What lessons from 1 Chronicles 7:28 can we apply to our community stewardship? Grounded in the Text “ Their holdings and settlements were Bethel and its towns; to the east Naaran; to the west Gezer and its villages; and Shechem and its villages, as far as Ayyah and its villages.” (1 Chronicles 7:28) God-Given Land, God-Given Mission – Every parcel named is land the Lord entrusted to Ephraim’s line. – Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” – What we call “ours” is really His, placed under our care for His purposes. Lesson 1 – Identify and Embrace Your Territory • Ask, “Where has God planted us—geographically, relationally, vocationally?” • Acts 17:26 tells us He sets our times and dwelling places on purpose. • Own the responsibility to love, serve, and protect that sphere. Lesson 2 – Maintain Clear Boundaries • 1 Chronicles 7:28 draws a map: east, west, north, south. Clear lines prevent conflict and neglect. • Proverbs 22:28: “Do not move an ancient boundary stone.” • Healthy boundaries in church ministries, finances, and personal lives honor God and neighbor. Lesson 3 – Develop Both Towns and Villages • Bethel (larger center) and “its towns”; Gezer, Shechem, Ayyah with “villages.” Big and small matters alike. • Stewardship includes major projects and overlooked details (Luke 16:10). • Invest in core ministries and peripheral needs—youth, seniors, outreach, facilities. Lesson 4 – Plan for Generations • The land list reflects inheritance, not short-term occupancy. • Proverbs 13:22: “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” • Budget, teach, and build so the next generation receives a thriving, debt-free, gospel-centered community. Lesson 5 – Practice Cooperative Stewardship • East Naaran and west Gezer show diversity yet unity under one tribal banner. • Philippians 2:4 urges us to look to the interests of others. • Partner with neighboring congregations, civic groups, and families for common good. Lesson 6 – Regularly Review the Map • The chronicler documents holdings to keep responsibilities clear. • 2 Corinthians 13:5 calls us to examination. • Schedule periodic reviews of property, budgets, ministries, and outreach to ensure everything still aligns with God’s assignment. Living It Out This Week – Walk your neighborhood, pray street by street, and note practical needs. – Update your church or family “map” of responsibilities—who covers what. – Choose one “village-level” task (small repair, personal visit, pantry shelf) and complete it with excellence. – Reach out to another local ministry for a cooperative project, demonstrating shared stewardship of the community God has entrusted to you. |
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