Stewardship and Generosity: Honoring God with Finances

Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to celebrate and dedicate 17 children to the Lord, following the biblical examples of Mary and Joseph with Jesus, and Samuel's dedication by his parents. This act of dedication is a commitment by parents and the church community to raise these children in the knowledge and love of God. We also prayed for a team heading to Sundial, West Virginia, to conduct a Vacation Bible School and community projects, asking for divine appointments and protection.

We then transitioned into a new sermon series on "Faith and Finance," exploring what the Bible says about money. The key message is that God owns everything, and we are merely stewards of His resources. This foundational truth changes how we view and manage our finances. David's prayer in 1 Chronicles 29 serves as a powerful example, emphasizing that everything we have comes from God and should be used to honor Him. David's acknowledgment of God's ownership and his joyful generosity set a compelling example for us.

We discussed the importance of recognizing God's ownership in our financial decisions, whether it's a promotion, a new purchase, or managing debt. The Bible teaches that we will one day give an account of how we managed what God entrusted to us. This understanding should lead us to consult God in all our financial decisions, acknowledging that we are managing His resources.

We also introduced a six-week course called "True Financial Freedom" by Bob and Linda Loddick, designed to help us manage our finances according to biblical principles. This course is available for free to our church family and aims to provide practical advice and reduce financial stress.

In conclusion, the goal is to hear Jesus say, "Well done, good and faithful servant," by managing our finances in a way that honors God. This journey requires us to trust in God's wisdom and guidance, acknowledging His ownership of all we have.

### Key Takeaways

1. God's Ownership and Our Stewardship: Recognizing that God owns everything and we are merely stewards of His resources is foundational to managing our finances. This perspective shifts our approach from ownership to stewardship, leading us to consult God in all financial decisions. This understanding brings freedom and responsibility, knowing that we are managing what ultimately belongs to God. [50:15]

2. Generosity as Worship: Every act of generosity can be an act of worship. When we give freely and wholeheartedly, we acknowledge God's provision and express our gratitude. This joyful giving reflects our love for God and our trust in His continued provision. Generosity becomes a natural response to God's grace and blessings in our lives. [55:34]

3. Consulting God in Financial Decisions: Just as we would consult the owner before making decisions with someone else's property, we should consult God in our financial decisions. This practice acknowledges His ownership and invites His wisdom into our financial planning, leading to better stewardship and alignment with His will. [59:38]

4. Accountability and Eternal Perspective: We will one day give an account of how we managed what God entrusted to us. This accountability should motivate us to manage our resources wisely and faithfully. Understanding the brevity of life and the eternal impact of our financial decisions helps us prioritize God's kingdom and eternal rewards over temporary gains. [01:01:06]

5. God's Grace and Guidance: No matter our past financial mistakes, God's grace is sufficient to cover them, and He offers wisdom for the future. By seeking His guidance and applying biblical principles, we can experience financial freedom and reduced stress. God desires to help us manage His resources well, and He provides the tools and support we need for this journey. [01:02:57]

### YouTube Chapters

1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [13:23] - Prayer for Mission Team
3. [15:09] - Church Announcements
4. [17:23] - Child Dedications
5. [22:57] - You Are Seen and Known by God
6. [23:25] - Offering Praise and Worship
7. [37:57] - Prayer for New School Year
8. [39:06] - Praying for Global Peace
9. [39:51] - Introduction to Faith and Finance Series
10. [41:00] - Money as a Dashboard Indicator
11. [42:23] - Working and Living for God's Glory
12. [43:29] - Profiles of Biblical Figures and Money
13. [44:11] - Free Financial Course Introduction
14. [45:55] - David's Prayer in 1 Chronicles 29
15. [50:15] - God Owns It All
16. [55:34] - Generosity as Worship
17. [59:38] - Consulting God in Financial Decisions
18. [01:01:06] - Accountability and Eternal Perspective
19. [01:02:57] - God's Grace and Guidance
20. [01:06:22] - Encouragement and Closing Prayer
21. [01:17:13] - Final Blessing and Dismissal

