Stewardship: Trusting God Through Vision and Education
Summary
In our journey of stewardship, we are called to prepare for a time when our commitment to God will be tested, as Ellen G. White describes in her writings. This preparation is not merely about financial contributions but about cultivating a vision that places God at the forefront of our lives. Vision is crucial, not only in stewardship but in every aspect of life. Just as Michelangelo saw the horse within the stone, we must see the potential within our stewardship efforts and work towards that vision. Our ultimate goal is to lead people to put God first, which requires dying to self and living by faith, as Paul describes in Galatians 2:20.
Our mission is to invite members to trust God as the owner and provider, partnering with Him through regular and systematic giving. This partnership is not about the church receiving money but about individuals exercising trust in God. Tithing and giving are expressions of this trust, and our focus is on encouraging this practice as a spiritual discipline. We aim to increase the participation of church members in tithing and regular giving by 2% annually, emphasizing the importance of people over money.
Education plays a vital role in this mission. We must reach all segments of the church, from children to the elderly, teaching them the principles of stewardship and the importance of managing personal finances. This education is grounded in the Bible and Ellen G. White's writings, particularly her book "Councils on Stewardship." Additionally, accountability and transparency are essential in building trust within the church community. By working together with church leadership, we can establish systems that ensure financial integrity and encourage generous giving.
As we move forward, we must focus on spiritual empowerment, education, and accountability. By nurturing members spiritually and emphasizing the God-first principle, we can inspire a new generation of faithful stewards. Our efforts are supported by resources such as the Dynamic Steward magazine and various educational materials, which help us stay aligned with our mission and vision.
Key Takeaways:
1. Vision and Faith: Vision is essential in stewardship, as it allows us to see beyond the present and work towards a future where God is prioritized. Just as Michelangelo saw the horse within the stone, we must see the potential in our stewardship efforts and work towards that vision. This requires faith and a commitment to putting God first in all aspects of life. [03:52]
2. Dying to Self: True stewardship involves dying to self and living by faith, as Paul describes in Galatians 2:20. This means surrendering our desires and priorities to God, allowing Christ to live in us. When we die to self, we can fully commit our time, resources, and lives to God's service. [07:35]
3. Trust and Partnership: Our mission is to invite members to trust God as the owner and provider, partnering with Him through regular and systematic giving. This partnership is not about the church receiving money but about individuals exercising trust in God. Tithing and giving are expressions of this trust, and our focus is on encouraging this practice as a spiritual discipline. [10:41]
4. Education and Inclusivity: Education is crucial in promoting stewardship. We must reach all segments of the church, from children to the elderly, teaching them the principles of stewardship and the importance of managing personal finances. This education is grounded in the Bible and Ellen G. White's writings, particularly her book "Councils on Stewardship." [32:37]
5. Accountability and Transparency: Building trust within the church community requires accountability and transparency. By working together with church leadership, we can establish systems that ensure financial integrity and encourage generous giving. This trust is essential for fostering a culture of stewardship and generosity. [45:11]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:41] - The Importance of Vision
- [02:43] - Vision for Our Children
- [03:52] - Michelangelo's Vision
- [04:44] - Vision for Stewardship
- [05:40] - Putting God First
- [06:30] - Selfishness vs. God-First Living
- [07:35] - Dying to Self
- [08:42] - Mission and Trust
- [09:43] - Tithing as Trust
- [10:41] - Partnership with God
- [12:29] - Stewardship Focus
- [13:28] - Emphasis on Giving
- [15:11] - People Over Money
- [17:04] - Treasure and Heart Connection
- [18:08] - Increasing Participation
- [19:34] - Growth Limitations
- [21:36] - Regular Giving Practices
- [23:06] - Low-Hanging Fruits
- [25:07] - Measuring Participation
- [29:32] - Spiritual Empowerment
- [32:37] - Education and Training
- [39:39] - Prospective Members
- [41:12] - Offering Distribution
- [45:11] - Accountability and Transparency
- [51:42] - Support and Resources
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
2. Matthew 6:21 - "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
3. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Galatians 2:20 suggest about the relationship between faith and self-denial? How does this relate to the concept of stewardship discussed in the sermon? [07:35]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of having a vision in stewardship, and how does Michelangelo's approach to sculpting illustrate this? [03:52]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of trust in the practice of tithing and giving? What is the ultimate goal of this practice according to the sermon? [10:41]
