REVIEW of Lesson on Tithing
1. What should be the reason that we tithe? OBEDIENCE
2. What does God obligate Himself to do when we tithe? BLESS US.
3. If #1 & #2 are true, scriptural principles, Why aren’t you tithing?
STEWARDSHIP
I. Intro:
- Tithing is part of stewardship, but it is not the only thing involved with stewardship.
- Jesus talks a great deal about stewardship.
- Luke 12: 48b – follows parables of the rich fool, the expectant steward, & faithful steward.
- Definition: The management of another’s property, finances, or household affairs. (i.e. When someone is entrusted with something that is not his own.)
II. General Stewardship Principles for Christians:
- Stewardship involves the responsibility of managing God’s work through the Church.
- All Christians are God’s stewards.
- Stewardship is NOT an option.
- Being a steward is a necessary part of believing the gospel, even if it involves sacrificing personal rewards.
- Stewardship started at the creation. (Gen 1: 26-31 gives creation account – “dominion” is given by God to man over all of creation.)
- Paul says that each Christian will give an account. (Romans14:12)
III. In general, Christians will be held accountable for the way they manage God’s affairs as stewards in:
- Extending the Church’s ministry through the preaching of the Gospel.
- Supporting the Church financially. (Tithes and Offerings)
- Ministering to the sick, widows, orphans and the needy. (“Feed my sheep!)
IV. Key Scripture: Matthew 25: 14-30
1. A talent is the largest measure of money, normally gold. Approx value today = $135,000
2. The talents given to the stewards or servants:
a. Did not belong to the steward. Not their own, Not a gift!
b. Expected to invest it and make it grow.
c. The steward had to give an accounting to the owner/master.
V. Seven areas of Accountability
1. Accountability for our lives and how we have lived them: Eph 5: 13-17
a. For the Christian:
Judgment seat of Christ 2 Cor 5: 10, and 1 Cor 3: 11-15
b. For the unbeliever: The Great White Throne Judgment (Actually a sentencing)
(Rev 20: 11-15)
2. Accountability for our time. Eph 5: 15-16 Every person is given 24 hours a day!
3. Accountability for our words. Matt 12: 36-37
a. Death and Life are in the power of the tongue. (Prov 18: 21)
b. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for
necessary edification that it may impart Grace to the hearer.
(Eph 4: 29)
c. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your
sight, O Lord my strength and my redeemer. (Psalm 19: 14)
4. Accountability for one another.
a. We are our brother’s keeper! (Gen 4: 9)
b. We are to bear one another’s burdens (Gal 6: 2)
c. We all have a circle of influence. (Luke 12: 42 and Heb 10: 24)
5. Accountability for the Gospel. 1 Cor 4: 1-2
a. We are managers and proclaimers of the Gospel of redemption.
b. We are the salt and light to the world. (Matt 5: 13-16)
6. Accountability for our spiritual gifts.
a. Every believer has at
least one spiritual gift, and we are to minister it to one another
as good stewards of the Grace of God. (1 Peter 4: 10)
b. Gifts are given to the
believer for the equipping of the saints for the works of the
ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ. (Eph 4:12)
7. Accountability for material things.
a. 2 Principles:
1. God owns everything. (Haggai 2: 8)
2. God
grants us the ability to acquire wealth. (Deut 8: 17-18)
b. Money is NOT the root of all evil! The LOVE of money is the root of all evil.
c. God has granted us
levels of monetary and material wealth for a number of reasons:
1. To help us with our personal Needs.
2. To help us in our Responsibilities to others.
3. To facilitate our Willingness to share.
4. To give us a Blessings for our Faithfulness.
5. To show us His Grace.
6. To help in our daily Witness.
Stewardship includes all that we are, all that we do, and all that we have.
You are a Steward. The question is, will you be a good one?
