Embracing God-Given Stewardship with Faithfulness and Purpose

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound concept of stewardship as presented in 1 Corinthians 4. The Apostle Paul, amidst addressing the divisions within the Corinthian church, emphasizes the importance of stewardship, not just in the context of church leadership but as a universal principle applicable to all believers. Stewardship is defined as the responsibility entrusted to us by God to manage the various aspects of our lives—our time, talents, resources, and opportunities—in a way that honors Him.

Paul's defense of his apostleship serves as a backdrop to highlight the broader theme of stewardship. He underscores that while human judgment is inevitable, it is ultimately God who evaluates our stewardship. This divine accountability calls us to be faithful in all areas of our lives, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God and should be used for His purposes.

The message challenges us to reflect on our own lives and consider how we are managing the responsibilities God has given us. It encourages us to move beyond the opinions of others and focus on what God requires of us. This involves making decisions that align with His will and using our resources wisely, whether in our personal lives, families, workplaces, or communities.

Furthermore, the message reminds us that stewardship is not just about financial resources but encompasses every aspect of our lives, including our spiritual growth and relationships. It calls us to live intentionally, making choices that reflect our commitment to God and His kingdom.

Ultimately, the message is a call to action, urging us to embrace our role as stewards and live in a way that is pleasing to God. It is a reminder that our lives are not our own, but are entrusted to us by God, and we will one day give an account of how we have managed what He has given us.

Key Takeaways:

1. Stewardship as a Divine Responsibility: Stewardship is an obligation given by God, encompassing all aspects of our lives. It is not limited to financial resources but includes our time, talents, and opportunities. We are called to manage these gifts faithfully, recognizing that they ultimately belong to God. [47:35]

2. God as the Ultimate Judge: While human opinions may influence us, it is God who ultimately judges our stewardship. We must focus on pleasing Him rather than seeking approval from others. This divine accountability should guide our decisions and actions. [01:08:50]

3. Faithfulness in Stewardship: Being a faithful steward means using what God has given us for His purposes. It involves making wise decisions about how we allocate our resources and time, ensuring that we are fulfilling our responsibilities in a way that honors God. [59:46]

4. Individual Soul Liberty: Each person is accountable to God for their stewardship. We must make decisions based on our understanding of God's will, rather than being coerced by others. This freedom allows us to serve God authentically and responsibly. [01:12:45]

5. Living with Purpose: Our stewardship is an opportunity to worship God through our decisions and actions. By aligning our lives with His will, we find purpose and meaning, knowing that we are contributing to His kingdom and will one day receive His commendation. [01:16:11]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [40:00] - Introduction and Personal Anecdote
- [41:10] - Division in the Church
- [42:10] - Following Leaders vs. Following Christ
- [43:11] - Disunity and Its Consequences
- [44:00] - Addressing Church Issues
- [44:59] - Paul's Defense of His Ministry
- [46:04] - Understanding Stewardship
- [47:35] - Realms of Responsibility
- [48:35] - The Nature of Stewardship
- [49:37] - Accountability in Stewardship
- [50:34] - Biblical Foundations of Stewardship
- [52:30] - Paul's Apostolic Authority
- [55:02] - Decision-Making as Worship
- [56:40] - Judging Motives and Actions
- [01:08:50] - God's Judgment and Our Accountability
- [01:12:45] - Individual Soul Liberty
- [01:16:11] - Living with Purpose and Stewardship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Stewardship in 1 Corinthians 4

Bible Reading:
- 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
- Luke 12:48
- Colossians 3:23-24

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Paul mean when he refers to himself and others as "stewards of the mysteries of God" in 1 Corinthians 4:1? How does this relate to the broader theme of stewardship? [58:39]

2. According to the sermon, what are some of the realms of responsibility that we are called to steward? [47:35]

3. How does Paul describe the judgment of human courts versus God's judgment in 1 Corinthians 4:3-4? What is the significance of this distinction? [01:02:32]

4. What examples of stewardship from everyday life were mentioned in the sermon, and how do they illustrate the concept of stewardship? [47:35]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of stewardship extend beyond financial resources to include other aspects of life, such as time and talents, according to the sermon? [48:35]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that stewardship is an act of worship? How can decision-making be seen as a form of worship? [56:40]

3. How does the idea of "individual soul liberty" influence the way believers should approach their stewardship responsibilities? [01:12:45]