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Chronicles 29:10-20 - David's Prayer of Praise and Acknowledgment of God's Ownership
2. Matthew 25:21 - "Well done, good and faithful servant."
3. Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

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#### Observation Questions
1. In 1 Chronicles 29:10-20, what does David acknowledge about everything he and the people have? How does he describe God's ownership? ([47:45])
2. According to Matthew 25:21, what is the reward for being a faithful servant? How does this relate to managing resources? ([43:00])
3. What does Proverbs 3:5-6 instruct us to do in all our ways, and what is the promised result? ([01:00:30])
4. During the sermon, what example did the pastor give to illustrate consulting God in financial decisions? ([59:38])

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does David's prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:10-20 shape our understanding of stewardship and generosity? ([47:45])
2. What does the phrase "God owns it all, I'm managing His resources" imply about our daily financial decisions? ([50:15])
3. How can the promise in Matthew 25:21 motivate us to be better stewards of what God has entrusted to us? ([43:00])
4. In what ways does trusting in the Lord with all our heart (Proverbs 3:5-6) influence our approach to financial planning and decision-making? ([01:00:30])

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent financial decision you made. Did you consult God in that decision? How might acknowledging God's ownership have changed your approach? ([59:38])
2. Think about a time when you were generous. How did it feel to give freely and wholeheartedly? How can you make generosity a regular act of worship in your life? ([55:34])
3. What steps can you take to ensure that you are managing God's resources wisely and faithfully? Consider practical actions like budgeting, saving, and giving. ([01:02:57])
4. How does the understanding that we will give an account of our stewardship (1 Corinthians 4:2) affect your long-term financial goals and priorities? ([01:01:06])
5. Identify an area in your finances where you feel stressed or uncertain. How can you seek God's guidance and apply biblical principles to find peace and direction? ([01:02:57])
6. The sermon mentioned a six-week course on "True Financial Freedom." How can participating in this course help you align your financial practices with biblical principles? ([01:03:33])
7. Reflect on the pastor's story about the business owner who acknowledged God's ownership of his business. How can you apply this mindset to your own work or personal finances? ([01:07:24])

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This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the sermon’s key messages and apply biblical principles to their financial lives. Encourage open and honest discussion, and support each other in the journey towards faithful stewardship.

Devotional

Day 1: God's Ownership and Our Stewardship
Recognizing that God owns everything and we are merely stewards of His resources is foundational to managing our finances. This perspective shifts our approach from ownership to stewardship, leading us to consult God in all financial decisions. This understanding brings freedom and responsibility, knowing that we are managing what ultimately belongs to God. When we acknowledge God's ownership, it changes our priorities and how we handle money, time, and talents. It encourages us to seek His guidance and wisdom in every financial decision, ensuring that our actions align with His will and purpose.

This shift in perspective also brings a sense of peace and freedom. When we understand that we are stewards, not owners, we can release the anxiety and pressure that often accompanies financial management. We can trust that God, the true owner, will provide for our needs and guide us in using His resources wisely. This trust allows us to live generously and faithfully, knowing that we are fulfilling our role as stewards of God's blessings. [50:15]

1 Chronicles 29:11-12 (ESV): "Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all."

Reflection: What is one financial decision you are currently facing? How can you invite God into this decision, acknowledging His ownership and seeking His wisdom?

Day 2: Generosity as Worship
Every act of generosity can be an act of worship. When we give freely and wholeheartedly, we acknowledge God's provision and express our gratitude. This joyful giving reflects our love for God and our trust in His continued provision. Generosity becomes a natural response to God's grace and blessings in our lives. It is not just about the act of giving but the heart behind it. When we give with a joyful and grateful heart, we are worshiping God and honoring Him with our resources.

