GOOD STEWARDSHIP

A steward is a manager or overseer of another person's property or wealth. We must establish in our hearts that God owns everything - Psalm 24:1, 50:10, Haggai 2:6-9.

  1. What happens when we realize God owns everything?
    1. We will be grateful to Him.
    2. We will acknowledge Him
    3. We will honor Him.
  2. Parable of the talents - Matthew 25:14-30.
    1. In this parable the master (who represents God) left different amounts of talents (finances) with three servants. They were rewarded depending on what they did with the talents.
    2. Each servant had to give an account of his stewardship.
      1. Talent of the one who was not faithful with what he was given was taken from him and given to the two who were faithful.
      2. This was a transfer of wealth from a wicked servant to a faithful servant.
    3. Jesus focused on wealth and money in relationship to the kingdom of God because He owns it all.
      1. What we do with the money we receive reveals our heart.
      2. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" - Matthew 6:21.
  3. Four heart issues we must settle.
    1. Ownership - Who owns your life, possessions, future, etc.?
    2. Control - Who controls the decisions in your life concerning your possessions, job, future, etc.? The core issue of ownership and control is the surrender of your life to God.
    3. Priorities - If God owns you and controls you, then He sets your priorities. God focuses on the eternal, not the temporal.
    4. Commitment - What will you be commit to? A commitment is a sacrificial expression of your life and faith.
      1. Decision that is based on faith that results in action.
      2. Sacrifices that you make for the kingdom of God become seeds that will multiple back into your life with blessings beyond imagination.

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  • What does "stewardship" mean to you?
  • When did you recognize God's ownership in your life?
  • Have you allowed God to set your priorities?

BE A DOER OF THE WORD

This week make a conscience effort to recognize God's ownership in your life. Have a thankful heart for all that God has given you and entrusted to your stewardship.

SCRIPTURE MEMORY VERSE

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

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