How does Omri's purchase of Samaria relate to stewardship in our lives today? Setting the Scene—1 Kings 16:24 “Omri bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver. He built a city on the hill and named the city he built Samaria, after Shemer, the owner of the hill.” What Omri Actually Did • Paid a significant sum—two talents of silver (about 150 pounds). • Made a deliberate real-estate decision: a fortified hill, ideal for defense and trade. • Established a new political and economic center that shaped Israel for centuries. Timeless Stewardship Principles We Can Draw 1. Ownership Ultimately Belongs to God • Psalm 24:1—“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” • Omri “bought” land, yet the hill was God’s long before money changed hands. • Application: every paycheck, home, car, or retirement account we “own” is on loan from the true Owner. 2. Wise Evaluation Before Investment • Omri chose a strategic hill—he counted the cost (Luke 14:28). • Application: budget prayerfully, research thoroughly, avoid impulse purchases. • Proverbs 21:5—“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.” 3. Building Something That Outlives Us • Samaria endured long after Omri died. • Application: think legacy—children, community, church missions. • 1 Corinthians 3:12-14—what we build will be tested; only lasting works receive reward. 4. Naming Rights vs. God’s Glory • Omri named the city “Samaria,” stamping his legacy on God’s land. • Contrast: Psalm 115:1—“Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory.” • Application: use resources so that Christ’s name, not ours, is remembered. 5. Stewardship Without Obedience Breeds Trouble • Omri was materially successful yet “did evil in the sight of the LORD” (1 Kings 16:25-26). • Samaria later became infamous for idolatry (Hosea 8:5-6). • Application: prosperity without holiness misleads future generations. Connecting the Dots to Our Daily Lives • Budgeting & Giving – Set aside firstfruits (Proverbs 3:9-10). – Faithfully support gospel work—Matthew 6:21 reminds us our heart follows our treasure. • Home Ownership & Real Estate – Pray over every purchase; seek counsel (Proverbs 15:22). – Ask: “How can this property serve God’s kingdom—hospitality, discipleship, generosity?” • Career & Business Decisions – Omri leveraged location; we leverage skills. – Colossians 3:23—work “with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” • Legacy Planning – Wills, estate gifts, life insurance: tools to extend gospel impact after we’re gone. – 2 Corinthians 9:6-8—sow bountifully, give cheerfully. Guardrails for Faithful Stewardship • Integrity first—Luke 16:10: faithful in little → faithful in much. • Contentment—1 Timothy 6:6-8: godliness with contentment is great gain. • Eternal perspective—Matthew 6:19-20: store up treasures in heaven. Summing It Up Omri’s purchase shows that resources, strategy, and legacy matter. Yet without surrender to the Lord, even a smart investment can become a monument to self. Our calling is to manage every “hill of Samaria” entrusted to us—money, time, influence—so that Christ is honored, people are blessed, and eternity is impacted. |
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