Generosity also has a profound impact on our spiritual growth. It helps us to develop a heart of compassion and selflessness, aligning our values with God's. As we practice generosity, we become more attuned to the needs of others and more willing to share the blessings we have received. This act of worship not only blesses others but also deepens our relationship with God, as we trust Him to provide for our needs and use our resources for His glory. [55:34]

2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

Reflection: Think of a recent opportunity to give generously. How did it feel to give, and how can you cultivate a heart of joyful generosity in your daily life?

Day 3: Consulting God in Financial Decisions
Just as we would consult the owner before making decisions with someone else's property, we should consult God in our financial decisions. This practice acknowledges His ownership and invites His wisdom into our financial planning, leading to better stewardship and alignment with His will. When we seek God's guidance in our financial decisions, we are demonstrating our trust in His wisdom and provision. This practice helps us to make decisions that honor Him and reflect His values.

Consulting God in our financial decisions also helps us to avoid the pitfalls of materialism and greed. It reminds us that our ultimate goal is to glorify God, not to accumulate wealth for ourselves. By seeking His guidance, we can make choices that align with His purposes and bring lasting fulfillment. This practice also helps us to develop a deeper relationship with God, as we rely on His wisdom and direction in every aspect of our lives. [59:38]

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

Reflection: What is one financial decision you need to make this week? Take a moment to pray and ask God for His wisdom and guidance in this decision.

Day 4: Accountability and Eternal Perspective
We will one day give an account of how we managed what God entrusted to us. This accountability should motivate us to manage our resources wisely and faithfully. Understanding the brevity of life and the eternal impact of our financial decisions helps us prioritize God's kingdom and eternal rewards over temporary gains. When we live with an eternal perspective, we are more likely to make choices that honor God and reflect His values.

This perspective also helps us to avoid the traps of materialism and short-term thinking. It reminds us that our ultimate goal is to glorify God and advance His kingdom, not to accumulate wealth for ourselves. By focusing on eternal rewards, we can make decisions that have a lasting impact and bring true fulfillment. This accountability also encourages us to be faithful stewards, knowing that our actions have eternal significance. [01:01:06]

Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV): "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. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Reflection: Reflect on your current financial priorities. Are they aligned with an eternal perspective? What changes can you make to ensure that your financial decisions honor God and have lasting significance?

Day 5: God's Grace and Guidance
No matter our past financial mistakes, God's grace is sufficient to cover them, and He offers wisdom for the future. By seeking His guidance and applying biblical principles, we can experience financial freedom and reduced stress. God desires to help us manage His resources well, and He provides the tools and support we need for this journey. His grace allows us to start anew, regardless of our past failures, and His wisdom guides us towards better financial decisions.

God's grace also reminds us that we are not alone in this journey. He is with us, offering His support and guidance every step of the way. By relying on His grace and wisdom, we can overcome financial challenges and experience true freedom. This journey requires us to trust in God's provision and to apply His principles in our financial management. As we do so, we can experience the peace and freedom that comes from knowing we are managing His resources well. [01:02:57]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: Reflect on a past financial mistake. How can you embrace God's grace and seek His guidance to make better financial decisions moving forward? What steps can you take today to apply biblical principles in your financial management?

