Embracing Stewardship: A Call to Faithful Living

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound concept of stewardship, emphasizing its practical application in our daily lives. Stewardship extends beyond mere responsibilities; it encompasses the areas within our realm of impact where we choose to engage because we feel called to do so. The journey of understanding our stewardship begins with prayer, seeking God's wisdom to discern our roles and responsibilities. James 1:5 reminds us to ask God for wisdom, especially during challenging times, as He generously provides guidance.

Stewardship is not limited to our personal lives but extends to our families, communities, and churches. We are called to honor our parents, nurture our children, and maintain healthy relationships with our spouses. Beyond family, we have a responsibility to our neighbors and community, exemplified by the Good Samaritan's love and care. Within the church, we are reminded that it is God's primary vehicle for spreading the gospel and nurturing believers. Our commitment to the church should reflect our dedication to God's work.

Productivity is another crucial aspect of stewardship. We are encouraged to be diligent and responsible, providing for our families and contributing to society. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 illustrates the importance of using our God-given gifts and resources wisely. Each of us has unique abilities and opportunities, and we are called to evaluate and utilize them for God's glory.

Time management is vital in fulfilling our stewardship. Ecclesiastes 3 teaches us that there is a time for everything, and we must allocate our time wisely to balance our responsibilities. Rest and leisure are also essential components of stewardship, allowing us to recharge and enjoy God's blessings.

Ultimately, stewardship is an act of worship. We are called to trust God with the outcomes of our decisions, knowing that He is sovereign. Our faith is not a guarantee of specific results but a trust in God's plan. As we remember the work of Jesus through communion, we are reminded of our ultimate stewardship: to worship God and, for those who have not yet done so, to accept Christ as Savior.

Key Takeaways:

1. Prayer as the Foundation of Stewardship: Begin your journey of stewardship by seeking God's wisdom through prayer. James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for guidance, especially in times of difficulty, as He provides generously. This foundational step helps us discern our roles and responsibilities. [37:03]

2. Understanding Your Realm of Impact: Recognize the areas where you can make a difference, such as family, community, and church. Stewardship involves honoring parents, nurturing children, and maintaining healthy relationships. It extends to caring for neighbors and contributing to the church's mission. [42:53]

3. Productivity and Responsibility: Embrace the call to be productive and responsible, providing for your family and contributing to society. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 highlights the importance of using our gifts and resources wisely for God's glory. [54:15]

4. Balancing Time and Rest: Manage your time wisely, recognizing that there is a season for everything. Ecclesiastes 3 teaches us to allocate time for work, rest, and leisure, ensuring a balanced life that honors God. [01:04:05]

5. Faith and Trust in God's Plan: Trust God with the outcomes of your stewardship decisions. Faith is not about controlling results but trusting in God's sovereignty. As we remember Jesus' work through communion, we are reminded of our ultimate stewardship: to worship God and accept Christ. [01:11:52]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [34:52] - Introduction to Stewardship
- [37:03] - Seeking Wisdom Through Prayer
- [38:34] - Navigating Life's Challenges
- [39:31] - God's Presence in Hardships
- [41:11] - Understanding Your Realm of Impact
- [42:53] - Benevolent Detachment
- [44:29] - Family Responsibilities
- [45:18] - Raising Children in Faith
- [46:02] - Marital Stewardship
- [47:45] - Community and Church Involvement
- [49:21] - The Role of the Church
- [50:35] - Balancing Church and Family
- [54:15] - The Call to Productivity
- [55:58] - Encouraging Responsibility
- [57:46] - Evaluating Opportunities
- [59:02] - The Parable of the Talents
- [01:01:11] - Weighing Time and Responsibilities
- [01:04:05] - The Importance of Rest
- [01:07:17] - Enjoying God's Blessings
- [01:09:16] - Stewardship and Generosity
- [01:10:24] - Worship as Stewardship
- [01:11:20] - Knowing Your Resources
- [01:11:52] - Trusting God's Plan
- [01:14:54] - Communion and Reflection

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Stewardship

Bible Reading:
1. James 1:5 - "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
2. Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents
3. Ecclesiastes 3:1 - "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven."

