Stewardship: Living as Faithful Managers of God’s Gifts

Devotional

Day 1: Everything Belongs to God, Not to Us

Stewardship begins with the recognition that nothing we possess is truly ours; everything—our time, talents, resources, and even our very lives—belongs to God. This truth calls us to move beyond the possessive mindset of “my” and instead see ourselves as caretakers of what God has entrusted to us. When we acknowledge God’s ownership, it transforms how we view our finances, abilities, and opportunities, inviting us to live with open hands and hearts, ready to use all we have for His purposes. [49:18]

Psalm 24:1 (ESV)
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof,
the world and those who dwell therein.

Reflection: What is one thing in your life that you tend to view as “yours” rather than God’s? How might your attitude or actions change if you truly saw it as belonging to Him?

Day 2: Stewardship Is a Gift and Invitation from God

The opportunity to be a steward is itself a gracious gift from God, who could accomplish His purposes without us but instead chooses to invite us into His work. God delights in letting us participate in blessing others, giving us the joy of generosity and the privilege of making a difference in the world. This invitation is not a burden but a sign of God’s trust and love, allowing us to experience the fulfillment that comes from sharing what we have and joining in His mission. [53:17]

Genesis 2:15 (ESV)
The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.

Reflection: When have you experienced joy in giving or serving others? How can you intentionally accept God’s invitation to steward something He’s given you this week?

Day 3: God Expects Faithful Stewardship and Will Hold Us Accountable

God’s Word makes it clear that stewards are expected to manage His resources wisely and in alignment with His will, knowing that one day we will give an account for how we have used what He has entrusted to us. Jesus’ parables remind us that stewardship is not passive; it requires active, faithful, and sometimes sacrificial management of our time, talents, and treasures for the good of others and the glory of God. The call is to be ready, living each day as if the Master could return at any moment, eager to find us faithfully serving. [58:15]

Luke 12:42-44 (ESV)
And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.”

Reflection: If Jesus returned today, what would He find you doing with the resources and opportunities He’s given you? What is one step you can take to be a more faithful steward this week?

Day 4: Hoarding Leads to Loss, but Surrender Preserves and Multiplies

When we try to hoard God’s blessings for ourselves, we ultimately lose out, just as the Israelites’ manna spoiled when kept beyond its intended use. But when we return what we have to God and use it as He directs, it is preserved and multiplied for His purposes. True stewardship means trusting God enough to release our grip, believing that He can do more with our open hands than we ever could by holding tightly to what we have. [01:04:05]

Exodus 16:19-20, 32-34 (ESV)
And Moses said to them, “Let no one leave any of it over till the morning.” But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them. ... Moses said, “This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Let an omer of it be kept throughout your generations, so that they may see the bread with which I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt.’” So Moses said to Aaron, “Take a jar, and put an omer of manna in it, and place it before the Lord to be kept throughout your generations.” As the Lord commanded Moses, so Aaron placed it before the testimony to be kept.

Reflection: Is there something you are holding onto out of fear or self-protection? What would it look like to surrender it to God and trust Him to use it for His glory?

Day 5: Small Acts of Stewardship Can Lead to Great Impact

Even the smallest act of faithful stewardship—like flying a kite across a river—can become the starting point for something far greater than we could imagine when placed in God’s hands. God specializes in multiplying what we offer, using our simple gifts and acts of generosity to build bridges, bless others, and advance His kingdom in ways we may never fully see. Don’t underestimate what God can do through your willingness to release what you have for His purposes. [01:07:57]

John 6:9-13 (ESV)
“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten.

Reflection: What is one “small” resource, talent, or opportunity you have that you could offer to God today? How might God use it to bless others in ways beyond your imagination?

Sermon Summary

This morning, we gathered to celebrate the stories of God at work among us, especially as we witnessed baptisms—visible reminders of lives surrendered to Christ. Coming fresh from the Holy Land, where I baptized others in the Jordan River, I was reminded of the deep roots of our faith and the ongoing journey we share as a church family. Today, we continued our “En Route” series by focusing on the fourth essential practice of a healthy church: stewardship.

We often cling to the word “my”—my house, my money, my time. But Scripture challenges us to let go of this possessiveness. Instead, we are called to see everything as belonging to God. The Bible is clear: “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.” Nothing is truly ours; we are stewards, not owners. This shift in mindset is foundational for a life that honors God and blesses others.

Stewardship is not just about money. It’s about our time, talents, resources, and even our stories. God, who could accomplish everything without us, graciously invites us to participate in His work. This invitation is itself a gift—a chance to experience the joy of giving and the delight of seeing our contributions multiplied for His purposes. From the very beginning, God placed Adam and Eve in the garden not as a punishment, but as a privilege: to tend, cultivate, and make it flourish.

