Stewarding Time and Money for God's Kingdom
Summary
In today's reflection on 1 Corinthians 16, we explored the closing thoughts of Paul's letter to the Corinthians, focusing on the themes of time and money—two of our most precious resources. As Paul wraps up his letter, he addresses the Corinthians with practical instructions on how to manage these resources in a way that honors God. He emphasizes the importance of giving, not just as a financial transaction, but as an act of worship and a means to support the ministry and those in need. Paul encourages the Corinthians to give consistently, voluntarily, and proportionately, reminding them that everything they have is a gift from God.
Paul's travel plans, as outlined in the letter, serve as a backdrop to discuss the non-renewable resource of time. He demonstrates how to use time relationally, strategically, and obediently, always seeking God's will in his plans. Paul’s approach to time management is a call for us to invest in relationships and to be mindful of how we spend our time, ensuring it aligns with God's purposes.
The overarching question we are left with is whether God will be pleased with how we use the resources He has entrusted to us. This question challenges us to evaluate our investment strategy—not just financially, but in every aspect of our lives. Are we using our time and money in ways that reflect our faith and commitment to God's kingdom?
Key Takeaways:
1. The Gift of Resources: Everything we have, including our money and time, is a gift from God. Recognizing this truth should lead us to steward these resources wisely and generously, using them to further God's kingdom and support those in need. [13:53]
2. Consistent and Proportionate Giving: Paul instructs the Corinthians to give consistently and proportionately, reflecting a heart of worship and gratitude. This principle encourages us to evaluate our giving habits and ensure they align with our income and God's calling on our lives. [18:25]
3. Time as a Non-Renewable Resource: Unlike money, time cannot be replenished. Paul’s example of using time relationally and strategically challenges us to invest in relationships and prioritize activities that have eternal significance. [34:05]
4. Obedience in Planning: Paul’s submission to God’s will in his travel plans serves as a model for us. We should seek God's guidance in our decisions, remaining open to His direction and willing to adjust our plans according to His purposes. [37:52]
5. The Enemy of Distraction: Both external and internal distractions can lead us to waste our time. We must be vigilant in guarding our time against these distractions, ensuring that our focus remains on God's work and His priorities for our lives. [41:35]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:57] - Introduction to Paul's Closing Thoughts
- [09:10] - The Importance of Time and Money
- [13:53] - Understanding Money as a Resource
- [18:25] - Principles of Giving
- [20:00] - Consistent and Voluntary Giving
- [21:58] - Proportionate Giving Explained
- [27:31] - The Concept of Tithing
- [31:12] - Wise Stewardship of Money
- [34:05] - Using Time Relationally
- [35:09] - Investing in Relationships
- [36:35] - Obedience in Time Management
- [37:52] - Consulting God in Our Plans
- [41:35] - Avoiding Distractions
- [44:47] - Conclusion and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Stewarding Time and Money
Bible Reading:
- 1 Corinthians 16:1-11
- Acts 18:1-11
- James 4:13-15
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific instructions does Paul give the Corinthians about giving in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2? How does he suggest they prepare for the collection? [18:25]
2. According to the sermon, what are the two main resources Paul discusses in 1 Corinthians 16, and why are they significant? [09:10]
3. How does Paul demonstrate the importance of relationships in his travel plans as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 16:5-7? [34:05]
4. What does Paul mean when he says, "if the Lord permits" in 1 Corinthians 16:7, and how does this reflect his approach to planning? [36:35]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Paul's instruction on giving consistently and proportionately challenge common perceptions about financial stewardship in the church? [18:25]
2. In what ways does Paul's approach to time management, as seen in his travel plans, reflect a strategic and relational use of time? How can this be applied to modern life? [34:05]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between money and worship, and how does this perspective influence our understanding of giving? [20:00]
4. How does the concept of "obedience in planning" as discussed in the sermon relate to the idea of seeking God's will in our decisions? [37:52]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current financial habits. How can you incorporate the principles of consistent and proportionate giving into your budget? What steps can you take this week to align your giving with your income and God's calling? [18:25]
2. Consider your use of time. Are there relationships in your life that need more investment? How can you prioritize these relationships in the coming weeks? [34:05]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to seek God's guidance in planning. How can you incorporate prayer and reflection into your decision-making process to ensure alignment with God's will? [37:52]
4. What are some distractions in your life that prevent you from using your time and money effectively for God's purposes? How can you minimize these distractions this week? [41:35]
5. Think about a recent decision you made without consulting God. How might the outcome have been different if you had sought His guidance? What can you do to ensure you involve God in future decisions? [37:52]
6. How can you use your financial resources to support those in need or further God's kingdom this month? Identify a specific action you can take to contribute to a ministry or cause. [13:53]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s question: "Will God be pleased with how you use the resources He has given to you?" What changes can you make in your daily life to ensure your time and money are used in ways that honor God? [46:28]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Stewarding God's Gifts Wisely
Everything we have, including our money and time, is a gift from God. Recognizing this truth should lead us to steward these resources wisely and generously, using them to further God's kingdom and support those in need. Paul reminds the Corinthians that their resources are not merely for personal gain but are entrusted to them by God for a greater purpose. This perspective shifts our focus from ownership to stewardship, encouraging us to use what we have in ways that honor God and reflect His generosity. [13:53]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)
Reflection: Consider the resources you have been given. How can you use them this week to support someone in need or further God's work in your community?
