Stewardship: Giving Our Best to God
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, New Vision! Today, we explored the final pillar of our series on foundations and pillars: stewardship. We began by acknowledging God's sovereignty and the importance of keeping Jesus at the center of our lives, especially in turbulent times. We then delved into the concept of stewardship, emphasizing that everything we have belongs to God, and we are merely caretakers of His resources. This includes our time, talent, and treasure.
We examined 2 Corinthians 8, where Paul commends the Macedonian churches for their extraordinary generosity despite their poverty. They gave not out of compulsion but out of a deep commitment to God and the church. This serves as a model for us to follow, urging us to give ourselves first to the Lord and then to the community.
We discussed the importance of managing our time wisely, making God a priority in our schedules, and being present in real-life relationships. Stewarding our talents means using our God-given abilities to serve both within and outside the church. Finally, we talked about the significance of financial stewardship, giving our first and best to God as a reflection of our commitment to Him.
Our financial vision for the church includes every member giving their first and best, embracing financial literacy, and ensuring the church is properly resourced to continue its mission. This involves investing in people, programs, and property to facilitate ministry effectively.
As we conclude this series, let's recommit ourselves to these pillars, giving our hearts fully to God. When He has our hearts, everything else—time, talent, and treasure—will follow. Let's strive to be like the Macedonian church, fully devoted to God and each other, ensuring that our church remains a strong, healthy, and vibrant community.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Sovereignty and Focus on Jesus: Regardless of the chaos in the world, God remains sovereign and on the throne. Our focus should always be on Jesus, keeping Him at the center of our lives and not getting distracted by partisan politics or societal turmoil. This focus helps us maintain peace and faithfulness in uncertain times. [40:56]
2. Stewardship of Time: Our time is a precious resource that should be managed for God's glory. Where we spend our time reflects our values and priorities. Being present in real-life relationships and making time for God in our schedules are crucial aspects of stewardship. [58:15]
3. Stewardship of Talent: God has given each of us unique talents and abilities, which we should use to serve Him and others. Whether it's cleaning, administration, or creative arts, offering our talents to God is a form of worship and a way to contribute to the church's mission. [01:04:19]
4. Stewardship of Treasure: Financial stewardship involves giving our first and best to God. This is not about compulsion but about recognizing that everything we have belongs to Him. Our financial contributions support the church's mission and reflect our commitment to God. [01:07:38]
5. Holistic Financial Vision: Our church's financial vision includes every member giving their first and best, embracing financial literacy, and ensuring the church is properly resourced. This involves investing in people, programs, and property to facilitate effective ministry and transform lives. [01:19:08]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[40:20] - Introduction and Focus on Jesus
[42:02] - Political Turmoil and Keeping Jesus at the Center
[45:36] - Reading from 2 Corinthians 8
[49:44] - Stewardship: Time, Talent, and Treasure
[52:07] - Evangelism, Discipleship, Fellowship, and Stewardship
[55:04] - Definition of Stewardship
[58:15] - Stewardship of Time
[01:04:19] - Stewardship of Talent
[01:07:38] - Stewardship of Treasure
[01:19:08] - Holistic Financial Vision
[01:27:14] - Devotion to God and Church Leadership
[01:30:18] - Prayer and Recommitment to Pillars
[01:31:49] - Benediction and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Stewardship
#### Bible Reading
- 2 Corinthians 8:1-9
#### Observation Questions
1. What circumstances were the Macedonian churches facing when they demonstrated their generosity? ([46:44])
2. According to 2 Corinthians 8:3, how did the Macedonian churches give? ([47:51])
3. What is the definition of stewardship as discussed in the sermon? ([54:07])
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between our time and our values? ([58:15])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul use the example of the Macedonian churches to encourage the Corinthians in their giving? ([46:44])
2. How does the concept of stewardship challenge the way we view our personal resources, including time, talent, and treasure? ([54:07])
3. What does it mean to give our "first and best" to God, and how does this reflect our commitment to Him? ([01:07:38])
4. How can the principle of stewardship be applied to our daily lives beyond financial giving? ([01:02:39])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current schedule. Are there areas where you can prioritize time for God and real-life relationships more effectively? How can you make these changes this week? ([58:15])
2. Identify a talent or skill you have. How can you use this talent to serve both within and outside the church? What specific steps will you take to offer this talent to God? ([01:04:19])
3. Consider your financial habits. Are you giving your first and best to God? What changes can you make to ensure your financial stewardship aligns with your commitment to Him? ([01:07:38])
4. Think about a recent situation where you had to manage your time. Did your actions reflect your values and priorities? How can you improve your time management to better honor God? ([58:15])
5. How can you embrace financial literacy and stewardship in your personal life? What resources or steps can you take to improve your financial health and support the church's mission? ([01:19:08])
6. Reflect on the question posed in the sermon: "If everyone in the church was just like me, what type of church would my church be?" How does this question challenge you to grow in your stewardship of time, talent, and treasure? ([01:12:02])
7. How can you support the church's mission by investing in people, programs, and property? What specific actions can you take to contribute to the church's holistic financial vision? ([01:22:11])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Sovereignty and Focus on Jesus
In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, it is crucial to remember that God remains sovereign and on the throne. Our focus should always be on Jesus, keeping Him at the center of our lives. This focus helps us maintain peace and faithfulness, even in turbulent times. By not getting distracted by partisan politics or societal turmoil, we can find solace and strength in our unwavering commitment to Christ. This steadfast focus on Jesus allows us to navigate life's challenges with a sense of purpose and calm, knowing that He is in control.