4. What does it mean to be found faithful as a steward, and how does this relate to the idea of divine accountability? [59:46]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current responsibilities. How are you managing the various aspects of your life—time, talents, resources, and opportunities—in a way that honors God? [47:35]

2. Consider a recent decision you made. How did you ensure that it aligned with God's will and was an act of worship? What might you do differently next time? [56:40]

3. How do you handle the opinions of others regarding your stewardship? What steps can you take to focus more on God's judgment rather than human approval? [01:02:32]

4. Identify one area of your life where you feel you could be a more faithful steward. What specific actions can you take this week to improve in that area? [59:46]

5. Think about a time when you felt pressured by others to make a decision about your resources. How can the principle of "individual soul liberty" help you make more authentic choices in the future? [01:12:45]

6. How can you use your unique talents and opportunities to contribute to God's kingdom in your community or church? What is one practical step you can take this month? [50:34]

7. Reflect on the idea that God has placed you in a specific time and place with certain resources. How does this perspective change the way you view your current situation and responsibilities? [01:16:11]

Devotional

Day 1: Stewardship as a Holistic Responsibility
Stewardship is a divine responsibility that encompasses every aspect of our lives, not just our financial resources. It involves managing our time, talents, and opportunities in a way that honors God. This responsibility is a recognition that everything we have is a gift from God, and we are called to use these gifts faithfully. By understanding stewardship as a holistic obligation, we are reminded that our lives are not our own, but are entrusted to us by God. This perspective encourages us to live intentionally, making choices that reflect our commitment to God and His kingdom. [47:35]

1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you can better manage your time or talents for God's glory. What specific steps can you take this week to improve in this area?


Day 2: Divine Judgment Over Human Opinion
While human opinions may influence us, it is God who ultimately judges our stewardship. This divine accountability should guide our decisions and actions, as we focus on pleasing Him rather than seeking approval from others. Understanding that God is the ultimate judge frees us from the pressure of conforming to human expectations and allows us to serve Him authentically. It is a call to align our lives with His will, knowing that His judgment is what truly matters. [01:08:50]

Galatians 1:10 (ESV): "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."

Reflection: Think of a recent decision where you prioritized human approval over God's will. How can you realign your focus to seek God's approval in similar situations?


Day 3: Faithfulness in All Things
Being a faithful steward means using what God has given us for His purposes. It involves making wise decisions about how we allocate our resources and time, ensuring that we are fulfilling our responsibilities in a way that honors God. Faithfulness in stewardship is about recognizing the value of what we have been given and using it to contribute to God's kingdom. This requires intentionality and discernment, as we seek to align our actions with God's purposes. [59:46]

Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Reflection: Consider how you are currently using your resources. What is one specific change you can make to ensure you are using them more faithfully for God's purposes?


Day 4: Embracing Individual Soul Liberty
Each person is accountable to God for their stewardship, and we must make decisions based on our understanding of God's will rather than being coerced by others. This freedom allows us to serve God authentically and responsibly, as we embrace our unique role in His kingdom. Individual soul liberty is about recognizing that our relationship with God is personal and that we are each responsible for our own spiritual journey. It is an invitation to seek God's guidance and make decisions that reflect our commitment to Him. [01:12:45]

Romans 14:12 (ESV): "So then each of us will give an account of himself to God."

Reflection: Reflect on a decision you need to make. How can you ensure that this decision is based on your understanding of God's will rather than external pressures?


Day 5: Living with Purpose and Intentionality
Our stewardship is an opportunity to worship God through our decisions and actions. By aligning our lives with His will, we find purpose and meaning, knowing that we are contributing to His kingdom and will one day receive His commendation. Living with purpose involves making choices that reflect our commitment to God and His kingdom, as we seek to honor Him in all that we do. It is a call to live intentionally, recognizing that our lives are a gift from God and that we are called to use them for His glory. [01:16:11]

Ephesians 5:15-17 (ESV): "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you can live more intentionally for God's purposes. What specific actions can you take this week to align this area with His will?

