What other scriptures emphasize the importance of stewardship in a Christian's life? Stewards of the Mysteries of God “So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” (1 Corinthians 4:1) God Owns Everything—We Manage What Is His • Genesis 1:26–28 — Humanity is commissioned to “rule” and “subdue” the earth, establishing the first stewardship mandate. • Psalm 24:1 — “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof,” grounding all stewardship in His ownership. • Deuteronomy 8:17-18 — Any ability to produce wealth comes from God, reminding us that the resources we hold never cease to be His. Faithfulness with Little and Much • Luke 16:10-12 — Jesus ties faithfulness in “very little” to trustworthiness with “much.” • Matthew 25:14-30 — The Parable of the Talents shows reward for diligent use and judgment for neglect. • Luke 12:42-48 — Greater revelation brings greater accountability; “from everyone who has been entrusted with much, much will be demanded.” Stewardship of Spiritual Gifts • 1 Peter 4:10 — “As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.” • 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 — Varied gifts, one Source; each is given “for the common good.” • Romans 12:6-8 — Exercise gifts—prophecy, service, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, mercy—with diligence and joy. Stewardship of Finances and Possessions • Proverbs 3:9-10 — Honor the Lord with wealth; God promises tangible blessing. • Malachi 3:10 — The tithe tests hearts and opens “the windows of heaven.” • 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 — Cheerful, generous giving results in abounding grace. • 1 Timothy 6:17-19 — Wealth is to be enjoyed yet held loosely, fueling generosity and “storing up treasure for the coming age.” • Acts 4:32-35 — Early believers shared possessions so “there was no needy person among them.” Stewardship of Time and Opportunities • Ephesians 5:15-16 — “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” • Colossians 3:23-24 — Work wholeheartedly “for the Lord and not for men”; He rewards faithful diligence. • Galatians 6:9-10 — Persevere in doing good and seize chances to bless “especially to the household of faith.” Stewardship of the Body and Personal Conduct • 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 — Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit; we are “bought at a price.” • Romans 12:1 — Present bodies as “a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God,” which is logical worship. • James 1:27 — Caring for orphans and widows and remaining unspotted from the world displays true religion. Stewardship of the Gospel Message • 1 Thessalonians 2:4 — “We speak as those approved by God, entrusted with the gospel, not trying to please men but God.” • 2 Timothy 2:2 — Commit truth to faithful people who will teach others, multiplying the stewardship. • Matthew 28:18-20 — The Great Commission entrusts every believer with disciple-making responsibility. Coming Accountability • Romans 14:12 — “Each of us will give an account of himself to God.” • 2 Corinthians 5:10 — We must all appear before Christ’s judgment seat to receive what is due “for what he has done in the body.” • Hebrews 4:13 — No creature is hidden; all is “naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” Living It Out Daily • Recognize God’s ownership. • Receive every gift—material, spiritual, physical—as a trust. • Redirect resources toward Kingdom purposes. • Remain alert to opportunities, knowing the Master will return and settle accounts. |
    |