Quotes

1. "You are seen and known by the Father in heaven. He knows your name. He cares about you. Jesus came to give his life for you, to adopt you into his family. And so whatever has happened in your life, today you can know the truth about him and how he sees you. He's a good God. He's a faithful father." [23:25] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "When we follow God's word in every area of life, there's just life seems to work better, right? That God has wisdom for us. What He gives us in the word is for our good. And so we want ultimately to be able to say God, I want, I want this. I want to achieve success in my finances. And here's what that looks like. Hearing this affirmation from Jesus when He returns. Matthew chapter 25, here's what Jesus says. He says this is what some people are going to experience. The master was full of praise. Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount." [42:23] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "God owns it all. I'm managing his resources. Friends, if we get that, like really get it, it changes everything. That's the big picture of what David is saying in this prayer. When I recognize God's ownership, here's what happens. First of all, I acknowledge that everything ultimately belongs to him. David repeats this theme several times, like in verse 11. He says, Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. Think about that. He's saying everything in the universe, like the stars, as far as you can see, everything on the earth, Lord, is yours. Even this nation of which I'm the king, he's going, this kingdom belongs to you. God owns it all." [51:15] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Every act of generosity can be an act of worship. When Mary and I give, we don't give out of a sense of, well, I guess we gotta give God a tip or it's an obligation, I'm a pastor. We feel like we get to give. God, you are so great. You've been so kind to us. Your unlimited grace and power, the promises that you give us, your constant presence. Lord, we just thank you. We bless you. We love you. That's what the people are saying here. Look at verse 11. David says, we adore you as the one who is over all things. Verse 13, O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name. They're just saying, God, we love you." [56:04] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "God wants to help you. He wants to give you principles from his word. And there's a lot of them to help you make good financial decisions. You're not alone in the battle. We're gonna be talking about some practical stuff here in the coming weeks and the course and in the messages. I hope you'll join us on the journey. Point number one, God owns it all. This past week I was, found out about a business owner at Grace who has hired some formerly incarcerated people. And because that's a real passion of ours, the church family, just to make a difference at Lorraine Correctional, we have guys who are coming out after the parole violation." [01:06:22] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "It's never too late to say, God, I've been doing it my way. I've not really consulted you. And I realize that everything I have are actually assets under management. Assets under, right? I don't own these. These are under my management, but God owns it all. I'm simply managing his resources, right? And one day I'm gonna be rewarded or not based on how I've done. And so will you. So the great news is this. God wants to help you. He wants to give you principles from his word. And there's a lot of them to help you make good financial decisions. You're not alone in the battle." [01:06:06] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "You won't find one verse in all of the Bible that shows that God has somehow surrendered ownership over to us. Management, yes. Ownership, no. Some might go, well, you know, I don't know, maybe God owns everything like in nature and everything, but at least I own myself. Who made you? Even then, 1 Corinthians chapter six says this, you are not God. You're own. You were bought at a price. So friends, we can say this again. God owns it all. I'm simply managing his resources. So how does that relate to my relationship with money like this? How you handle money, your 401k, your checkbook, your house, your possessions, everything you have, how you handle those reveals who you think really owns them." [54:24] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "We want to help you. Whether you're feeling like you're in a tough spot financially, you're doing really well, we all want to keep growing. I mentioned earlier, there's a six-week course called True Financial Freedom. It's with Bob and Linda Loddick. You'll see their picture there. They have a great story of some financial messes they were in. And in a six-week class, they walk you through the same blueprint that God used in their lives to lead them from a mountain of debt to a, really, a life of eternal impact. And each session is full of specific, practical advice, real-life stories that you'll find enjoyable. And by the end of the class, I think you'll find that you have more financial margin and you're living with less financial stress in your life." [01:03:33] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "You know you would not ever do something with someone else's possessions without doing what? Without consulting them, right? Without saying, hey, I was wondering if, you know, we could, if God owns it all, if we really believe that, and I'm managing his resources, that's a game changer, right? So, one of the first things I do is I go to God and I say, God, do you want to give direction on this? Is there a way you want me to move in this way so that I can honor you? Rather than saying, this is my checkbook, my car, my house, my this, to say, God, this is all yours. You've entrusted them to me. What would you like to do with your stuff?" [59:38] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "We are here for how long? Only a moment. Visitors and strangers in the land as our ancestors were before us. Our days on earth are like a passing shadow gone so soon without a trace. I think the older I get, the more I go, wow, it's so true. Gone so soon. Compared to how long our eternal home is gonna be, our life here is so brief, right? We know we're gonna give an account one day. How did we manage what he entrusted to us? You see the verse at the top of your notes? First Corinthians chapter four. A person who is put in charge as a manager must be what? Faithful. Faithful to whom? Faithful to the Lord. Faithful to the owner." [01:01:24] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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