SIMPLE STEWARDSHIP

1 Corinthians 4:2  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

According to the Associated Press, in 1996, a man by the name of Joe from the state of Wisconsin was to receive a check from the Social Security Administration for $40,000. Now, Joe was not supposed to receive the check directly because mentally handicap he had, with the addition of a gambling problem. But they messed up and mailed it directly to him and he went on to blow it all in a casino in just a few weeks. The government will not be giving any more money directly to Joe. They are on record as to say, “Those who can’t manage money cannot expect to be given even more. “

The same principle applies to us today. God entrust what is valuable to those who prove their ability to manage it. God expects us to be faithful stewards of His blessings. How faithful are you in your stewardship. Let’s quickly look at three areas we are to be faithful stewards of.

GIFTS OF GOD

There are three gifts that I want to focus on for just a moment. The first one is our Talent. The Bible tells us in I Corinthians 4:1-2, “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.  (2)  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” God has given each believer abilities. We should strive to use them for God & not the world. Whether it is singing…teaching…being a friend…building…technology…or any other talent, use it for God’s glory.

The second on is our Time. We are told in Ephesians 5:16 that we are to be, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”  Time is the one commodity that everyone has the same amount of, and we can not get it back when it’s spent. No one will stand before God and say, “I gave you too much time.”

I recently read that the average 77 year old man spends 24 years sleeping; 14 years working; 8 years with amusement; 6 years at the dinner table; 5 years in transportation; 4 years in conversation; 3 years accumulating education; and 2 years reading. His other 4 years in miscellaneous pursuits. If he went to church every Sunday morning & prayed 5 minutes every day, that would only be 5 MONTHS over 77 years. Even if he attended every service available at the average church (Sunday School, 11am & 6pm Worship service, and a Mid-Weed prayer and Bible Study), that would still only equal 1 year 9 months. How much time have you really given to God?

The third one is our Treasure. God doesn’t need your finances, but He doesn’t need to bless you with them either. If the paying of your mortgage was a sporadic as the average Christian’s tithes and offerings, they would be evicted already! When we don’t want to give, it shows a heart problem.

GOSPEL OF GOD

1 Corinthians 4:1  Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

We are to be faithful stewards of the Gospel through Soul-winning. The phrase, “Ministers of Christ”  is a reference to the believer being Christ like. Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost, and we are His ministers today to continue that work. One great way for us to do so is through the giving out of Gospel tracts. This allows every believer is a preacher! Whether we realize it or not, every Christians IS a preacher, either for good or bad. God has entrusted you to spread the Gospel – is He pleased?

A second way we are to be faithful stewards of the Gospel is through the Scriptures.  The phrase “stewards of the mysteries of God,” refers to something that was hidden but now revealed; something that cannot be understood by natural man. The mystery here is the Gospel. We are expected to:

1. Preserve the Scriptures
2. Propagate the Scriptures

GOOD NAME

Proverbs 22:1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

Finally, we are expected to be a steward of the good name we have been given. Unfortunately, many people’s name brings up images of anger, gossip, and hard-heartedness.  Our family name will only become and remain a good name when we raise and teach our children the truths of God’s Word and the expectations of faith. The same holds true for the church. What kind of family name – church name – are we leaving for the next generation?

Are you a faithful steward of what God has given you?