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Observation Questions:
1. According to James 1:5, what should we do if we lack wisdom, and how does God respond to our request? [37:03]
2. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), what were the different actions taken by the servants, and what were the outcomes of those actions? [57:46]
3. How does Ecclesiastes 3:1 describe the concept of time, and what does it imply about our daily responsibilities? [01:04:05]
4. What examples of stewardship in family and community were highlighted in the sermon? [44:29]

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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the act of asking God for wisdom in James 1:5 relate to the concept of stewardship in our lives? [37:03]
2. What lessons can be drawn from the Parable of the Talents regarding the use of our gifts and resources? [57:46]
3. How does the idea of "a time for everything" in Ecclesiastes 3:1 influence our understanding of balancing work, rest, and leisure? [01:04:05]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that stewardship extends beyond personal responsibilities to include family, community, and church? [44:29]

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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent decision where you sought God's wisdom. How did prayer influence your understanding of your stewardship responsibilities? [37:03]
2. Identify a talent or resource you have been given. How can you use it more effectively for God's glory, as illustrated in the Parable of the Talents? [57:46]
3. Consider your current schedule. Are there areas where you need to better balance work, rest, and leisure to honor God? What changes can you make this week? [01:04:05]
4. How can you improve your stewardship within your family, such as honoring your parents or nurturing your children, as discussed in the sermon? [44:29]
5. Think about your involvement in your community and church. What steps can you take to enhance your contribution to these areas? [49:21]
6. Reflect on a time when you trusted God with the outcome of a decision. How did that experience strengthen your faith in His plan? [01:11:52]
7. What is one specific way you can worship God through your stewardship this week, whether in your personal life, family, or community? [01:11:20]

Devotional

Day 1: Seeking Divine Wisdom in Stewardship
Stewardship begins with a heart open to divine guidance. It is not merely about managing resources but about aligning one's life with God's purpose. James 1:5 encourages believers to seek wisdom from God, especially in challenging times. This wisdom helps discern roles and responsibilities, ensuring that actions are not just reactive but purpose-driven. By starting with prayer, individuals can better understand where they are called to make an impact, whether in personal life, family, community, or church. This foundational step is crucial for effective stewardship, as it aligns one's actions with divine will. [37:03]

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1:5, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need God's wisdom today? How can you intentionally seek His guidance through prayer?


Day 2: Embracing Your Sphere of Influence
Understanding one's realm of impact is essential in stewardship. It involves recognizing the areas where one can make a difference, such as family, community, and church. Stewardship is about honoring parents, nurturing children, and maintaining healthy relationships. It extends to caring for neighbors and contributing to the church's mission. The Good Samaritan exemplifies this love and care for others, showing that stewardship is not confined to personal gain but extends to communal well-being. By identifying and engaging in these areas, individuals fulfill their calling to serve and uplift those around them. [42:53]

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your community or family needs your support today? How can you actively engage in their lives to make a positive impact?


Day 3: Cultivating Productivity and Responsibility
Productivity is a vital aspect of stewardship, calling individuals to be diligent and responsible. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 illustrates the importance of using God-given gifts and resources wisely. Each person has unique abilities and opportunities, and stewardship involves evaluating and utilizing them for God's glory. This means providing for one's family and contributing to society, ensuring that one's actions reflect a commitment to God's work. By embracing this call to productivity, individuals can make meaningful contributions to their communities and the world. [54:15]

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." (Colossians 3:23, ESV)

Reflection: What specific talent or resource can you use more effectively for God's glory? How can you start doing so today?


Day 4: Balancing Time and Rest
Time management is crucial in fulfilling stewardship responsibilities. Ecclesiastes 3 teaches that there is a time for everything, and individuals must allocate their time wisely to balance work, rest, and leisure. Rest and leisure are essential components of stewardship, allowing individuals to recharge and enjoy God's blessings. By managing time effectively, individuals can ensure a balanced life that honors God and fulfills their responsibilities. This balance is key to maintaining physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, enabling individuals to serve others more effectively. [01:04:05]

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." (Ecclesiastes 3:1, ESV)

Reflection: How can you better balance your time between work, rest, and leisure this week? What changes can you make to ensure you are honoring God with your time?


