How does fear of God influence our stewardship of His gifts today? Fear Misunderstood in Luke 19:21 Luke 19:21: “For I was afraid of you, because you are a demanding man. You take what you did not lay down and reap what you did not sow.” • The servant’s confession shows a fear that freezes rather than frees. • His view of the master is distorted—he sees severity without generosity, judgment without grace. • Result: he buries the mina, forfeiting the privilege of increase. Holy Fear vs. Crippling Fear • Holy fear is reverent awe that drives obedience (Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 111:10). • Crippling fear sees God as harsh and unpredictable, producing passivity (contrast 1 John 4:18). • Holy fear treasures what God entrusts; crippling fear hides it away. Why Right Fear Fuels Faithful Stewardship • It reminds us every gift ultimately belongs to Him (Psalm 24:1). • It anchors us in accountability: “each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). • It recognizes reward: “Well done, good servant!” (Luke 19:17). • It guards against waste: talent, time, testimony, treasure—none are ours to squander. Stewarding Today’s Gifts Time • “Make the most of every opportunity” (Ephesians 5:16). • Schedule with eternity in view; say no to trivial pursuits. Abilities • “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10). • Develop skills; resist the bury-it mentality. Resources • “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). • Budget, give, invest for kingdom impact. The Gospel Message • Paul wrote, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16). • Share it boldly; hiding it is spiritual malpractice. Creation Care • “The earth is the LORD’s” (Psalm 24:1). • Wise dominion honors the Owner. Motivations Rooted in God’s Character • His goodness: James 1:17—every good gift comes from Him. • His justice: 2 Corinthians 5:10—we appear before Christ’s judgment seat. • His generosity: Romans 8:32—He who did not spare His own Son will graciously give us all things. Right fear sees both kindness and sternness (Romans 11:22) and responds with diligent, joyful service. Putting It Into Practice 1. Inventory His gifts—write them down. 2. Ask, “Where am I tempted to bury rather than invest?” 3. Make one concrete plan this week to deploy a gift for His glory. 4. Remember: the Master is coming soon (Revelation 22:12). Fear that paralyzes leads to buried minas; fear that reveres unleashes kingdom multiplication. |
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