Following Jesus: Service: Stewardship

Scripture References: Matthew 25:14-30, Psalm 50:10, Haggai 2:8, 1 Peter 4:10, Luke 16:11, Psalm 90:12, 1 Corinthians 9, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, Genesis 14, Genesis 28, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 9, Galatians 6:6, 1 John 3:17, Ephesians 4:28, Galatians 2:10, Malachi 3:8-10, 1 Timothy 6:10, 1 Timothy 4:7

Intro:

• Series reminder: Following Jesus into love, worship, service, etc.
• Today's focus: Stewardship as service (Matthew 25 parable of the talents).
• Stewardship defined: Managing what God gives, not ownership.
• Test of stewardship: Faithfulness, not ability or increase.
• God's "well done": The ultimate goal of faithful service.

Key Points:

• Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30):
  • Servants entrusted with talents (money).
  • Varying amounts given according to ability.
  • Faithful servants rewarded; unfaithful servant condemned.
  • Unfaithful servant's excuse: Harsh view of the master.
• Jesus: The Perfect Steward:
  • Came from riches to poverty, serving with humility.
  • Understood His life as God's entrustment.
  • Received the ultimate "well done."
• God's Ownership, Our Management:
  • God owns 100% of what we have; we are managers.
  • Steward: Manager of another's assets.
  • God's entrustment: Time, talent, treasure.
• Treasure (Money):
  • Money is amoral, like a tool.
  • Tithing (10%): Principle before the law (Abraham, Jacob).
  • Firstfruits: Giving to God before personal use.
  • Old Testament tithes: Levites, feasts, the poor (23% total).
  • New Testament giving: Regular, sacrificial, cheerful (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).
• Giving to What Matters to God:
  • His gospel (1 Corinthians 9, Galatians 6:6).
  • His people (1 John 3:17).
  • His poor (Ephesians 4:28, Galatians 2:10).
• Addressing Excuses:
  • Malachi 3:8-10: God's challenge about robbing Him.
  • Budgeting: Reflects priorities; plan for giving.
• Talent (Gifts):
  • 1 Peter 4:10: Use gifts to serve others.
  • Practical and spiritual gifts; don't overlook the obvious.
  • Faithfulness over skill; avoid comparison.
  • 1 Corinthians 12: Variety of gifts in the body.
• Time:
  • Psalm 90:12: Numbering our days, seeking wisdom.
  • Time as a valuable asset; manage it wisely.
  • Avoid squandering time; have a plan.
  • Singleness: Opportunity for undivided devotion.
• Contentment and Open Hands:
  • Contentment: Open to God's giving and taking.
  • 1 Timothy 6:6: Godliness with contentment is great gain.
  • Worship over prudence: God may call to unexpected actions.
  • Freedom from the world's worries (Matthew 6:26).

Conclusion:

• Stewardship inventory: Reflection questions on time, talent, treasure.
• Goal: Recognizing God's entrustment and managing it for His glory.
• Stewardship leads to entering into God's joy.

Call to Action:

• Complete the stewardship inventory.
• Identify your time, talent, and treasure.
• Seek God's guidance on how to manage them.
• Give regularly, sacrificially, and cheerfully.
• Be content with God's provision.
• Worship God with your stewardship.

with Mike Young

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