Orchard Community Church
Life Management - The Three T’s of Stewardship
Biblical stewardship begins with understanding that all that we have is a gift from God and that our call is to be good stewards or managers of these things. Traditionally stewardship has been broken down into three general areas of life, often spoken of at the three “T’s” time, talent and treasure. This series will address our call to be good managers/stewards of our lives in these three areas.
“Treasure Management” - Our relationship with our “treasures” or resources in this life can easily become spiritually unhealthy. We need to understand that the “treasures” we have in this life are gifts from God that we are called to use in ways that honor Him and generosity is a key part of this.
Money and possessions often have a powerful grip on us that can make us do strange things.
This morning we’ll finish by focusing on that final T, our treasure. Our money and possessions, which can be a real challenge for us to manage well because of the powerful grip it often has on us.
Matthew 6:19-24 NIV
Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV
Jesus opens in v. 19 seeking to put wealth into perspective. And the first thing he does is call out the sense of security we often derive from it saying, “do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth.”
Jesus is saying that putting our trust in and investing our hearts in earthly treasures is a mistake because they can disappear at any moment.
Money and possessions are certainly important, and we need to deal with them wisely, but there’s a limit to the security they offer. There’s no guarantee they won’t be lost, stolen or destroyed and beyond that, they don’t ensure happiness or a good life, they offer no help in understanding how we should live, or the kind of people we should be, the meaning of life, or what happens when we die!
In contrast, in v. 20 Jesus says, “store up for yourselves treasure in heaven,” and then explains that the things of God can’t be lost, destroyed on stolen, they’re ours forever.
Then with v. 21 Jesus makes an incredibly important statement. He says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Jesus wants us to see that our hearts become attached to the things we value most.
And we should understand that God wants to be first in our lives, He wants to be the place we invest our hearts the most.
Now, with v. 22 it might seem like Jesus is changing the subject by bringing up eyes and lamps, but he’s actually talking about discernment.
So, a part of Jesus’ call for us to invest our hearts in God and be good managers of what we have is letting go of a self-centered perspective on life.
So how do we store up treasure in heaven? It’s about living for God as much as we can, loving, serving, and seeking to know Him more. And when it comes to our treasure, seeking to be good managers of it, and a key part of that is giving.
Firstfruits also became a way of referring to how we should give to God and that’s how it’s used here. And there are two key things to know about what this phrase came to mean about giving. The first grows from its name, it’s a call to give to God first.
The second thing Firstfuits came to mean was giving God your best. Sadly, it’s the opposite of how we often think of it.
But there’s a second part to this scripture, it also says that if you faithfully give God your firstfruits, “your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” This was a poetic way of saying that if you’re generous with what you have and honor God with your giving, God will be generous with you and provide you.
So, how much should a person give?
Jesus focused on giving an act of faith and in a way that’s sacrificial, because when you do that your gifts truly become treasures in heaven.
So, how are you doing with your Smarties? How are you managing the treasure God has given to you?
Today's Music
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190
Worship Options
We are excited to be able to worship under the Tent together. If you are not wanting to be under the Tent, feel free to sit in the front row of parking spots of the Orchard Parking Lot your car and tune your radio to 100.1 FM to listen to the service.
1. Masks must be worn while on the Orchard Campus (both inside and out)
2. Please maintain the Social Distance
3. Sunday Morning Children's program. Children are always welcome in the service and we do not mind the noises that come with children. Children are a healthy sign of a healthy congregation.
Orchard Kids Sunday School (For preschool through 5th grade)
We encourage families to bring your own blanket and beach chairs and distance on the lawn as much as you like. Children will worship with their families and be dismissed following the kids’ message, escorted by our Orchard Kids’ Leaders to our beautiful outdoor classroom space in the children’s play yard. We will have our Bible story, activities, crafts, and games in a specially designed format following current health and safety guidelines. Parents, please come to the children’s area immediately following the worship service and find all of your children in one place. Each family will receive a “My Church Bag” to be brought each week with basic supplies already included plus items from home: water bottle and mask for each child and a blanket for all siblings. Our team is so excited to see your family! See you Sunday!
Nursery care for children birth to 3 years old is available by RSVP only to Melinda Hoyt at melinda@orchardventura.org.
Interested in being a Volunteer? Middle school through adult, please contact Melinda Hoyt at melinda@orchardventura.org.
While we understand that some may not feel comfortable coming back in person or having to wear masks while on the Orchard campus, we encourage you to stay home and join us online with our Live Stream.
Office Hours
Monday – Thursdays from 10 am to noon.
Masks and social distancing are required.
If you are unable to make it in during our office hours, please send an email to info@orchardventura.org and or leave a message at (805) 647-3757.