Beacon Hill Church

In the Bible, a steward is a person entrusted with managing the possessions, resources, or responsibilities of another, with the ultimate understanding that God is the true owner of everything.


Point #1 – A wise steward responsibly manages resources


WHAT ARE THE RESOURCES GOD HAS GIVEN YOU?


1. Money: A wise steward doesn’t spend more than they have.·

A wise steward puts material resources to work to bring an increase in God’s kingdom.

2. Time: “Time” is often more valuable than money.

· We must manage our time in order to prioritize the time we spend with God in devotion, the time we give to God’s mission and the time we give to others.


3. Talents and abilities:

· If we hoard our skills, talents or abilities by limiting their use for our personal pleasure or personal gain, then we limit God’s ability to multiply and expand those gifts He has given us.

· If, however, we place them in His hands by investing them in His kingdom and in His people, then he can increase our depth of understanding, our height of excellence and our breadth of ability.


4. Relationships:

People are the most valued resource God puts in our life.

· We must steward the relationships we have in a manner to give glory to God and bring value and blessings to others.

1 Corinthians 11:1
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (NIV)

· Cultivating and caring for the relationships that God places in our lives increases and expands our influence.


Point #2 – Poor stewardship makes you a thief

Debt: Piling up debt today that you presume you’ll be able to pay with money you expect to earn in the future constitutes stealing.

It’s stealing from your future and from your family’s future.
· You’re reaching into the future and robbing yourself of choices, of freedom and of peace.
· You are stealing from God – when you don’t pay your tithe
· More importantly, you are stealing from the impact God planned for you to have for His Kingdom.


Wasted time and neglected talent: When time and your talents they are wasted or left dormant, or selfishly hoarded, then you have stolen from the impact God has planned for you and your family.


TIME IS A PRECIOUS COMMODITY GIVEN TO US BY THE LORD

The Apostle Paul does not define WISDOM in intellectual terms, but in ethical terms - HOW WE LIVE OUR LIVES:

When Paul says in Ephesians 5:15, “be careful how you live”, he is talking in terms of morality and ethics. A wise person lives according to God’s moral law and his standards of living.


The phrase translated in verse 16, Make the most of every opportunity, literally means “buying back” or “redeeming” the time – or using the time or opportunity to its fullest.

· It's not just about filling your days with work for God (chronos, or measured time).

· It's about seizing the right moments – the special, God-given opportunities that come your way (the kairos, or opportune time).

· Paul reminds us that the days are evil, meaning he knows how easy it is to waste time and miss opportunities. Christians should stay alert, make good use of their time, and take every opportunity to help lead people “away from the darkness” to the “light of Christ”.


HOW DOES ONE BECOME A GOOD STEWARD OF THE RESOURCES GOD HAS GIVEN US?

Change your mindset: Understand that everything you possess tangible or intangible belongs to the Lord. And you are the steward of the resources He has given you in your short time on this earth.


Point #3 – Apply the principles of stewardship

Take time to review your use of money, time and talents:
(1) Make a budget for your money;
2) Lay out a schedule for your time;
(3) Itemize your talents and abilities


Then look to see what kind of a steward you have been over the resources God has given you.

ASK THE LORD TO USE YOU AND YOUR RESOURCES