Faithful Stewardship: Managing God's Gifts for His Glory
Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into the profound responsibility of stewardship that God has entrusted to each of us. We are managers of God's manifold grace, and as such, we are called to use our gifts for His glory. Each one of us, without exception, has been endowed with a gift from God. It is our duty to minister to one another, to serve the body of Christ, and to ensure that we are not found to be wicked and lazy servants when our Master returns.
We explored the critical role of teaching within the church. The decline of Sunday school and biblical literacy has had detrimental effects on our society, allowing Satan to gain a foothold in America. We must hunger for God's Word and be prepared to teach and make disciples, as the Lord commanded.
The gift of outreach was also highlighted, emphasizing the importance of ministering to the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned. These acts of service are not optional; they are the very essence of what it means to be a follower of Christ.
Maintenance, often overlooked, is another vital area of service. Just as we care for our homes, we must also care for God's house. This includes the physical upkeep of the church building and the financial support through tithing. Tithing is not merely giving money; it is an act of worship and trust in God's provision.
We were reminded that everything we work so hard for on earth—our homes, our savings, our possessions—will be left behind at the Rapture. Our true treasure should be in heaven, where it is secure and eternal. We must evaluate where our hearts truly lie and commit to being good stewards of the time and resources God has given us.
Key Takeaways:
- Stewardship is not a passive role but an active, lifelong commitment to God. We are called to manage our time, talents, and resources for the Kingdom, and this requires intentional action and dedication. Just as we would not neglect our personal affairs, we must not neglect our spiritual responsibilities. [01:32]
- Teaching God's Word is a sacred duty that must be revived in the church. The hunger for biblical truth crosses denominational lines and cultural barriers, demonstrating the universal need for sound doctrine and spiritual nourishment. As stewards, we must be ready to feed the flock with the knowledge and understanding of Scripture. [17:44]
- Outreach is a tangible expression of God's love through us. When we serve the least of these, we serve Christ Himself. This ministry is not just an activity but a reflection of our obedience to the Gospel, showcasing the transformative power of God's love in action. [20:23]
- The maintenance of the church, both physically and financially, is a reflection of our reverence for God's house. Neglecting this aspect of stewardship is akin to neglecting our own homes. We must take pride in and care for the place where we gather to worship and fellowship. [25:06]
- Our ultimate reward comes from God, and it is eternal. While we may participate in various earthly rewards programs, nothing compares to the eternal rewards that await us in heaven. Our focus should be on accumulating heavenly treasures through faithful stewardship on earth. [39:02]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 25:14-26 (NIV)
> "Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. So also, the one with two bags of gold gained two more. But the man who had received one bag went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.' 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!' The man with two bags of gold also came. 'Master,' he said, 'you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.' 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!' Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. 'Master,' he said, 'I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.' His master replied, 'You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed?'"
2. 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)
> "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."
3. 2 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)
> "You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others."
#### Observation Questions
1. What did the master in the parable of the talents expect from his servants? (Matthew 25:14-26)
2. According to 1 Peter 4:10, what are we supposed to do with the gifts we have received?
3. What does Paul instruct Timothy to do with the teachings he has received in 2 Timothy 2:1-2?
4. What are some examples of stewardship mentioned in the sermon? ([05:34])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the master was so harsh with the servant who hid his talent? (Matthew 25:26)
2. How does the concept of stewardship in 1 Peter 4:10 apply to our daily lives and interactions within the church?
3. What might be the consequences of neglecting the teaching of God's Word, as mentioned in the sermon? ([14:23])
4. How can the parable of the talents be seen as a reflection of our responsibilities as Christians?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the parable of the talents, how are you currently using your gifts and resources for God's kingdom? Are there areas where you feel you could do more? ([12:55])
2. The sermon mentioned the decline of Sunday school and biblical literacy. How can you personally contribute to reviving the hunger for God's Word in your community? ([14:23])
3. Outreach was highlighted as a critical aspect of stewardship. What specific steps can you take this week to serve those in need around you? ([20:23])
4. Maintenance of the church was discussed as an often overlooked area of service. How can you get involved in the physical or financial upkeep of your church? ([25:06])
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of storing treasures in heaven rather than on earth. What practical changes can you make in your life to focus more on eternal rewards? ([39:02])