Day 5: Trusting in God's Sovereign Plan
Faith and trust in God's plan are central to stewardship. It involves trusting God with the outcomes of decisions, knowing that He is sovereign. Faith is not about controlling results but trusting in God's plan. As believers remember Jesus' work through communion, they are reminded of their ultimate stewardship: to worship God and accept Christ. This trust in God's sovereignty allows individuals to release control and embrace a life of faith, knowing that God is working all things for His glory and their good. [01:11:52]

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's plan? How can you begin to surrender this area to Him today?

Quotes


Stewardship goes a little bit further than just simple responsibilities in that we see things that are within our realm of impact, and we choose to engage in them because we feel we should. It's our stewardship. It's that which is within the realm of our impact. And a very basic way for us to approach this subject is, if we're going to know what our stewardships are, then I believe we need to take a few steps, not complicated steps, but a very simple step to start with is, if you want to know what your stewardship is, then ask God. [00:36:11] (41 seconds)


And he writes to them this in James chapter 1 and verse 5, if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God. We need to ask God. We need to pray first when we're in a time of difficulty or a time of hardship. And God is the one who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him. [00:38:12] (22 seconds)


And the truth is, is that God doesn't always take away our hardships, but he always does go through them with us. And no matter what your stewardship is, or if you're not clear of what it is, I think the first thing that you ought to do is to take time and pray. [00:40:07] (18 seconds)


You see, we have a realm where we can make a difference, the people we should pray for, the people we should be helping. And if God lays it on your heart to pray for somebody else, I'm not trying to say that's bad. I'm just saying that we're overstimulated with all the cares and concerns. [00:43:40] (17 seconds)


And the Bible tells us in Exodus chapter 20 that we are to honor our father and mother. So there's a stewardship, right, to honor our parents as best we can. I know some of you are thinking, you don't know my parents, and I don't. And it's not even funny. I'm not sure why I'm laughing, because for some of you, it's actually a very, very difficult topic. [00:44:45] (25 seconds)


Parachurch organizations are okay, but I believe the church is the primary organization for the propagation of the gospel. It is the primary place for the preaching and teaching of God's Word. And though we even as a church support some of those other organizations, I still think the church is the primary organization. Now, I didn't say institution. I think the primary institution is, what do you think? The family. The family. [00:49:33] (32 seconds)


But here's what it says there about those who are trying to mooch off the church. And by the way, we give to people, even people that make poor decisions. All of us could be better with our money than we are. So we help people. We're not sitting around trying to judge. We're not trying to judge. We're not trying to judge. We're not trying to judge everybody. But listen to this. If there's that kind of person that thinks, well, I'll just live off the church, or I'll just go, you know, spend my money this way because I know the church will give me the money. [00:55:01] (26 seconds)


How do you evaluate them? Well, I'm not going to read through Romans 12, but it talks about how that, you know, we should give ourselves as a living sacrifice. And then it goes on to say that every one of us has been given a differing gift according to the grace of God. Let us use that gift in whatever way God has led us to do. If we're a teacher, then focus on teaching. If we're a helper, then focus on helping. If we're good with acts of mercy, we need to focus on acts of mercy. Evaluate your situation and what it is that God has given you. And think of your opportunities that you have to serve the Lord. [00:57:07] (39 seconds)


Time is a valuable measure of our life. So there's a time for everything, Ecclesiastes 3. So there's for everything, there's a season and a time for every matter under heaven. When I was in seminary, I worked all night, got home at 1 or 1 .30 in the morning, went back to school at 6 .30 in the morning, and then went to school all day, worked all night. I don't know what I just said, but I hope you made sense out of that. There was a time for that, but Lisa and I could not have lived that way forever. [01:03:25] (34 seconds)


I think He wants us to rest. Maybe that's hard for us. Mark chapter 6 and verse 31, and He said to them, come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while. For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. Matthew 11, 28 through 30, come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. [01:06:18] (31 seconds)


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Transcript
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