Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

Christian Stewardship, Part 1 Selected Scriptures Things that cause financial worry: National Debt: $8 Trillion. $28,000 each Consumer Debt: ~$2 Trillion. $18,654 family 43% spent avg. $1.22 for each $1.00 earned Credit Card Debt: $800 Billion. $8,000 avg. each Retirement – 23% must continue to work Finances are a reason in 85% of divorces

Review – Matthew 6:19-34 19-21: Where is your treasure? 22-24: You cannot serve 2 masters 25: Do not be anxious 26-32: God cares about birds & flowers, He cares about you. Cf. Psalm 104 33: “But seek first His kingdom & His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you”

What is Success? Webster: attaining a desired outcome It is to have a goal in mind & achieve it The “American Dream”? Do you define success according to the world’s standards or God’s?

What is Success? Christian Goals: To love God with all heart, soul and mind (Matthew 22:37) To be like Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29) To serve God and man (Matthew 22:37,39; James 2:8; Galatians 6:2; Mark 10:45;)

Ownership Matthew 25:14-30 1. God owns it all – vs. 14-19 A. God is owner & has rights. We are stewards & have responsibilities B. Every spending decision is spiritual C. Your receipts reveal your heart

Ownership Matthew 25:14-30 We are in a growth process – vs. 20-21 A. Finances are a Tool – Phil. 4:11,12 B. Finances are a Test – Luke 16:11,12 C. Finances are a Testimony – Mt. 5:14-16

Ownership Matthew 25:14-30 It is not the amount, but the manner of use that is important – vs. 22-23 God’s concern is your faithfulness Faith requires action – vs. 24-30 This action begins with prayer – Phil. 4:6,7

David Livingstone An Example His prayer: “. . . My Jesus; King; My life; My all. I again dedicate my whole self to Thee. Accept me, and grant, O gracious Father, that ere the year is gone I may finish my work . . .”

David Livingstone His Legacy “He needs no epitaph to guard a name which men shall prize while worthy work is known; He lived and died for good – be that his fame; Let marble crumble: this is Living – Stone”

Conclusions Success is not determined by your financial state. Success is determined by your love of God, reflection of Jesus, and faithfulness in serving God & others. What are your goals? What will you say to God?

Conclusion Let each of us resolve that from this point on we will press forward as God’s stewards in putting His kingdom and His righteousness first in our lives.

Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