LESSONS IN CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP PT.10

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

WHAT GOD ENTRUSTED TO US- MONEY& POSSESSION.

In light of Christian stewardship, we can't exclude the stewardship of money& possessions from the life of a steward. In Deuteronomy 8:18, the bible says, "But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God; for it is He that giveth thee power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore unto thy fathers, as it is this day."

In the text above, the "power" to get wealth refers to ability or ideas to make wealth. God is the one who gives the ability & ideas to get wealth. A steward knows this truth and will never assume the status of "it is my money." Stewards own nothing their master own everything.

If Christians understand the stewardship of money, they won't live for it. In 2 Corinthians 5:15, Paul said, "He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.

You can't live for Christ and live for money at the same time. The one who owns your life knows what you need for life and He will generously supply.

Stewards handle finances as a trust. They use money to further the cause of the kingdom and they give generously. Stewards know it is their responsibility to support their local church, missions&missionaries, and other kingdom advancement projects. That you don't support the kingdom with your finances shows you lack understanding about your role as a steward.

A wise man said, "Giving is the proof that you've conquered greed." Stewards are givers. They give to God because they know He is the true owner of their possession. Greedy people want to get all they can and can all they get and sit on the can.

When we understand the stewardship of money, we won't argue about giving or whatever percentage to give. Percentage is not the issue, lack of understanding about stewardship of money and the usefulness of finances in the kingdom is the issue.

True stewards will always give to their master's work as they receive His blessings. This they'll do bountifully, generously and cheerfully.

We run the risk of ending like that rich fool If we rely on worldly wealth and not rich towards God and His Kingdom.

Ponder on this Pauline admonition: "Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life (1 Timothy 6:17-19 NLT).