4. What are the key components of the mission described in the sermon, and how do they relate to the idea of partnership with God? [08:42]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "dying to self" in Galatians 2:20 challenge traditional views of personal success and fulfillment? [07:35]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that vision and faith are interconnected in the practice of stewardship? How might this affect one's approach to financial giving? [04:44]
3. How does the sermon interpret Matthew 6:21 in the context of stewardship, and what implications does this have for how individuals prioritize their resources? [17:04]
4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of education in stewardship, and how does this relate to the broader mission of the church? [32:37]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on Galatians 2:20. What are some practical steps you can take to "die to self" in your daily life, particularly in the context of financial stewardship? [07:35]
2. Consider the vision you have for your own life and resources. How can you align this vision with the principle of putting God first, as discussed in the sermon? [04:44]
3. How can you cultivate a habit of regular and systematic giving as an expression of trust in God? What challenges might you face, and how can you overcome them? [10:41]
4. In what ways can you contribute to the educational efforts of your church regarding stewardship? How can you help others understand the importance of managing personal finances in a God-centered way? [32:37]
5. Think about the role of accountability and transparency in your own financial practices. How can you ensure that these principles are reflected in your stewardship? [45:11]
6. How can you encourage others in your church community to participate in tithing and regular giving? What strategies might be effective in increasing participation by 2% annually, as suggested in the sermon? [15:11]
7. Reflect on the connection between where your treasure is and where your heart is. How can you ensure that your financial priorities reflect your spiritual values? [17:04]
Devotional
Day 1: Vision Beyond the Present
In the journey of stewardship, vision is a powerful tool that allows individuals to see beyond their current circumstances and work towards a future where God is prioritized. This vision is not limited to financial stewardship but extends to every aspect of life, encouraging believers to see the potential in their efforts and align them with God's purpose. Just as Michelangelo saw the horse within the stone, believers are called to see the potential within their stewardship efforts and work diligently towards that vision. This requires faith and a commitment to putting God first in all aspects of life, trusting that He will guide and provide as they pursue His vision. [03:52]
"For the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay." (Habakkuk 2:3, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to trust God’s vision more than your current circumstances? How can you begin to align your actions with this vision today?
Day 2: Surrendering Self for True Stewardship
True stewardship involves a profound transformation of the heart, where individuals are called to die to self and live by faith, as described in Galatians 2:20. This means surrendering personal desires and priorities to God, allowing Christ to live within and guide every decision. By dying to self, believers can fully commit their time, resources, and lives to God's service, experiencing the freedom and fulfillment that comes from living a life centered on Him. This surrender is not a one-time event but a daily choice to prioritize God's will over personal ambitions. [07:35]
"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 3: Trusting God as Provider
The mission of stewardship is to invite individuals to trust God as the ultimate owner and provider, partnering with Him through regular and systematic giving. This partnership is not about the church receiving money but about individuals exercising trust in God, recognizing that everything they have is a gift from Him. Tithing and giving are expressions of this trust, serving as spiritual disciplines that deepen one's relationship with God. By focusing on trust and partnership, believers can experience the joy and peace that come from relying on God's provision rather than their own understanding. [10:41]
"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." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you struggled to trust God as your provider. How can you take a step of faith today to trust Him more fully in that area?
Day 4: Educating for Inclusive Stewardship
Education plays a crucial role in promoting stewardship, reaching all segments of the church community, from children to the elderly. By teaching the principles of stewardship and the importance of managing personal finances, individuals can be equipped to make informed decisions that honor God. This education is grounded in the Bible and Ellen G. White's writings, particularly her book "Councils on Stewardship," providing a solid foundation for understanding and practicing stewardship. By fostering an inclusive approach to education, the church can inspire a new generation of faithful stewards who are committed to living out God's principles in every area of their lives. [32:37]
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to the education and growth of stewardship principles within your church community? Is there someone you can mentor or learn from in this area?
