Faithful Stewardship in God's Kingdom

Devotional

Day 1: Faithfulness in Small Things

God values faithfulness, even in the smallest of tasks. The parable of the minas teaches us that when we are faithful with what we have, God entrusts us with more. This principle applies not just to money, but to all areas of our lives, including our talents and opportunities. The nobleman in the parable represents Jesus, who has entrusted us with resources and expects us to be productive until His return. The servants who multiplied their minas were rewarded, while the one who did nothing was condemned. This illustrates that God values faithfulness and productivity in His Kingdom. [40:37]

Luke 16:10 (ESV): "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much."

Reflection: What small task or responsibility in your life can you approach with greater faithfulness today, trusting that God sees and values your efforts?

Day 2: Kingdom-Minded Living

Being Kingdom-minded means prioritizing God's Kingdom above all else. It involves recognizing that our jobs, talents, and resources are assignments from God. We are called to be multipliers, using what we have to advance God's Kingdom on earth. This mindset shifts our focus from personal gain to divine purpose, encouraging us to use our gifts and opportunities to influence others for Christ. Understanding that our daily activities are part of God's larger plan helps us to live with intentionality and purpose. [48:56]

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: How can you use your current job or daily activities to advance God's Kingdom? What specific action can you take today to be a multiplier for His purposes?

Day 3: Humility and Obedience

The Kingdom of God is not a place for self-righteousness. We must approach God with humility, recognizing that our thoughts and ideas are not sufficient. Obedience to God's Word and His purposes is essential for Kingdom living. This means setting aside our pride and self-reliance, and instead, seeking to align our lives with God's will. Humility allows us to be teachable and open to God's guidance, while obedience ensures that we are actively participating in His plans. [50:49]

Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: In what area of your life do you struggle with pride or self-reliance? How can you practice humility and obedience to God's Word today?

Day 4: The Already and Not Yet Kingdom

The Kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future hope. We must engage in Kingdom business now, even as we await its full manifestation. This means being productive and faithful with what God has given us, rather than waiting passively for Jesus' return. Understanding this dual aspect of the Kingdom encourages us to live with a sense of urgency and purpose, knowing that our actions today have eternal significance. [52:23]

Hebrews 12:28 (ESV): "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe."

Reflection: What is one way you can actively engage in Kingdom business today, knowing that the Kingdom of God is both here and yet to come?

Day 5: Stewardship and Growth

God expects us to be good stewards of what He has given us, whether it be money, talents, or time. Growth and increase are not just suggestions; they are expectations in God's Kingdom. We must be diligent in using our resources to fulfill God's purposes. This involves recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God and should be used to glorify Him and advance His Kingdom. Being a good steward means managing our resources wisely and seeking to multiply them for God's glory. [01:15:47]

1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."

Reflection: How can you better steward the resources God has given you? What specific steps can you take today to ensure you are using your talents, time, and money to fulfill God's purposes?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we celebrated the completion of our Hope Steps program, recognizing those who have taken the time to learn about the history, mission, and values of Hope Church. This program is a vital step for anyone new to our community, and we encourage everyone to enroll in the next session. Following this, we delved into the parable of the minas from Luke 19:11-27, focusing on the Kingdom of God and our roles within it.

The parable teaches us that each of us has been given gifts and talents by God, and it is our responsibility to use them for His Kingdom. The nobleman in the parable represents Jesus, who has entrusted us with resources and expects us to be productive until His return. The servants who multiplied their minas were rewarded, while the one who did nothing was condemned. This illustrates that God values faithfulness and productivity in His Kingdom.

We discussed the importance of being Kingdom-minded, which means prioritizing God's Kingdom above all else. This involves recognizing that our talents, resources, and even our jobs are assignments from God. We are called to be multipliers, not just of money, but of influence, talents, and opportunities. Being Kingdom-minded also means understanding that the Kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future hope. We must engage in Kingdom business now, even as we await its full manifestation.

We also touched on the dangers of a self-righteous attitude and the importance of humility and obedience to God's Word. The Kingdom of God is not a social club or a place for self-righteousness; it is a realm where God's will is done, and His purposes are fulfilled. We must be diligent stewards of what God has given us, whether it be money, talents, or time.