But stewardship also comes with responsibility. Jesus’ parables remind us that we are entrusted with God’s resources to distribute them according to His will and to be ready for His return. Hoarding or misusing what God has given us is a serious matter. Like the Israelites with manna, when we try to keep more than we need, it spoils. But when we return it to God, it is preserved and multiplied.

As a church, we are called to be channels of blessing, not reservoirs. Our gifts, abilities, and resources are meant to flow outward, transforming lives and building God’s kingdom. Even if we feel we have little to offer—just a “kite string” or a few loaves and fishes—God can use our simple acts of stewardship to accomplish extraordinary things. The future of our church depends on our willingness to release what we have, trusting God to do more than we could imagine.

Key Takeaways

1. Everything belongs to God, not us The biblical vision of stewardship begins with the recognition that nothing is truly ours. All that we have—our possessions, abilities, and even our very lives—are gifts from God. This truth humbles us and calls us to hold our resources with open hands, always remembering that we are managers, not owners. [49:18]
2. Stewardship is a privilege, not a burden God does not need our help, yet He graciously invites us to participate in His work. The opportunity to steward His resources is itself a sign of His love and trust. When we give, serve, and share, we experience the joy of joining God in blessing others, and our hearts are shaped to be more like His. [53:17]
3. Faithful stewardship requires accountability Jesus’ parables make it clear that stewards are expected to use what is entrusted to them according to the master’s wishes. There will be a day of reckoning, and we are called to be found faithful—ready to give an account for how we have managed God’s gifts. This accountability is not meant to instill fear, but to inspire us to live purposefully and generously. [58:15]
4. Generosity multiplies God’s impact Even small acts of stewardship, when released to God, can have far-reaching effects. Like the kite string that led to a bridge across the Niagara, our seemingly insignificant offerings can become the foundation for God’s miraculous work. When we trust God with what we have, He multiplies it for His glory and the good of others. [67:57]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[38:43] - Reflections from the Holy Land
[39:34] - The Problem with “My”
[40:37] - Four Essential Practices of a Healthy Church
[41:33] - The Blessings and Challenges of a Large Church
[42:56] - Ownership vs. Stewardship
[44:04] - The $1 and $100 Bill Story
[45:14] - The Church’s History with Money
[47:16] - The Bible’s Model: Stewardship
[48:47] - Three Components of Biblical Stewardship
[49:18] - Everything Belongs to God
[53:17] - Stewardship as a Gift
[58:15] - Jesus’ Parable of the Faithful Steward
[63:20] - Lessons from Manna in the Wilderness
[67:02] - The Kite String and Bridge Story
[69:43] - Prayer of Commitment
[74:47] - Announcements and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Psalm 24:1 (ESV) — > The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein.

Luke 12:42-48 (ESV) — > And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.”

Genesis 2:15 (ESV) — > The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.

Observation Questions

According to Psalm 24:1, what belongs to the Lord? How does this verse challenge the way people usually think about their possessions? [49:33]
In the parable Jesus tells in Luke 12:42-48, what are the two main responsibilities of the steward (manager) while the master is away? [59:52]
What happened to the manna when the Israelites tried to keep more than they needed, and what was different when they returned it to God? [01:03:20]
In Genesis 2:15, what job did God give Adam and Eve in the garden, and was it a punishment or a privilege? [55:14]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says, “Nothing really is mine. Nothing’s really yours. It all belongs to God.” How does this idea change the way someone might view their money, time, or abilities? [49:18]
Why do you think God invites people to be stewards of His resources, even though He could do everything Himself? What does this say about God’s character? [53:17]
Jesus’ parable in Luke 12 warns about stewards who misuse what’s entrusted to them. What are some modern examples of “hoarding” or misusing God’s gifts, and why is this a serious matter? [58:15]
The story of the kite string leading to a bridge shows how small acts can have big results. How does this connect to the idea of generosity multiplying God’s impact? [01:07:57]

