Stewardship Over Ownership: Trusting God's Boundaries
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound lesson from Joshua 7:1, where the Israelites faced a significant setback due to Achan's disobedience. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of stewardship over ownership. The Israelites had experienced a series of victories, culminating in the fall of Jericho, yet Achan's decision to take what was banned led to God's anger burning against Israel. This story illustrates a recurring theme in Scripture: the temptation to take what belongs to God, leading to dire consequences.
Throughout the Bible, we see examples of individuals who overstepped their boundaries, such as Adam and Eve, David, and even Lucifer. Each instance resulted in a stark contrast between the blessings they had received and the chaos that ensued when they took what was not theirs. This pattern highlights the importance of being content with the victories God grants us and recognizing that certain things are reserved for Him alone.
In our lives, we must be vigilant not to fall into the trap of taking ownership of what God has entrusted to us as stewards. Whether it's our finances, relationships, or personal ambitions, we are called to receive God's blessings with gratitude and humility, rather than seizing control. This requires faith, patience, and a willingness to trust in God's timing and provision.
As we reflect on this message, let us examine our own lives and identify areas where we may be taking rather than receiving. By doing so, we can align ourselves with God's will and experience the fullness of His blessings without the contrasts of disobedience.
Key Takeaways:
- Stewardship vs. Ownership: The story of Achan reminds us that we are stewards, not owners, of God's blessings. When we take what belongs to God, we invite His displeasure. True contentment comes from recognizing and respecting the boundaries God has set for us. [04:02]
- The Danger of Overstepping Boundaries: Biblical examples like Adam and Eve, David, and Lucifer show the consequences of overstepping God's boundaries. Each instance led to chaos and loss, underscoring the importance of adhering to God's commands and being satisfied with His provisions. [06:44]
- Faith and Patience in God's Timing: Achan's story teaches us the value of waiting on God's timing. Had Achan waited, he would have received the spoils of victory. Our faith is tested in moments of waiting, and patience is crucial to receiving God's best. [20:42]
- The Impact of Individual Actions on the Community: Achan's sin affected the entire nation of Israel, illustrating how individual actions can impact the broader community. As members of the body of Christ, our faithfulness or lack thereof can influence the spiritual health of the entire community. [21:24]
- Receiving God's Plans: Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has good plans for us. When we take matters into our own hands, we risk creating contrasts that disrupt His plans. Trusting in God's plans requires surrendering our own and embracing His guidance. [10:22]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:08] - Introduction and Context
- [01:05] - Diving into the Book of Joshua
- [01:15] - The Importance of Putting It Down
- [02:08] - The Contrast in Joshua 7:1
- [03:14] - Embedded Victories and Banned Items
- [04:02] - The Consequences of Taking God's Glory
- [05:09] - Biblical Examples of Overstepping
- [06:44] - David's Downfall
- [08:06] - Lucifer's Fall
- [10:22] - Receiving God's Plans
- [12:08] - The Role of Stewardship
- [13:27] - National and Personal Implications
- [15:22] - The Church's Responsibility
- [19:07] - Personal Reflection and Call to Action
- [22:48] - Closing Story and Final Encouragement
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Joshua 7:1
- Genesis 2:16-17
- Jeremiah 29:11
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the significant action taken by Achan in Joshua 7:1, and what were its consequences for the Israelites? [01:26]
2. How does the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 2:16-17 parallel the actions of Achan in terms of overstepping boundaries? [05:20]
3. What does Jeremiah 29:11 reveal about God's intentions for His people, and how does this relate to the theme of stewardship versus ownership? [10:22]
4. In the sermon, what examples were given of individuals who overstepped their boundaries, and what were the outcomes of their actions? [05:09]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of stewardship versus ownership apply to modern-day believers, particularly in the context of personal ambitions and resources? [09:22]
2. What lessons can be learned from the consequences faced by Achan, Adam and Eve, and David when they took what was not theirs? How do these lessons apply to our understanding of God's boundaries? [06:44]
3. How does the sermon suggest that individual actions can impact the broader community, and what implications does this have for the church today? [21:24]
4. In what ways does the sermon encourage believers to trust in God's timing and provision, and how can this be practically applied in daily life? [20:42]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you took ownership of something that was meant to be stewarded. How did it affect your relationship with God and others? What steps can you take to correct this? [09:22]
2. Identify an area in your life where you might be overstepping God's boundaries. What practical steps can you take to realign with His will? [06:31]
3. How can you cultivate patience and trust in God's timing, especially in areas where you are tempted to take control? Share a specific situation where you can apply this. [20:42]
4. Consider the impact of your actions on your community. How can you ensure that your decisions contribute positively to the spiritual health of your church or group? [21:24]
5. Reflect on Jeremiah 29:11. How can you surrender your personal plans to embrace God's plans for your life? What is one specific plan you need to let go of? [10:22]
6. In what ways can you practice gratitude and humility in receiving God's blessings, rather than seeking more than what He has provided? [04:58]
7. Think of a person or situation in your life where you need to act as a steward rather than an owner. What is one action you can take this week to demonstrate this mindset? [12:08]
Devotional
Day 1: Stewardship Over Ownership
The story of Achan in Joshua 7:1 serves as a poignant reminder of the distinction between stewardship and ownership. Achan's disobedience, in taking what was banned, led to God's anger against Israel. This narrative underscores the importance of recognizing that we are stewards of God's blessings, not owners. When we overstep our boundaries and take what belongs to God, we invite His displeasure. True contentment comes from respecting the boundaries God has set for us and acknowledging that certain things are reserved for Him alone. As stewards, we are called to manage what God has entrusted to us with gratitude and humility, rather than seizing control. [04:02]
"Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy." (1 Corinthians 4:2, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you acting more like an owner than a steward? How can you shift your mindset to better align with God's call to stewardship today?