Finally, we celebrated the growth of Hope Church, acknowledging that our increasing numbers are a testament to God's work among us. We are committed to being a Kingdom-minded church, focused on reaching the lost and fulfilling God's purposes in our community.

###

Key Takeaways

1. 08&t=2437s'>[40:37]
2. Kingdom-Minded Living: Being Kingdom-minded means prioritizing God's Kingdom above all else. It involves recognizing that our jobs, talents, and resources are assignments from God. We are called to be multipliers, using what we have to advance God's Kingdom on earth.

3. Humility and Obedience: The Kingdom of God is not a place for self-righteousness. We must approach God with humility, recognizing that our thoughts and ideas are not sufficient. Obedience to God's Word and His purposes is essential for Kingdom living.

4. The Already and Not Yet Kingdom: The Kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future hope. We must engage in Kingdom business now, even as we await its full manifestation. This means being productive and faithful with what God has given us, rather than waiting passively for Jesus' return.

5. Stewardship and Growth: God expects us to be good stewards of what He has given us, whether it be money, talents, or time. Growth and increase are not just suggestions; they are expectations in God's Kingdom. We must be diligent in using our resources to fulfill God's purposes.

### [40:37]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[33:09] - Introduction to Hope Steps
[33:49] - Hope Steps Graduates Recognition
[35:25] - Continuing the Kingdom Series
[38:52] - Purpose in the Kingdom
[40:37] - Parable of the Minas
[42:31] - The Weight of God's Word
[44:08] - Faithfulness in the Kingdom
[45:41] - Seeking the Kingdom First
[47:27] - Kingdom Living
[48:56] - Being Kingdom-Minded
[50:49] - Humility and Obedience
[52:23] - The Already and Not Yet Kingdom
[55:44] - Kingdom Business
[59:08] - The Need for Jesus' Return
[60:39] - Gifts and Talents from God
[65:04] - Multiplying What God Gave Us
[75:47] - Stewardship and Growth
[83:03] - The King's Return
[88:18] - Celebrating Church Growth
[92:46] - Commitment to the Kingdom
[99:03] - Closing Remarks and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In the parable of the minas, what did the nobleman instruct his servants to do with the minas he gave them? ([40:37])
How did the nobleman respond to the servant who multiplied his mina by ten? ([40:37])
What was the nobleman's reaction to the servant who hid his mina and did nothing with it? ([40:37])
According to the sermon, what does it mean to be "Kingdom-minded"? ([48:56])

Interpretation Questions

What does the parable of the minas teach us about the importance of faithfulness in small things? How does this principle apply to our daily lives? ([40:37])
How can we understand the concept of the "already and not yet" Kingdom of God, and what implications does this have for our actions today? ([52:23])
Why is humility and obedience emphasized as essential for Kingdom living, and how can self-righteousness hinder our spiritual growth? ([50:49])
What does it mean to be a diligent steward of the resources God has given us, and how does this relate to the growth and increase expected in God's Kingdom? ([01:15:47])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you were faithful with a small responsibility. How did that experience prepare you for greater responsibilities? How can you apply this principle in your current situation? ([40:37])
Identify one area of your life where you can be more Kingdom-minded. What specific steps can you take to prioritize God's Kingdom in that area? ([48:56])
Think about a talent or resource you have that you might be underutilizing. How can you start using it more effectively for God's Kingdom? ([01:00:39])
How can you cultivate humility in your daily walk with God? Are there specific attitudes or behaviors you need to change to avoid self-righteousness? ([50:49])
The sermon mentioned the importance of being productive and faithful with what God has given us. What is one practical way you can be more diligent in stewarding your time, talents, or resources this week? ([01:15:47])
How can you engage in "Kingdom business" in your community or workplace? Identify one action you can take this week to advance God's Kingdom in your immediate environment. ([52:23])
Reflect on the growth of Hope Church and your role within it. How can you contribute to the church's mission of reaching the lost and fulfilling God's purposes in the community? ([01:28:18])

