Stewardship
World definition: The management of another persons property, finances, or household affairs
Christian deffinition: The management of one’s life
Matt 25:14-23
14 "Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. 15 To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. 16 The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. 17 So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. 18 But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19 "After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. ’Master,’ he said, ’you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.’ 21 "His master replied, ’Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ 22 "The man with the two talents also came. ’Master,’ he said, ’you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.’ 23 "His master replied, ’Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
3 quick points
Ÿ We have been given according to our (ABILITY)
Ÿ Why wait! (TIME)
Ÿ Don’t be afraid! (FEAR)
ABILITY
God has given each of us a purpose on this earth. Along with that purpose, he has endowed us with the ability to accomplish the task. So let know one say that he is unable to do that which God has called him to. We know that we can do anything through Christ who strengthens us (phil 4:13). Still let that verse inform us that those who have not accepted Christ have no reason to believe that they can do anything apart from Christ.
We are called to be a good steward time
TIME
Imagine that a very distant relative who was very wealthy passed away and you are to inherit his entire estate. A lot of money is left for you to spend, but there are certain rules. Everyday for a year, your bank account would be credited with $86,400. You could not save the money in another account. At the end of the banking day, whatever you did not spend would be removed from your account. The next day you would start with a fresh $86,400.
· Can anyone think or something creative to buy?
Every day we are given 86,400 seconds. Each night, whatever we don‘t use is lost, gone forever.
We are all given according to our ability: Everyone is able to use 86,400!
James 4:14
“What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
· Life is short!
· Don’t wait!
FEAR
Don’t be afraid:
“You have nothing to fear but fear itself”
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
Fear comes from mans nature. It is not of God and so we as believers should not be led by it. God can help you overcome your fears!
SO WHAT?!
· "So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days." Ephesians 5:15, 16
NOW WHAT!?
· Set some goals, find a purpose…DO IT!