Stewardship: Aligning Finances with God's Kingdom
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound teachings of Jesus in Luke 16, focusing on the parable of the unjust steward. This parable challenges us to examine our relationship with money and our stewardship of God's resources. The story of the steward, who was commended for his shrewdness despite his dishonesty, serves as a reminder that we, as believers, should be wise and intentional in how we manage what God has entrusted to us. The core message is about aligning our hearts and resources with God's kingdom, recognizing that everything we have belongs to Him.
We are reminded that money carries a spirit, often referred to as mammon, which can lead us astray with promises of security and happiness that only God can truly provide. The spirit of mammon is linked to greed and chaos, and it is crucial for us to guard our hearts against its influence. Instead, we are called to adopt a kingdom mindset, where our finances are used to further God's purposes on earth.
The sermon also emphasized the importance of returning the first fruits to God, a principle rooted in obedience and trust. By doing so, we acknowledge that all we have is from Him, and we invite His blessing into our lives. This act of returning the first is not about generosity but about aligning our lives with God's will and demonstrating our trust in His provision.
Furthermore, we are encouraged to steward the rest of our resources wisely. This involves budgeting, saving, and investing in ways that honor God and advance His kingdom. Stewardship is about maximizing what we have been given, ensuring that we are not only financially free but also positioned to be a blessing to others.
Finally, we are reminded to focus on true riches—those that have eternal value. Our earthly wealth should be used to secure eternal treasures, impacting lives for God's glory. As we approach Thanksgiving, let us be grateful for God's provision and commit to using our resources to build His kingdom.
Key Takeaways:
1. Stewardship and Shrewdness: The parable of the unjust steward teaches us the importance of being wise and intentional with our resources. As believers, we should use our finances to prepare for both our earthly and eternal futures, ensuring that we are building God's kingdom with what we have been entrusted. [53:27]
2. The Spirit of Mammon: Money carries a spirit, often linked to greed and chaos. We must guard our hearts against the influence of mammon, which promises security and happiness that only God can provide. By aligning our finances with God's will, we can break free from the grip of mammon and live with a kingdom mindset. [58:22]
3. Returning the First: Returning the first fruits to God is an act of obedience and trust. It acknowledges that everything we have is from Him and invites His blessing into our lives. This principle is not about generosity but about aligning our lives with God's will and demonstrating our trust in His provision. [01:11:40]
4. Wise Stewardship: Stewardship involves budgeting, saving, and investing in ways that honor God. By maximizing what we have been given, we ensure that we are financially free and positioned to be a blessing to others. Stewardship is about using our resources to advance God's kingdom and fulfill His purposes. [01:36:00]
5. Focusing on True Riches: Our earthly wealth should be used to secure eternal treasures. By investing in eternity, we impact lives for God's glory and build a legacy that lasts beyond this life. True riches are found in advancing God's kingdom and leaving an eternal impact. [01:42:57]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Introduction and Opening Prayer
[01:15] - The Parable of the Unjust Steward
[02:45] - Understanding Stewardship
[04:10] - The Spirit of Mammon
[05:30] - Aligning Finances with God's Kingdom
[07:00] - Returning the First Fruits
[08:30] - The Importance of Stewardship
[10:00] - Budgeting and Saving
[11:30] - Investing in God's Kingdom
[13:00] - Focusing on True Riches
[14:30] - Gratitude and Thanksgiving
[16:00] - Invitation to Respond and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 16:1-13 - The Parable of the Unjust Steward
2. Malachi 3:6-12 - Returning to God and His Promises
3. Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honoring the Lord with First Fruits
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Observation Questions:
1. In the parable of the unjust steward in Luke 16, what actions did the steward take to secure his future after being dismissed? How did the master respond to these actions? [01:03:18]
2. According to the sermon, what is the spirit of mammon, and how does it influence our relationship with money? [58:22]
3. What does the sermon suggest is the significance of returning the first fruits to God, and how is this principle rooted in scripture? [01:11:40]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between stewardship and the advancement of God's kingdom? [01:36:00]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the parable of the unjust steward challenge traditional views of honesty and shrewdness in financial matters? What lesson is Jesus teaching through this story? [01:04:19]
2. The sermon mentions that money carries a spirit, often linked to greed and chaos. How can believers guard their hearts against the influence of mammon and align their finances with God's will? [58:22]
3. In what ways does returning the first fruits to God demonstrate trust and obedience, and how might this practice impact a believer's financial life? [01:11:40]
4. How does the sermon suggest that wise stewardship can lead to both financial freedom and the ability to bless others? What practical steps are recommended for achieving this? [01:36:00]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current financial practices. Are there areas where the spirit of mammon might be influencing your decisions? How can you begin to align your finances with a kingdom mindset? [58:22]
2. Consider the principle of returning the first fruits to God. What steps can you take to incorporate this practice into your financial life, and how might it change your perspective on money? [01:11:40]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of budgeting, saving, and investing. What practical changes can you make in your financial planning to ensure you are stewarding your resources wisely? [01:36:00]
4. How can you use your earthly wealth to secure eternal treasures and impact lives for God's glory? Identify one specific way you can invest in eternity this month. [01:42:57]
5. As Thanksgiving approaches, how can you express gratitude for God's provision in your life? What specific actions can you take to use your resources to bless others during this season? [01:42:57]
6. Reflect on the sermon’s message about true riches. How can you shift your focus from accumulating earthly wealth to building a legacy that advances God's kingdom? [01:42:57]
7. The sermon challenges believers to test God by returning the first. Are you willing to take this challenge? What might be holding you back, and how can you overcome these obstacles? [01:29:38]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Wise Stewardship for Eternal Impact
The parable of the unjust steward in Luke 16 challenges believers to be wise and intentional with their resources. The steward, despite his dishonesty, was commended for his shrewdness, highlighting the importance of using our resources to prepare for both earthly and eternal futures. As believers, we are entrusted with God's resources and called to align our hearts and finances with His kingdom. This involves not only managing our money wisely but also ensuring that our financial decisions reflect our commitment to building God's kingdom. By doing so, we can make a lasting impact that extends beyond this life. [53:27]
"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. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?" (Luke 16:10-11, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to ensure that your financial decisions are aligned with God's kingdom purposes?
