Topical Sermon: The Christian's Stewardship

THE CHRISTIAN'S STEWARDSHIP

Intro.
1. Steward - ["primarily denotes the manager of a household or estate (oikos, a house, nemo, to arrange)" - Vine]. Entrusted with the goods and affairs of another.
a. He oversees & administers the affairs of his Master for the Master's benefit.
b. Answerable to his Master - His work either honors or dishonors his Master - cf. Joseph - Gen. 39:1-6.
2. We are to see ourselves as stewards for God has so appointed us over His goods (earth, but also the spiritual blessings found in Christ, our time, the word of God, etc.).

I. THE MASTER HAS APPOINTED US AS STEWARDS - Matt. 25:14-15; Mk. 13:34.
A. Our Stewardship in God's House:
    1. Apostles - 1 Cor. 4:1; 1 Ths. 2:4 (Eph. 3:1-4, 8).
    2. Elders - Tit. 1:7.
    3. Gospel preachers - 1 Cor. 9:16-17.
    4. Every Christian - 1 Pet. 4:10; Rom. 12:3-8.
B. As Stewards Of God's Blessings We Are:
    1. Under His authority - Mk. 13:34; (Matt. 28:18; Col. 3:17).
    2. Given God's work to do - Mk. 13:34 (Jno. 9:4); Eph. 2:10.
    3. Expected to use our ability to bless & honor our Master - Matt. 24:15-17 (1 Pet. 4:10-11); Eph. 3:21.

II. THE STEWARD'S RESPONSIBILITY IS TO BE FAITHFUL - 1 Cor. 4:1-3; Lk. 16:10, 12.
A. Our Faithfulness Is Judged By Our Master.
    1. Faithful to Master's purposes - 2 Tim. 2:21-22.
    2. Faithful to fulfill our stewardship - Matt. 24:45-46 ("doing"); 25:20-21. [Dependable - Trustworthy].
B. Can The Lord Depend On You To Be Faithful....
    1. To worship (Jno. 4:24)?
    2. To be zealous of good (Gal. 6:10)?
    3. To be diligent parent / child / spouse?
    4. Use time wisely for Him? (Eph. 5:15-16).
    5. Make application to every area of your life - Rom. 6:19.

III. THE STEWARD'S CHARACTER - 1 Cor. 4:2; Matt. 24:45-49.
A. The Good Steward - Dispensing - 1 Pet. 4:10.
    1. He is industrious, honest, diligent & pure; Careful to do the Master's will.
    2. cf. Eph. 3:1-3, 8 - The apostles were dispensing the grace of God as they preached the gospel of salvation!
B. The Wise Steward - Discriminating - Lk. 12:42-46.
    1. He knows what His Master wants & he accomplishes the work given him. He is not selfish & untrue to his Master.
    2. cf. Jas. 4:17 - We must do the good we know!
C. An Unjust Steward - Wasting - Lk. 16:1.
    1. Shows disregard for the Master's goods - Eph. 1:17-19; 3:18-19.
    2. When we waste our opportunities for good or fail to grow in understanding & obedience of truth we show a lack of respect for God & His authority over our lives.

IV. THE RECKONING DAY - 1 Cor. 4:5; Matt. 25:19.
A. We Make It Our Aim To Please Our Master - 2 Cor. 5:9.
    1. The judgments of men/of ourselves is of little consequence - 1 Cor. 4:3-4.
    2. Lk. 16:13 - Be singularly devoted to Christ.
B. Judgment Day Is Coming & An Accounting Will Be Made - 2 Cor.5:10; Rom. 14:12.
    -Preparation / readiness is in order - Matt. 24:44-51.

Conclusion
1. What has been given into your hand to administer for the glory of God & the good of others? (Word of God / Godly influence / holiness / material goods / etc.)
2. How would the Master judge your stewardship today: "Good & faithful" or "wicked & slothful"?