[40:56]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: In what ways can you refocus your attention on Jesus today, especially amidst the distractions and chaos around you?
Day 2: Stewardship of Time
Our time is a precious resource that should be managed for God's glory. Where we spend our time reflects our values and priorities. Being present in real-life relationships and making time for God in our schedules are crucial aspects of stewardship. By prioritizing our time with God and others, we demonstrate our commitment to living a life that honors Him. This means setting aside moments for prayer, worship, and fellowship, as well as being intentional about our interactions with family, friends, and community.
[58:15]
Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV): "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
Reflection: How can you better manage your time to ensure that God and meaningful relationships are prioritized in your daily life?
Day 3: Stewardship of Talent
God has given each of us unique talents and abilities, which we should use to serve Him and others. Whether it's cleaning, administration, or creative arts, offering our talents to God is a form of worship and a way to contribute to the church's mission. By recognizing and utilizing our God-given abilities, we can make a significant impact within and outside the church. This not only glorifies God but also helps build a stronger, more vibrant community that reflects His love and grace.
[01:04:19]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 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."
Reflection: What unique talents has God given you, and how can you use them to serve Him and others more effectively?
Day 4: Stewardship of Treasure
Financial stewardship involves giving our first and best to God. This is not about compulsion but about recognizing that everything we have belongs to Him. Our financial contributions support the church's mission and reflect our commitment to God. By giving generously and sacrificially, we demonstrate our trust in God's provision and our dedication to furthering His kingdom. This act of stewardship is a tangible expression of our faith and devotion, showing that we prioritize God's work above our own material desires.
[01:07:38]
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: How can you practice financial stewardship in a way that reflects your trust in God and commitment to His mission?
Day 5: Holistic Financial Vision
Our church's financial vision includes every member giving their first and best, embracing financial literacy, and ensuring the church is properly resourced. This involves investing in people, programs, and property to facilitate effective ministry and transform lives. By collectively committing to this vision, we can create a strong, healthy, and vibrant community that is equipped to carry out God's work. This holistic approach to financial stewardship ensures that our resources are used wisely and effectively to make a lasting impact.
[01:19:08]
Proverbs 3:9-10 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What steps can you take to align your financial practices with the church's vision of giving your first and best to God?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Whether it's a good day or a bad day, God is sovereign. He sits on the throne, and He reigns. And He's worthy of all the praise and worship we can give Him. Amen." [40:20] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When you understand who you are and who you belong to and what Christ has accomplished on the cross, there's no need to be afraid. Just be faithful. Don't be fearful. Be faithful. And understand that you have a blessed eternal hope. And that ultimately God is sovereign. He's on the throne. He's got you. He's got me. He's got us. Amen." [42:02] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If he is creator, and he created everything that we see, then technically everything belongs to God. And anything that we have. We simply have it on loan. We're simply borrowing it. Or we are taking care of it until we have to give it back to the Lord. Including our own lives and our bodies. Ashes to ashes. Dust to dust." [55:04] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When you love someone or love something, you give your time to it. Your presence matters. You can't have fellowship without presence. You can't have fellowship. Let me understand something about social media is not fellowship. You know, there's this thing called real life that still exists. Yes. And God is saying we need to get proficient at real life again." [01:00:21] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If he gets your heart, you'll be a disciple. Ride or die. If he gets your heart, you'll get in connection and relationship with people. And you'll understand that you are a part of a collective." [01:29:37] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "There are forces that want to divide us, and one thing we cannot do or afford to do as a body of Christ is get caught up in partisan politics and bringing Jesus into stuff that He ain't got nothing to do with. so whatever your political persuasion is, all I'm saying is keep Jesus at the center." [40:56] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We talked about evangelism. How everyone is an evangelist in Christ. And what's our message? That Jesus is the son of God. That Jesus died on the cross for our sins. We are proclaiming that he rose from the dead with all power in his hands. And the only way to get to the father is through Jesus. And like a smoke detector, we should be willing to sound the alarm and to let people know that the house is on fire." [52:07] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "If everyone in the church was just like me, then what type of church would my church be? If everyone in the church was just like me, what type of church would my church be? And part of maturing in the faith is being self-reflective and being honest and not over-inflating your ability or your capacity." [01:10:51] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The work of the local church is sustained by the financial contributions of its members and attendees. Now for those of you new to New Vision, I need you to understand there's no hedge fund in Greenwich that's writing a big check every month to do what we do. There's no NFL player that's a member of our congregation. There's no NBA player. There's no oil tycoon. You know, this is us. This is us. Ph.D. and community college. This is us. White collar and blue collar. This is us. Employed and unemployed. This is us." [01:13:25] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If God gets your life, he's going to get your time, talent, and treasure. God gets all of us. And that's true discipleship. It's the full devotion of ourselves to the Lord. If he gets all of us, then we become a vessel that he can use." [01:27:14] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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