Day 2: Giving as an Act of Worship
Paul instructs the Corinthians to give consistently and proportionately, reflecting a heart of worship and gratitude. This principle encourages us to evaluate our giving habits and ensure they align with our income and God's calling on our lives. Giving is not just a financial transaction but an expression of our faith and trust in God's provision. It is a tangible way to participate in God's work and demonstrate our commitment to His kingdom. [18:25]
"Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine." (Proverbs 3:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your current giving habits. Are they consistent and proportionate to your income? How can you adjust your giving to better reflect your gratitude and commitment to God's work?
Day 3: Investing Time with Eternal Significance
Unlike money, time cannot be replenished. Paul’s example of using time relationally and strategically challenges us to invest in relationships and prioritize activities that have eternal significance. Time is a non-renewable resource, and how we choose to spend it reveals our priorities and values. By investing in relationships and activities that align with God's purposes, we can ensure that our time has lasting impact. [34:05]
"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one relationship or activity that you can invest more time in this week. How can this investment align with God's eternal purposes?
Day 4: Seeking God's Guidance in Our Plans
Paul’s submission to God’s will in his travel plans serves as a model for us. We should seek God's guidance in our decisions, remaining open to His direction and willing to adjust our plans according to His purposes. This requires humility and a willingness to surrender our own desires in favor of God's greater plan. By consulting God in our planning, we align our lives with His will and open ourselves to His blessings. [37:52]
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)
Reflection: Think about a decision or plan you are currently considering. Have you sought God's guidance in this matter? What steps can you take to ensure your plans align with His will?
Day 5: Guarding Against Distractions
Both external and internal distractions can lead us to waste our time. We must be vigilant in guarding our time against these distractions, ensuring that our focus remains on God's work and His priorities for our lives. Distractions can easily divert our attention from what truly matters, leading us away from God's purposes. By identifying and minimizing these distractions, we can maintain our focus on what is most important. [41:35]
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one distraction that often diverts your attention from God's work. What practical steps can you take to minimize this distraction and refocus on God's priorities?
Quotes
"Money comes from God. The money that you have comes from God. You say, well, man, I've worked hard. Yes, you have. Okay. You say, I have gone to school. I've gotten the education. I've made sure that I could advance in the company. And so the money I get, I've worked very, very hard for, Jeremy. Yes, I understand that. And I applaud you for that. But still, my premise is true that money comes from God." [00:14:42] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and to store it up as he may prosper so there will be no collecting when I come. And then he tells them why. And most likely. They already knew what he was talking about because in verse 1 it says, Now concerning the collection for the saints." [00:18:25] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Paul was constantly about connecting with people. You read about his mission journeys, he's always taking people with him. He's always trying to connect with people. And again, for those of the introverts in the room, right now you just broke into a cold sweat. I get it. Okay? But there's different levels of this, and it looks different according to how God has wired us. But we still should use our time to invest in other people." [00:35:09] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"There is an enemy who would much rather you waste your time in this world. And there are no, there are no shortages of paths to wasting time available to us, right? One theologian said this way, kind of put it this way, see if I can remember the quote exactly, said something to the effect of, the good thing that social media will prove is that it wasn't for lack of time that we didn't read our Bible." [00:44:09] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"We need to use it wisely. Paul, up until the end here, he's using it for ministry and he's using it wisely. So these two resources, time and money, one is renewable, the other is not. And God cares how we use both. We will not have one second more or one cent more than what God gives to us. So the question is how are we using them?" [00:46:06] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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