Day 5: Building Trust Through Accountability
Accountability and transparency are essential in building trust within the church community, ensuring financial integrity and encouraging generous giving. By working together with church leadership, systems can be established that promote accountability and transparency, fostering a culture of stewardship and generosity. This trust is vital for creating an environment where individuals feel confident in their contributions and are inspired to give generously. By prioritizing accountability, the church can demonstrate its commitment to ethical stewardship and encourage members to participate actively in the mission of the church. [45:11]
"Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy." (1 Corinthians 4:2, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to fostering a culture of accountability and transparency in your church community? How can you model trustworthiness in your own stewardship practices?
Quotes
1) "Our vision is, in the GC, is people putting God first. This is our vision. Our vision. Our vision is people putting God first. And let me ask you something. Why this vision is important? Another question I would like to ask you, for you to think is, what is the opposite of putting God first? You may answer. You may answer." [04:44] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "If I am not dying to self, if I am unable, if I have not died to self, I will not give anything to God. I will not give my family to God. I will not give my time to God. I will not wake up earlier to have my personal communion with God. I will not keep the Sabbath accordingly. I will not follow the health reform. And I will not even give my tithe and my offerings. Because I am unable to put God first." [07:35] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Our mission is inviting members to trust God as owner and provider. And to partner in his final mission through regular and systematic giving. Mission is what we as a department will do to reach the vision. The final result. The vision is the final result. So, what we will do as a department. As a department, our work, our task is to invite members to trust God as owner and provider." [08:42] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "We are partnering with God. We say to God, God, I believe You are sustaining me. You are the provider. You are helping me to live. And so, from everything You give me. I will return my tithe in regular and systematic offering. This is a kind of partnership. And is a kind of partnership in which I have the biggest advantage. God is not benefited because He already owns everything. But He is the provider of all. He gives to me." [11:37] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "We do not consider money as important as people. Right? So, for us people are far more important than money. And that's why we have decided in the GC stewardship department. That our goal must be based on people and not on money. That's why that suggested goal is to have each year an additional 2% of membership. An increase of the membership at the start of the year. Participating in tithing and regular giving." [15:11] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "Why to measure. If we have more people participating. In tithing and giving promise. Well because. Wherever their treasure is. Their heart will also be. And we would like to invite people. To trust God. To put God first. And the final outcome. Is to have all our membership. Trusting God. And putting God first. And this is a way to. Encourage them." [17:04] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "When you go to a durian tree. Which are the fruits. You get first. You get first. The low hanging fruits. That are closer to you. Because they are easier. For you to get. And in our work. We should do the same thing. We start for the easiest part. And let me suggest you. That the easiest part. To work in your field. Is to. Invite those who are. Tithing. And giving promise. Once in a while. And inviting them to become. Regulars." [24:08] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "When we put God first. We die to self. Self is no longer first. And. It's only possible. Death to self is only possible. If someone is filled by the Holy Spirit. And becomes a new creation. When Christ. Is in me. I no longer live. Right. I am dead to myself. Because Christ lives in me. He will decide. With whom I will marry. He will decide. What I will do." [31:38] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9) "Remember that. By giving tithes. And promise. We are not. Our goal. Is not to get more money. To the church. Our goal is to encourage. People to trust God. Trust more God. Trust God more. To exercise trust in God. So we should start. Working with children." [34:08] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10) "We will prepare and share. The weekly offertory devotionals. The readings. And the videos. I hope all of you. Are already able to. Translate in your local churches. We are producing. One video. For each. Sabbath of the year. To be presented in local churches. Before the offering collection. You will have. The videos in English. But you are. We already have in several languages. But they may be translated. At no cost." [51:42] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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