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to let go of the word “my”—my house, my money, my time. What is one area of your life where you find it hardest to remember that it all belongs to God? What would it look like to hold that area with “open hands” this week? [39:34]
Think about your time, talents, resources, and even your story. Which of these do you tend to keep to yourself, and which do you find easier to share? What is one small step you could take to be more generous in the area that’s hardest for you? [42:56]
The sermon said stewardship is a privilege, not a burden. Have you ever experienced joy from giving, serving, or sharing? What made that experience meaningful, and how could you seek out more opportunities like that? [53:17]
Jesus’ parable makes it clear that we will be held accountable for how we use what God has given us. If Jesus returned today, what would you want Him to find you doing with your resources and abilities? Is there anything you would want to change? [58:15]
The Israelites’ manna spoiled when they tried to keep more than they needed. Are there things in your life you are “holding onto” that God might be asking you to release or share? What’s one practical way you could do that this week? [01:03:20]
The story of the kite string reminds us that even small acts of stewardship can lead to big results. What is one “small” thing you could offer to God this week—time, money, encouragement, or something else? How might God use it in ways you can’t see yet? [01:07:57]
As a church, we are called to be channels of blessing, not reservoirs. What is one way our group could work together to bless others in our community or church family? [01:06:37]

Sermon Clips

An ownership mindset says this. It says, I have earned what I have and it's mine to use it however I want to. You know, I worked hard for that promotion. So back off. I made a good investment. I'm the one who worked two jobs. I earned it and I'm going to spend it as I please because it's mine. It's the ownership model. The Bible's perspective, the stewardship mindset is different. It says this. It says, Everything that I have belongs to God and I will invest it as he decides. [00:47:37] (44 seconds) #StewardshipOverOwnership

Stewardship means that everything belongs to God. Nothing really is mine. Nothing's really yours. It all belongs to God. We're people of the Bible here at Elmbrook Church and this is what the Bible says. In Psalm 24 verse 1 it says, The earth is the Lord's and everything in it. Job 41 says this, Who has a claim against me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to me. That's what God says. [00:49:15] (39 seconds) #EverythingBelongsToGod

Now if you'd like to turn to the exception list, you can find this in the book of Second Imaginations, chapter none. Because there is no exception list. All there is is His. You ever heard that phrase, born on third base? Kind of shorthand for a longer phrase. It says, He was born on third base and He thinks He hit a triple. In other words, lots of people presume that we deserve credit for the good things that we have, for the blessings that we enjoy. But you cannot bless yourself. Just like you can't tickle yourself, you can't bless yourself. A blessing must come from the outside in. All that you have has come from God. [00:50:29] (64 seconds) #NoExceptionsOnlyHis

And don't miss this. The Bible is presenting a stronger claim than the claim that everything comes from God. Now that's definitely true. That's a correct doctrinal statement. That you can work the chain backwards and see how, yeah, without God making the sun or whatever, you wouldn't have your new TV or your avocado toast. That's clear. But it's not just that without God, you wouldn't have your singing ability or your vacation time or your good health. what the Bible says is that those things still belong to God. The deed has not been signed over to you. They are in God's account, not your own. There is no my. Everything belongs to God. [00:52:05] (57 seconds) #GodOwnsItAll

The opportunity itself to be a steward is a gift from God. The very chance that you have to live as if this were true is a sign of God's unmerited grace in your life. Let me tell you what I mean. The Bible says that God owns the cattle on a thousand hills. Therefore, it means that God could put on an apron and serve burgers and brisket to everybody. But God invites us to feed the poor. [00:53:09] (41 seconds) #StewardshipIsAGift

God didn't have to use you. He chose you as a gift to be part of this ministry. I think the place that we see this start is in Genesis chapter 2. Scripture says that God created the Garden of Eden and then He placed Adam and Eve in it to tend it to keep it and to cultivate it. And this was the job that they had and by the way it was before sin entered the world. God gave them a responsibility not as punishment but as part of a perfect creation. [00:54:44] (37 seconds) #CreatedToCultivate

So stewardship starts with these two premises. Nothing's really mine. It's all God's. and that my efforts aren't technically needed because God could do it all. And yet for you to have a clean heart with respect to your resources the Bible keeps nudging you into stewardship to play an active part in blessing your church and your community through your time and your talent and your treasure and your testimony. [00:57:01] (34 seconds) #ActiveStewardship

What do you and I want the master to find us doing with the resources he has entrusted on the day that he returns? I hope that we would say that we want to be doing whatever he asks with whatever he has entrusted because it's all his anyway. Living as stewards is simply saying this, God, you can trust me with your blessings. With what can God trust you? [01:04:54] (38 seconds) #TrustedWithBlessings

Friends, as I look around this room, I see the faces of stewards that God can trust, who recognize none of this has ever been ours, and that by putting our words and our deeds, our actions and our energies into God's agenda, we really can cross over to experience the bright future that God has in store for Elmbrook Church. Because this church too, it's not mine. It's not yours. It's his. [01:09:01] (41 seconds) #HisChurchOurMission

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