stand before kings, not obscure men.
Biblical Example: David’s faithfulness as a shepherd, defending his flock from lions and bears, prepared him to face Goliath and eventually rule as king (1 Samuel 17:34-37).
5. YOU CANNOT SERVE TWO MASTERS
Loyalty must be singular. Divided devotion between God and wealth leads to instability and spiritual compromise.
a) Choose God over riches (Luke 16:13) – Money is a tool, not a master. Serving wealth leads to ruin, but serving God leads to eternal rewards.
b) Worldliness hinders spiritual growth (James 4:4) – Friendship with the world makes one an enemy of God. Choose Kingdom priorities over worldly pleasures.
c) Single-minded devotion brings peace (Matthew 6:33) – Seeking God’s Kingdom first aligns our lives and brings all necessary provisions.
d) Serving God wholeheartedly ensures eternal reward (Colossians 3:24) – What we do for Christ will be rewarded in eternity, so let our loyalty be undivided.
Biblical Example: The rich young ruler walked away from Jesus because he valued wealth over discipleship, missing the opportunity for eternal life (Matthew 19:16-22).
CONCLUSION
Faithful stewardship is not merely about money; it is about a lifestyle of accountability, wisdom, and loyalty to God. Everything you have today is a test for what God wants to entrust to you tomorrow. Handle God’s blessings with care, use them for His glory, and prepare to give a joyful account.
When you understand that you are a steward and not an owner, your perspective changes. Your time, gifts, and resources become tools to expand God’s Kingdom and bless others. Live each day intentionally, knowing that your faithfulness today determines your promotion and eternal rewards tomorrow.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, open my eyes to see all I possess as a sacred trust from You.
2. Father, deliver me from carelessness and wastefulness in managing resources.
3. Lord, grant me divine wisdom to plan and steward my time, talents, and finances well.
4. Father, make me faithful in little things so You can entrust me with greater blessings.
5. Lord, help me to use my resources to invest in people and Kingdom purposes.
6. Father, uproot every trace of greed and selfishness from my heart.
7. Lord, give me a steadfast heart to serve You wholeheartedly above all else.
8. Father, guide me to recognise and seize every opportunity to glorify You.
9. Lord, let my stewardship bring honour to Your name and blessings to others.
10. Father, prepare me to stand joyfully before Your throne with a faithful report.
