1. Hope and STEWARDSHIP Hope and STEWARDSHIPhope for today Please click to watch the intro video for this section located at: http://vimeo.com/66328717

2. hope for today KEY TEXT: Genesis 2:15 “Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and keep it.” FURTHER STUDY: Deuteronomy 8:18; Matthew 10:29 SECTION 1 God Made Everything Hope and STEWARDSHIP

3. hope for today CONSIDER: God made Adam and Eve the caretakers of our world. As sons and daughters of God, we also are caretakers of the world. What is the domain that God has given us to care for? If the God of the universe cares for a falling sparrow, we also must care for every aspect of our domain. SECTION 1 God Made Everything Hope and STEWARDSHIP DISCUSS: What are the implications of the fact that God is the author of life and all wealth? How can we be good stewards of what is His?

4. SECTION 2 Investing For Now and For Eternity hope for today KEY TEXT: 2 Corinthians 9:6-9 “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: ‘He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.’” Hope and STEWARDSHIP

5. SECTION 2 Investing For Now and For Eternity hope for todayHope and STEWARDSHIP FURTHER STUDY: Matthew 25:14-29; 1 Corinthians 9:13-14; Ecclesiastes 9:10; 1 John 2:15-17; Matthew 6: 19-20; Mark 8:36

6. hope for today CONSIDER: Giving to God is our first priority. Trusting that He is looking out for us, we must boldly claim His promises and follow through by prioritizing our time, talents, and finances in His favor. We must find time to connect with God and minister to others, and we must return to God a portion of the finances entrusted to us. If this should become the fight of our lives, remember that it is God’s to win. Living in Him, we will enjoy the evidence of His power. Let’s allow the long-term goal of heaven to drive our lives. Hope and STEWARDSHIP SECTION 2 Investing For Now and For Eternity

7. hope for today DISCUSS: What should we invest in? How can we be good stewards of our time, finances, talents, the environment, and our health? SECTION 2 Investing For Now and For Eternity Hope and STEWARDSHIP

8. hope for today DISCUSS: What attitude should we have when giving to God? Hope and STEWARDSHIP SECTION 2 Investing For Now and For Eternity

9. SECTION 3 Priorities and Promises hope for today KEY TEXT: 2 Corinthians 9:10 -15 “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality which causes thanksgiving through us to God. For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while, through the proof of this ministry, Hope and STEWARDSHIP

10. SECTION 3 Priorities and Promises hope for today KEY TEXT (continued): they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you, because of the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” Hope and STEWARDSHIP FURTHER STUDY: Luke 6:38; Acts 20:35; Malachi 3:10; Genesis 28:20-22

11. hope for today CONSIDER: The more invested we are (with time and money) in something, the greater our desire to see that entity succeed. All of the resources entrusted to us, including finances and time, must be used wisely. We should first set aside funds and time based on what is the most important priority. If the hope of our Lord’s return truly burns within our hearts shouldn’t we demonstrate this by directing our resources to that goal? SECTION 3 Priorities and Promises Hope and STEWARDSHIP

12. INVITATION hope for today Shouldn’t we intentionally, eagerly, and without fear invest in an eternity with God, and place our lives in God’s hands? Hope and STEWARDSHIP