Day 2: The Consequences of Overstepping Boundaries
Throughout the Bible, we see examples of individuals who overstepped God's boundaries, such as Adam and Eve, David, and Lucifer. Each instance resulted in chaos and loss, highlighting the importance of adhering to God's commands and being satisfied with His provisions. The temptation to take what is not ours can lead to dire consequences, as seen in Achan's story. By respecting God's boundaries, we can avoid the chaos that ensues from disobedience and experience the fullness of His blessings. [06:44]
"But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death." (James 1:14-15, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a boundary in your life that you are tempted to overstep. What steps can you take to resist this temptation and remain within God's will?
Day 3: Faith and Patience in God's Timing
Achan's story teaches us the value of waiting on God's timing. Had Achan waited, he would have received the spoils of victory. Our faith is often tested in moments of waiting, and patience is crucial to receiving God's best. Trusting in God's timing requires surrendering our own plans and embracing His guidance. By doing so, we can align ourselves with His will and experience the blessings He has in store for us. [20:42]
"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" (Psalm 27:14, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to wait on God's timing? How can you practice patience and trust in His provision today?
Day 4: The Impact of Individual Actions on the Community
Achan's sin affected the entire nation of Israel, illustrating how individual actions can impact the broader community. As members of the body of Christ, our faithfulness or lack thereof can influence the spiritual health of the entire community. This story serves as a reminder of the responsibility we have to live in obedience to God, not only for our own sake but for the sake of those around us. [21:24]
"For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself." (Romans 14:7, ESV)
Reflection: Consider how your actions might be affecting your community. What is one change you can make to positively impact those around you?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Plans
Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has good plans for us. When we take matters into our own hands, we risk creating contrasts that disrupt His plans. Trusting in God's plans requires surrendering our own and embracing His guidance. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of His blessings and avoid the chaos that comes from disobedience. [10:22]
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are struggling to trust God's plans? How can you surrender this area to Him and embrace His guidance today?
Quotes
Embedded in every victory that God gives us in our life are things that belong to God and are banned to us, and if we start taking things that belong to God, rest assured that the anger of the Lord will burn against His people because there are things like God's glory that belong to Him even if He's giving us victory. [00:04:00]
Aiken was greedy. He wasn't okay with just receiving the favor of God. He wasn't okay with just receiving the victory that God had already given him. He wanted to take things that belonged to God inside of the victory that he had just received. That's called being greedy. [00:04:50]
You can look at Adam and Eve. If you go back to Genesis chapter 2 and 3, and you look that God said, "From every tree of the garden you may freely eat, but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, don't eat that. That one doesn't belong to you." So I'm giving you victory, Adam and Eve. [00:05:16]
David in 2nd Samuel chapter 11 verse 4 says he saw Bathsheba and he took, and at the moment that he took, he lost everything. I wish someone would have told David and told Adam and Eve. I wish someone would have let them know that there are things that belong to God. [00:06:38]
Lucifer was the anointed cherub in Scripture. Lucifer was second in command. Lucifer was the highest-ranking angel. He already was given victory, but based on Ezekiel 28, Isaiah 14, he wanted to take God's position, and that was a banned position. It belongs to God. Be satisfied, content with the victory that God has already given you. [00:08:11]
Jeremiah 29:11 says, "I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "There are good plans, plans to prosper you, to give you a future and a hope, not bad plans." But I hope you understand that He knows the plans that He has for you, so the worst thing that we can do is go take up our own plans. [00:10:22]
The sons of Israel operated unfaithfully even though they had victory. The sons of Israel operated unfaithfully. Aiken in that moment chose his feelings over his faith. Aiken in that moment chose covetousness over God's word. Aiken in that moment chose himself over God, and he didn't show faith. [00:19:20]
If Aiken would have just waited on the Lord, Joshua 8 verse 2. We're in Joshua 7, but Joshua chapter 8 verse 2 says, "Hey Joshua, I need you to go fight Ai a second time," because in Joshua 7, he's fighting him the first time, and Joshua 8, they're going to go fight him a second time. [00:20:14]
Notice it says that the anger of the Lord burned against the sons of Israel. If I was Joshua, I would have said, "Wait a minute. Why are you mad at me? What did we do? That was Aiken. I need you to go talk to Aiken and do something about Aiken because that didn't have nothing to do with all of us." [00:21:24]
This is the great team sport, that when some of us are off track, the whole body is affected. That's why in First Corinthians 12, you see the body of Christ all fitted together, and every member is important to the functionality of that body. Y'all, we need everybody to put it down and have faith in God. [00:21:56]
We need everybody to submit to the process. We need everybody in order to win. We need everybody to be a part and to buy in. We need everybody to play their part. We don't need you to covet somebody else's job. I need you to do your job, do it full speed, and I need you to do it at the best of your ability. [00:23:16]
People complaining because they wish they had something other than what they've been given. We need people to receive what they've been given and go full speed with contentment and thanksgiving and gratitude and faithfulness to what you have been given because if we can all do that together, we can all be champions together. [00:24:00]
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