Sermon Clips

1. "The kingdom of God is not given to people who are happy on the perimeter of Christianity. Now, I'm not telling you that you can't be saved. I'm not telling you that you can't make it to heaven. But I'm talking about the people that want to be used and involved and be a vessel that God can work through in his kingdom. That kingdom is not going to be given to people who are happy and content at the perimeter of Christianity." [44:08] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Brothers and sisters, when we seek the kingdom of God first, when we seek his righteousness first, God always has a way of adding everything else that we need. Anybody can testify to that today? That when you put God first, he makes a way in every other area of your life, and it all hinges on putting God first. I want my priorities to be right. I want to have things in the proper order. When you get the kingdom, the kingdom unlocks everything that you need and releases it back into your life." [45:41] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We are simply recipients of kingdom blessings. We have a life that we don't deserve, and it is all because of the kingdom of God. We have a life that we don't deserve, and it is all because of the covenant that comes with being in his kingdom. So then what does it really mean to be in the kingdom of God? Because if we aren't careful, we can hear messages like this preached, and we can think, well, what's the big deal? I'm coming to church. Isn't that enough?" [47:27] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "There is something called kingdom living. There's something called kingdom living, and it's something that I would encourage everybody to tap into. Have you ever heard the phrase, well, he's just, he is so kingdom minded. Anybody ever heard that phrase? She's so kingdom minded. It happens because that person has devoted themselves. They've committed to themselves. They're kingdom minded. They're always thinking about the kingdom of God. I want you to know today, Hope Church is a kingdom minded church. We are a kingdom minded church family." [48:56] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We need Jesus. We need him to uphold his end of the bargain and come back for his people who have made themselves ready. We don't got this. We need Jesus to come back. We need Jesus to return and to establish the fullness of his kingdom, but we're not going to wait for him to return before we start doing kingdom business. Let me just go ahead and go in here. For far too long, religious puppets have raised sons and daughters who come to church but never actually realize their eternal purpose." [59:08] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "What if that job is your assignment? What if God placed you in that career with that company at that job so that you could fulfill a kingdom assignment where God planted you? What if that's your assignment? God gave it to you. And while I'm on the subject, a kingdom-minded person doesn't see a closed door as a curse. They see it as an opportunity for the kingdom. They see it as an opportunity for the kingdom to advance." [01:17:55] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Not growing is not an option. Not growing is not an option. Stewardship over what he has given us. It's really not an option. It's something we must do. God has a kingdom that he's establishing in White House. It's going to be in White House as it is in heaven. And those of you who were here the first time, this isn't just White House. Could have easily called it anything else. In Tyler as it is in heaven. In Flint as it is in heaven. In Arp as it is. In Smith County as it is. But just because this is where our church is at. In White House as it is in heaven." [01:23:55] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "You don't have to have it all together. God's not looking for people who are perfect. I'm not a pastor that demands perfection. The most ludicrous things that I've ever seen is when people demand perfection out of humanity. I told my wife when we started this church. I said, it's going to be messy. It's not going to be a polished church. It's going to be messy. Because we're not going to be a church that's focused on the saved. We're going to be a church that's focused on people that are lost. A church that focuses on reaching people who need God in the biggest ways." [01:34:46] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "God's not looking for people that have all the ability in the world. He's simply looking for people who will make themselves available. And say alright. I want to commit to the kingdom. I want to commit to what God has for me. And so as they begin to sing. Here's how we're going to close. And then after a time of prayer. We're going to go to the wreck. And we're going to have a great time together. And I hope all of you go. I hope all of you are able to go with us." [01:37:54] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "If you're here today and Hope Church is not the church that you call home. And you're here today as a guest. And you're thinking maybe this is a place that God's bringing me to. Maybe this is where God wants me to be. Let me tell you something. you make that decision. You're not joining a perfect church. And because we're not a perfect church. We're not looking for perfect people. We're all flawed. We all have issues. We all have hangups. We all make mistakes. We just so happen to know that there's a God that can cover up our mistakes." [01:36:57] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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