6. How can you encourage others in your small group or church to discover and use their gifts for the body of Christ?
7. Considering the various teams and ministries mentioned in the sermon, is there a specific team you feel called to join or support? ([05:34])
Devotional
Day 1: Active Stewardship Reflects Devotion
Stewardship is a dynamic and ongoing commitment, not a passive role to be occasionally considered. It is a calling to actively manage one's time, talents, and resources for the advancement of God's Kingdom. This requires a conscious effort, a deliberate choice to prioritize God's will over personal desires. It is akin to the careful attention one gives to their personal affairs; spiritual responsibilities should be treated with the same, if not greater, diligence. The faithful steward recognizes that every moment, ability, and possession is a gift from God, meant to be used in service to others and for the glory of the Creator. This is a lifelong journey of intentional action and dedication, where the fruits of one's labor are not for self-glorification but for the edification of the church and the betterment of the world. [01:32]
"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. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." - 1 Peter 4:11 ESV
Reflection: How can you better utilize your unique gifts and resources today to serve God's purpose and glorify Him in your community?
Day 2: Teaching as Sacred Stewardship
The decline in biblical literacy and the fading tradition of Sunday school are not just educational concerns but spiritual emergencies. The hunger for God's Word is a universal need that transcends cultural and denominational boundaries. As stewards of the divine message, there is a sacred duty to impart knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures. This is not merely an academic exercise but a spiritual feeding of the flock, providing the nourishment necessary for growth and maturity in faith. The call to teach is a call to prepare oneself and others for the work of the ministry, to build up the body of Christ. It is a call to be a vessel through which the Holy Spirit can work, bringing the light of truth to a world shrouded in darkness. [17:44]
"And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." - 2 Timothy 2:2 ESV
Reflection: What steps can you take this week to deepen your understanding of Scripture and prepare yourself to teach others?
Day 3: Outreach as a Reflection of Obedience
Outreach is the hands and feet of Jesus in action, a tangible expression of His love through His followers. Serving the least of these is not an optional activity but a direct command from Christ, reflecting one's obedience to the Gospel. It is a ministry that showcases the transformative power of God's love, reaching out to the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned. These acts of service are the essence of what it means to follow Christ, and they reveal the heart of the believer. Through outreach, the love of God is made manifest in the world, breaking down barriers and bringing hope to those in need. [20:23]
"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me," - Matthew 25:35 ESV
Reflection: Who in your immediate environment is in need of God's love through your actions, and how can you reach out to them today?
Day 4: Maintenance as Reverence for God's House
The maintenance of the church's physical and financial needs is a reflection of the congregation's reverence for God's house. Just as one would not neglect their own home, the church—a place of worship and fellowship—deserves the same care and attention. This includes the upkeep of the building and the financial support through tithing. Tithing is not just a financial transaction; it is an act of worship, a demonstration of trust in God's provision, and a commitment to the work of the ministry. By maintaining the church, believers honor God and ensure that the place where they gather to worship is a fitting representation of the God they serve. [25:06]
"By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches." - Proverbs 24:3-4 ESV
Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to the upkeep and financial stewardship of your church to honor God's house?
Day 5: Eternal Rewards Trump Earthly Gains
The pursuit of earthly treasures is a fleeting endeavor, as all material possessions will be left behind. The true treasure that believers should seek is in heaven, where it is secure and eternal. This perspective shift requires a heart evaluation, a commitment to invest in what is everlasting. Faithful stewardship on earth is not about accumulating wealth or possessions but about storing up heavenly treasures through acts of service, love, and obedience to God. The ultimate reward comes from God and is eternal, far surpassing any temporary rewards programs of this world. [39:02]
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." - Matthew 6:19-20 ESV
Reflection: What is one way you can invest in heavenly treasures this week, rather than focusing on material accumulation?
Quotes
- "Stewardship is another term or word for management and that's what we're going to be talking about today." [04:55] (Download | )
- "Each one has received a gift; minister to one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." [13:38] (Download | )
- "Many American Christians have let God's word and church attendance become an option, and the consequence is Satan now controls America." [15:08] (Download | )
- "You earn wages only to put them in a purse with holes in it... give careful thought to your ways." [31:10] (Download | )
- "When you bring in your tithe, it is not just money, it is tithe, and that is a distinction." [29:04] (Download | )
- "Our Heavenly Father's reward program is better than anything that Visa, City card, Safeway, Costco, Wilco, Staples, Ace, or any others can offer because it's eternal." [39:02] (Download | )
- "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Where is your heart today? Is it in the Lord's work or somewhere else?" [39:51] (Download | )
- "When we accept the Lord as our personal savior, there is no time commitment; it's a lifetime commitment." [08:14] (Download | )
- "I am coming soon; my reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done." [39:02] (Download | )
- "Tithing plugs the hole... from 80 years of experience, tithing plugs the hole." [35:44] (Download | )
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