Steve Petch Sunday 13 th September 2015 Faithful Giving and Living Matthew 6 v

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6 v Faithful Giving and Living

Stewardship: “How we handle the resources God has entrusted to us” Faithful Giving and Living 1.It is impossible to become a fully developed follower of Jesus, without also becoming a fully developed steward of your resources 1.Generosity is an essential component of godly stewardship

What are the resources that has God entrusted to us to steward? Faithful Giving and Living Your money Your possessions Your house Your time Your skills/gifts Your job Your body Your family Your church (esp. elders) Your words Your spiritual life The world / environment

1. We need the right ATTITUDE: Three Biblical principles of faithful stewardship “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights …” (James 1v17) “What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?” (1 Cor 4v17) “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4v19) HUMILITY and FAITH

2. We are ACCOUNTABLE to God: Three Biblical principles of faithful stewardship The parable of the shrewd manager – Luke 16v1-18 The parable of the talents – Matthew 25v14-30 The parable of the king’s servants – Luke 19v12-27 The parable of the rich man and Lazarus – Luke 16v19-31 The parable of the rich fool – Luke 12v16-21 The parable of the wicked servants – Luke 20v9-16

2. We are ACCOUNTABLE to God: Three Biblical principles of faithful stewardship “One who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in very little is also dishonest in much.” (Luke 16v10) “Walk as children of light … and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.” (Eph 5v8/10) BE FAITHFUL and SEEK GOD’S APPROVAL

3. We need to take faith filled ACTION: Three Biblical principles of faithful stewardship “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace” (1 Peter 4v9-10) “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Col 3v23-24) SERVING and WORSHIP

Your money Your possessions Your house Your time Your skills/gifts Your job What are the resources that has God entrusted to us to steward? Your body Your family Your church Your words Your spiritual life The World / Environment Faithful Giving and Living

Your use of money, and your generosity or lack of it, can be the best single indicator of the state of your spiritual health!

ATTITUDE: Humility and Faith ACCOUNTABILITY: Faithful, seeking God’s approval ACTION: Serving God and others – Worship Three Biblical principles of faithful stewardship

Using Pay Day Loans Hiding Bills / Ignoring Them Fear of Bills “Robbing Peter to pay Paul” No clear budget Unable to say what your true bank balance is Signs that I could improve my stewardship of money: Faithful Giving and Living

Regularly going overdrawn Credit card loans are going up Living on next months money Pay day is a “good” day emotionally Wealthy … but no clue about income/expenditure Not a generous giver Signs that I could improve my stewardship of money: Attitude … Accountability … Action Faithful Giving and Living

‘One Off’ Givers Proportional Givers Regular Givers Generous Givers (Tithers) START £ Non Givers

“What step is God calling you to take regarding the stewardship of your money?” Faithful Giving and Living

““One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Proverbs 11v24-25 “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things.” Romans 8v32 Faithful Giving and Living

Steve Petch Sunday 13 th September 2015 Faithful Giving and Living Matthew 6 v