How can we apply the lesson of stewardship in our daily lives? The King’s Expectation: Luke 19:21 in Context “ ‘For I was afraid of you, because you are a harsh man. You withdraw what you did not deposit and reap what you did not sow.’ ” Why This Matters • The servant’s excuse exposes a heart that doubts the master’s goodness and refuses responsibility. • Jesus’ parable teaches that every resource—material, spiritual, relational—comes from God and is meant to be managed, not hoarded. • Faithfulness brings reward; neglect brings loss (Luke 19:26). Foundational Truths about Stewardship • God owns everything: “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). • We manage what He entrusts: “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). • Stewardship covers all of life: “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). Five Everyday Arenas for Faithful Stewardship 1. TIME 2. TALENTS & GIFTS 3. TREASURE & POSSESSIONS 4. TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL 5. THE CREATED WORLD Practical Ways to Apply Stewardship Daily • TIME – Begin each day by committing your schedule to God (Psalm 90:12). – Prioritize worship, family, work, and rest in that order. – Eliminate distractions that steal minutes—phone, idle talk, aimless scrolling. • TALENTS & GIFTS – Identify abilities God has given (Romans 12:6). – Serve in church and community: teach, build, encourage, create. – Seek growth: reading, mentoring, practice—refusing to bury the “mina.” • TREASURE & POSSESSIONS – Give firstfruits, not leftovers (Proverbs 3:9). – Budget wisely; avoid debt that enslaves (Proverbs 22:7). – Hold things loosely, ready to bless others (Acts 20:35). • TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL – Share Christ naturally in conversations (1 Peter 3:15). – Disciple newer believers; pass on what you know (2 Timothy 2:2). – Support missions, publishing, training that spread the Word. • THE CREATED WORLD – Care for your home, neighborhood, and planet (Genesis 1:28). – Reduce waste, cultivate gardens, respect animals—signs of godly dominion. Guarding the Heart: Motives that Fuel Faithfulness • Gratitude: remembering every good gift is from above (James 1:17). • Love: serving Christ, not human applause (Matthew 6:1). • Eternal focus: “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Encouragement for the Journey • Small acts matter—Jesus commended faithfulness “in very little” (Luke 19:17). • Stewardship is worship; it proclaims trust in God’s character and hope in His return. |
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