STEWARDSHIP

God looks for men and women who are faithful stewards of finances, time, and spiritual gifts in their personal lives and leadership, with the result that people are reached with the Gospel.

Teaching Objectives

This teaching will help us to understand the biblical facts and realities of stewardship of money and resources.
It will also help us understand time as a resource entrusted to us by God and how to manage time according to God’s priorities.

Facts About Stewardship
1. God Owns Everything. This first fact contrasts with the human idea that we are the owners of the things we “possess.”
2. God created everything – Psalm 24:1
3. God is in control – Romans 11:36
4. God has the power – Psalm 89:8-13
5. People Manage God’s Resources. If God is the owner, 6. we are only the administrators or stewards of God’s creation. This includes our money, material properties, family, our time, and even our own body.
7. God’s command to “rule” over the earth – Genesis 1:26-28
8. We are Accountable to God. Scripture shows clearly that we are to give an account to God for what God entrusted to us.
Luke 19:12-26 (Parable of the Talents)

Effective Stewardship is a Learned Skill. 

We do not automatically know how to manage God’s resources. Scriptures and more mature Christians can teach us essential principles, so we will be faithful stewards of what God entrusted to us.
Paul’s instructions to Timothy – 1 Timothy 6:17-19


Financial Stewardship

Three Principles

1. The Principle of Faithful Tithing
Scripture commands God’s people to tithe. It is evident that God planned for us to share at least 10% of our income for God’s work.
Leviticus 27:30 – Notice that Scripture affirms that the tithe is holy and belongs to the Lord
Malachi 3:8-12 – Sometimes, the negative side of this text (robbing) is emphasized, but look closely at the benefits of tithing to God.
Blessings Overflow
Guard against Failure
A Reputation of Success

2. The Principle of Sound Management
Luke 14:28 – Scripture teaches us to manage our resources with wisdom.
Planning a budget according to priorities.

3. The Principle of Generous Giving
2 Samuel 24:24 – God does not require equal amounts of giving, but God does require equal sacrifice
Luke 6:38 – Give, and it shall be given to you

Stewardship of Time

God gives each leader various gifts for ministry. God also provides financial resources and opportunities to serve. All of God’s provisions are connected to the reality that God is the source of all we have, and we will be held accountable for each aspect of our lives. Of everything that God has given to us, time is probably the most perishable and wasted. It is completely spent every day; once it is spent, it cannot be recovered. Therefore, committing himself to be a good steward of our time is necessary for every leader.

What is Time?

It is the passing of life.
It is your most valuable resource.
It is unique because, unlike other resources, it cannot be saved or stored.
It is the same for everyone.
It does not discriminate. We all have 24 hours each day.

What Robs Our Time?

A North American survey of 30 Christian leaders asked them to identify their “time robbers.” Most frequently mentioned were:

1. Procrastination: “The greatest time wasted is the time getting started.” [Dawson Trotman]
Poor personal Planning and Scheduling.
Interruptions by people without appointments: visibility means available. Do you have any hiding place to study, read, or pray?

2. Poor Delegation: Can someone else do this instead of me?
3. Poor use of the Telephone: Could this call wait until later, and what do I want to accomplish by doing it?
4. Lack of concern for good Time Management: Do people expect you to be late? Or not prepared?
5. Lack of clear Priorities: What is the number one goal I want to achieve today?

JESUS IS THE PERFECT MODEL.
The Gospels show many instances when Jesus demonstrated effective stewardship of his time.

He knew His time was limited. Three years to equip the next generation to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth.
.  As long as it is the day, we must do the work of Him who sent me. The night is coming when no one can work. (John 9:4)

.  He never lost sight of His PURPOSE.
[Father] I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work You gave Me to do.
(John 17:4)

.  He kept His goal SIMPLE.
The Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost. 
Luke 19:10

.  He understood there is a RIGHT TIME when the important things must be done.
Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then harvest?’ I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. (John 4:35)