Matthew 24:45 (NLT)
"Who is a faithful, sensible servant, to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his household and feeding his family?
A Question of Trust
Two character qualities
Faithful
Defined as one who adheres firmly and devotedly to a person, cause or idea...loyal
Worthy of trust or belief...reliable
Sensible
Acting with or exhibiting good judgment...wise
The task of stewardship
Managing the master’s household
Caring for the master’s family
Matthew 24:46 (NLT)
If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward.
The Work Will Be Evaluated
Work should be done with the expectation of the Master’s return
Luke 12:40
Luke 12:40 (NLT)
You must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected."
The Work Will Be Evaluated
Work should be done with the expectation of the Master’s return
Luke 12:40
The quality of the work will be evaluated
1 Corinthians 4:5
1 Corinthians 4:5 (NLT)
So be careful not to jump to conclusions before the Lord returns as to whether or not someone is faithful. When the Lord comes, he will bring our deepest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. And then God will give to everyone whatever praise is due.
Matthew 24:47 (NLT)
I assure you, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns.
Faithfulness is Rewarded
The reward is for the attitude of the heart
Not task completion
The attitude of the heart ensures task completion
Task completion is a demonstration of loyalty
The master’s interests are put first
Proverbs 27:18
Proverbs 27:18 (NLT)
Workers who tend a fig tree are allowed to eat its fruit. In the same way, workers who protect their employer’s interests will be rewarded.
The Task of Stewardship
Continuing the work of Christ
Matthew 28:19-20
Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT)
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. [20] Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
The Task of Stewardship
Continuing the work of Christ
Matthew 28:19-20
Loving God
Loving others
Matthew 22:37-40
Matthew 22:37-40 (NLT)
Jesus replied, " ’You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ [38] This is the first and greatest commandment. [39] A second is equally important: ’Love your neighbor as yourself.’ [40] All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."
Matthew 24:48-49 (NLT)
But if the servant is evil and thinks, ’My master won’t be back for a while,’ [49] and begins oppressing the other servants, partying, and getting drunk—
Looking Out For Number One
The Master’s interests are no longer the priority
The steward’s interests have been elevated
The Master’s household and work are neglected
James 3:16
James 3:16 (NLT)
For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and every kind of evil.
Looking Out For Number One
The Master’s interests are no longer the priority
The steward’s interests have been elevated
The Master’s household and work are neglected
James 3:16
The Master’s authority is no longer acknowledged
The Master’s return is no longer anticipated
Matthew 24:50 (NLT)
well, the master will return unannounced and unexpected.
The Master’s Return
The question is not if...but when
Matthew 24:42
Matthew 24:42 (NLT)
So be prepared, because you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.
The Master’s Return
The question is not if...but when
Matthew 24:42
The Master will return when least expected
Matthew 24:44
Matthew 24:44 (NLT)
You also must be ready all the time. For the Son of Man will come when least expected.
The Master’s Return
The question is not if...but when
Matthew 24:42
The Master will return when least expected
Matthew 24:44
The Master’s return brings judgment and accountability
Romans 14:10b-12
Romans 10b-12 (NLT)
Remember, each of us will stand personally before the judgment seat of God. [11] For the Scriptures say,
" ’As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
’every knee will bow to me
and every tongue will confess allegiance to God.’ "
[12] Yes, each of us will have to give a personal account to God.
Matthew 24:51 (NLT)
He will tear the servant apart and banish him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
The Consequences
Every choice carries consequences
Good or bad
Temporal and eternal
The evil servant rejected the Master’s authority
Those who reject God will face the consequences of that choice
Are You Ready for Inspection?
If Christ returns today are you ready?
Have you been about His work?
Does something need to change?
**Powerpoint available on request