Quotes


When I went through 2 Corinthians, there was an issue in our church, and it became very difficult to even preach the passage without... certain people thinking that I was preaching at them. And it wasn't an issue between me and them per se. It was just an issue. And so, these can be very intense passages, but I think we can look a little bit more deeply than what the apostle Paul was going through, and actually look at what Paul was saying about his stewardship and apply the timeless truths of what he's saying to our lives. And so, stewardship. What is a stewardship? A stewardship is... is an obligation, an area of responsibility given to a person that they are to take care of. [00:46:11] (45 seconds)


Your time, your talents, your skills, your resources, your opportunities, and your money all came from God and belong to Him. Now, they've been placed in your care. That doesn't mean you take it and give it all away. Well, I'm a steward. I better give it all away. If you gave it all away, then who is there that has those resources when the real time of need... arises? [00:48:25] (24 seconds)


But don't ever for a second think that you can absolve yourself from stewardship. I believe that you have a stewardship in every aspect of your life. Even your salvation, you know, you could say, well, salvation comes from God. And, you know, I was one of the elect and God predetermined that I would be saved. But weren't you called upon? Weren't you commanded to repent? [00:49:02] (30 seconds)


And we need to be faithful in all those areas of responsibility that God has given to us. Do we move on it? Do we not move on it? How do we spend it? Do we buy it? Do we sell it? Do we exert effort? Do we fix somebody's, you know, porch or house up for them? What do we do? Do we do with what God has given us? [00:50:01] (20 seconds)


Luke 12 and verse 48 says this, everyone to whom much was given of him much will be required. And for those of you who think that that's a quote from Spider-Man, it's not. That's actually the verse. I know Spider-Man has a similar quote, but this isn't that one. Colossians 3 verse 23 says this, whatever you do, work heartily as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Paul took stewardship very seriously. I mean, he was intense about it. In fact, that's why he's defending his role as an apostle. [00:50:41] (45 seconds)


So the context is the ungodly debates. And then my first point is found in verses 1 and 2. And the first point under 1 or A is this, that you need to regard yourself as a steward from God. And so you are a steward. Regard your stewardship as one from God. [00:53:52] (20 seconds)


Now, even if you're laid up and you're not able to get out, if you can't work, you have a stewardship to endure, to trust God, and maybe take that time to pray. If you're looking for something to do, there always is a responsibility. We always have opportunities to serve God or to make decisions. So our life is made up of a series of decisions. [00:55:02] (26 seconds)


And I believe those decision-making opportunities, listen to me on this, are all opportunities to worship God. Now, it's not so much that God was saying, I want Scott to wear the green shirt today, you know, and I made it. I think some things, God's indifferent about. He wants us to choose those things. But He did give us the personality. He gave us the resources. And He does want me to wear a shirt. I'm pretty well convinced of that. [00:55:54] (33 seconds)


You don't get to make the call. Paul, God is the one who knows those things. So it says this in the verse, but with me, it's a very small thing that I should be judged by you or any human court. In fact, I don't even judge myself. You see, you can't discern the motives of others. You just can't. You don't know. Well, you could kind of know, or if they tell you, you can know, but it's not our job to go around discerning, well, Dan Forey should have given a million more dollars. That's not my call. I don't want to be judged by you. I don't want to be judged by you. I don't want to be judged by Paul. Your call. I don't even know if Dan's a millionaire, multi-millionaire, independently wealthy, because it's none of our business. [01:02:37] (42 seconds)


By the way, we have someone that holds us accountable, and that is God. Now, that doesn't mean we're never accountable to anybody. Now, as a pastor, I'm primarily accountable to God. I don't have an elder that follows me around all day. You know, what time did you get out of bed, and when did you go to the office, and how many hours did you study, and what passage did you choose? Now, I do report that to the elders, but I'm primarily accountable to God throughout the week. But that doesn't mean I'm not accountable. I still am. [01:03:28] (32 seconds)


And I know, listen, there's, no condemnation for the believer. There's now, therefore, no condemnation. You're going to be judged, but not for condemnation, but for a reward or a lack of reward. And we will give an account of ourselves before God. And when we do that, know that God knows how we used our resources, how we lived out our stewardship, what we did with our stuff, our time, our talents, how we interacted. with our family, what we did in our church, how we acted in our community, what our stewardship was. [01:13:38] (39 seconds)


But thirdly, that God knows what he's placed in your care, and he expects you to use it. For his purposes, you are a steward of what God has placed in your care. It might be time. It might be resources. It might be opportunities. It might be brains. It might be money. It might be family. It might be church. There's a lot of different things and a lot of realms of responsibilities that God has for us. We will give an account before God for how we live it out. And so, don't spend your time judging everybody else before the time, because the Lord's coming back. [01:14:35] (42 seconds)


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Transcript
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