Following Jesus: Service: Stewardship

Scripture References: Matthew 25:14-30, Psalm 50:10, Haggai 2:8, 1 Peter 4:10, Luke 16:11, Psalm 90:12, 1 Corinthians 9, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, Genesis 14, Genesis 28, 1 Corinthians 12, 1 Corinthians 9, Galatians 6:6, 1 John 3:17, Ephesians 4:28, Galatians 2:10, Malachi 3:8-10, 1 Timothy 6:10, 1 Timothy 4:7Intro:Series reminder: Following Jesus into love, worship, service, etc.Today's focus: Stewardship as service (Matthew 25 parable of the talents).Stewardship defined: Managing what God gives, not ownership.Test of stewardship: Faithfulness, not ability or increase.God's "well done": The ultimate goal of faithful service.Key Points:Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30):Servants entrusted with talents (money).Varying amounts given according to ability.Faithful servants rewarded; unfaithful servant condemned.Unfaithful servant's excuse: Harsh view of the master.Jesus: The Perfect Steward:Came from riches to poverty, serving with humility.Understood His life as God's entrustment.Received the ultimate "well done."God's Ownership, Our Management:God owns 100% of what we have; we are managers.Steward: Manager of another's assets.God's entrustment: Time, talent, treasure.Treasure (Money):Money is amoral, like a tool.Tithing (10%): Principle before the law (Abraham, Jacob).Firstfruits: Giving to God before personal use.Old Testament tithes: Levites, feasts, the poor (23% total).New Testament giving: Regular, sacrificial, cheerful (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).Giving to What Matters to God:His gospel (1 Corinthians 9, Galatians 6:6).His people (1 John 3:17).His poor (Ephesians 4:28, Galatians 2:10).Addressing Excuses:Malachi 3:8-10: God's challenge about robbing Him.Budgeting: Reflects priorities; plan for giving.Talent (Gifts):1 Peter 4:10: Use gifts to serve others.Practical and spiritual gifts; don't overlook the obvious.Faithfulness over skill; avoid comparison.1 Corinthians 12: Variety of gifts in the body.Time:Psalm 90:12: Numbering our days, seeking wisdom.Time as a valuable asset; manage it wisely.Avoid squandering time; have a plan.Singleness: Opportunity for undivided devotion.Contentment and Open Hands:Contentment: Open to God's giving and taking.1 Timothy 6:6: Godliness with contentment is great gain.Worship over prudence: God may call to unexpected actions.Freedom from the world's worries (Matthew 6:26).Conclusion:Stewardship inventory: Reflection questions on time, talent, treasure.Goal: Recognizing God's entrustment and managing it for His glory.Stewardship leads to entering into God's joy.Call to Action:Complete the stewardship inventory.Identify your time, talent, and treasure.Seek God's guidance on how to manage them.Give regularly, sacrificially, and cheerfully.Be content with God's provision.Worship God with your stewardship.with Mike Young Support the show*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI. Please notify us if you find any errors.