STEWARDSHIP: YOUR TIME, TALENT, AND TREASURE CHRIST THE KING PARISH NOV. 21, 2013

THE BIBLICAL DIMENSIONS OF STEWARDSHIP

The Scriptures say a great deal about stewardship because it affects virtually every aspect of our earthly existence. The New Testament word for stewardship is oikonomia, from which we derive the word economy.

GOD THE FATHER – created us ‘In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”. Gen1:1 GOD THE SON – redeemed us “For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. 1 Cor.6:20 GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT – dwells in us “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit “ 1Cor. 3:23

Our Responsibility Whether we have much or little, our key responsibility as His stewards remains the same: Faithfulness. 1 Cor. 4:1-5 Mt. 25:14-30 Luke 12:42.

The Scope of Stewardship STEWARDSHIP IS A WAY OF LIVING The theme of stewardship ranges from Genesis 1-2 when God made the man and woman stewards of this planet, to Revelation when God will make His children stewards of the new creation

STEWARDSHIP IS A SOURCEOF GRACE – when it helps us develop a lifestyle of sharing. STEWARDSHIP challenges us to look at our hearts and minds and experience the conversion to which we are called for. THE CALL TO HOLINESS is at the heart of stewardship

Stewardship of Time "Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil” Eph. 5: "So teach us to number our days, that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom" (Ps. 90:12).

Stewardship of Talent “And what do you have that you did not receive? But if you did receive It, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” (1 Cor. 4:7) “And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly” (Rom. 12:6). “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Pet. 4:10).

STEWARDSHIP OF TREASURE One reason is that God knew we would have trouble managing our money, and that we would spend a great amount of time earning, spending, and investing it. A second reason is that money has a profound effect on interpersonal relationships. A third reason is that the way we use our money is a real measure of our commitment to Christ.

"Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions" (Luke 12:15) "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you" (Matt. 6:33). You cannot serve God and mammon" (Luke 16:13).

WHAT DO I OWN? WHAT OWNS ME?

Limitations, and Dangers of Money 1. Greed 2. Favoritism 3. Pride 4. Autonomy

Contentment "if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content" (1 Tim. 6:6,8). We honor God by using our treasures well.

Giving God is love (1 John 4:8), and He displays His love by giving. Those who do not give rob from God and cheat themselves (Mal. 3:8-11).

Biblical benefit of giving: 1) Giving glorifies God. It not only supplies the needs of others, but also causes the recipients to thank and glorify God (2 Cor. 9:12-13) 2) Giving builds faith. Sacrificial giving creates a greater dependence on the Lord and leads to a more intimate relationship with Him.

3) Giving develops character. Serving the needs of others in the form of sharing what has been given to us makes us less selfish and covetous. Our character becomes more Christ like when we become other- centered rather than self-centered (Phil. 2:3-4; 1 Tim. 6:18-19).

4) Giving results in God's blessings. "Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully... " (2 Cor. 9:6,11; cf. Phil. 4:17-19). "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).

5) Giving is an eternal investment. While it is true that "You can't take it with you," you can send it on ahead. Jesus exhorted us not to lay up for ourselves treasures on earth because they can be corrupted and stolen. Instead, He told us to build incorruptible and lasting treasures in heaven (Matt. 6:19-21).

Attitude is more important than amount. 1) Cheerful, not grudging. "Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor. 9:7). Our attitude should not be one of obligation, but heartfelt desire and readiness (Exod. 25:2; 2 Cor. 8:3-4,11-12). 2) Jesus told us that we have no reward when we give alms to be noticed and honored by men (Matt. 6:1-4). 3) Motivated by love. "And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor.. but do not have love, it profits me nothing" (1 Cor. 13:3).

WHEN TO GIVE? Giving should be planned and periodic, not erratic. The spirituality of stewardship is indeed promoting a lifestyle of sharing, a lifestyle of loving…because that is our vocation. Together let us become faithful stewards of time talent and treasure for the greater glory of GOD

Maraming Salamat po