Day 2: Breaking Free from the Spirit of Mammon
Money often carries a spirit known as mammon, which can lead us astray with false promises of security and happiness. This spirit is linked to greed and chaos, and it is crucial for believers to guard their hearts against its influence. By aligning our finances with God's will, we can break free from the grip of mammon and live with a kingdom mindset. This involves recognizing that true security and happiness come from God alone and using our resources to further His purposes on earth. [58:22]
"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" (Hebrews 13:5, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where the spirit of mammon might be influencing your decisions. How can you realign this area with God's will today?
Day 3: Trusting God with the First Fruits
Returning the first fruits to God is an act of obedience and trust, acknowledging that everything we have is from Him. This principle is not about generosity but about aligning our lives with God's will and inviting His blessing into our lives. By giving God the first of what we have, we demonstrate our trust in His provision and our commitment to His kingdom. This act of faith invites God's blessing and ensures that our lives are aligned with His purposes. [01:11:40]
"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: What is one way you can practice giving your first fruits to God this week, and how might this act of trust impact your relationship with Him?
Day 4: Maximizing Resources for God's Glory
Stewardship involves budgeting, saving, and investing in ways that honor God. By maximizing what we have been given, we ensure that we are financially free and positioned to be a blessing to others. This means using our resources not only for personal gain but also to advance God's kingdom and fulfill His purposes. Wise stewardship is about making intentional decisions that reflect our commitment to God's glory and our desire to impact the world for His kingdom. [01:36:00]
"Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy." (1 Corinthians 4:2, ESV)
Reflection: How can you adjust your current financial habits to better reflect your commitment to being a trustworthy steward of God's resources?
Day 5: Investing in Eternal Treasures
Our earthly wealth should be used to secure eternal treasures, impacting lives for God's glory. True riches are found in advancing God's kingdom and leaving an eternal impact. As believers, we are called to focus on what has lasting value and to use our resources to build a legacy that extends beyond this life. By investing in eternity, we can make a difference that lasts and bring glory to God through our financial decisions. [01:42:57]
"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 practical way you can invest in eternal treasures this week, and how might this decision impact your life and the lives of others for God's glory?
Quotes
Our human nature is to say, mine. That is mine. My cookies. My car. My monies. Well, no, they are God's cookies. Amen? And we need to give honor to the Lord. Can we thank him when we think we're on our last cookie? Some way or another, he provides more. [00:52:06] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And if everything belongs to God, then nothing is off limits to him. How many of you say, God, all of my life is yours. Nothing is off limits to you. And one of the more important things that I've learned through God's word and through the mentorship of others, what I've learned about money is that money carries a spirit. [00:57:28] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Mammon will promise you things that only God can deliver on. Mammon will say, I can make you secure. Mammon will say, I'll validate you. Mammon will say, I'll open doors for you. Mammon will say, if you had more of me, you will finally be happy. Tell your neighbor, mammon lies. Mammon lies. Only God can meet every one of our needs. [00:58:28] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And God wants his children to have a revelation that we can live and act with faith and wisdom and purpose here on earth now and change eternities. Tell your neighbor. Money is a tool. It's a tool. And what I love about money, and I know it makes all of us feel uncomfortable. [01:05:06] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Faith in God isn't just I go to church. It's the way we obey what God's called us to do. And I believe God's challenging us now, the church, more than ever, to redeem money. This earthly thing, and to use it to build God's kingdom. [01:06:59] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And when we faithfully steward everything God's given us, our finances, we position ourselves to redeem that fallen thing called money and use it to advance the kingdom of God. [01:35:13] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And on this week of Thanksgiving, I don't know about you, but I'm so grateful for the God of provision. I'm grateful for how God has provided for this house. Can we give God all the praise for that? How he's provided supernaturally for each of you. [01:42:34] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And he continues to open floodgates of provision as we steward what he's given us and focus on his message. I want to encourage you, put all your eggs in one basket, and that's true riches. That's in his kingdom. Test him. I challenge you this year. [01:43:27] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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