Scripture Reading: Matthew 24:45-51

Stewards of God's Blessings

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 and administers the affairs of his Master for the Master’s benefit.

b. He is answerable to his Master, Rom 14:4, 12.

c. His work either honors or dishonors his Master (Gen 39:2-9).

2. We must see ourselves as stewards of God who has appointed us over His goods (earth, but also spiritual blessings in Christ).

I. THE MASTER’S APPOINTMENT, Matt 25:14-15; Mk 13:34.

A. Every Christian is a Steward in God’s House (has an appointment from the Lord to be a steward), Rom 12:3-8.

-Elders (Tit 1:7); Preachers (1 Cor 9:16-17); Saints (1 Pet 4:10)

B. Crucial Elements of Our Stewardship of God’s Blessings, Matt 24:45-51.

1. We are under His authority, Mk 13:34 (Matt 28:18; Col 3:17).

2. We are given work to do, Mk 13:34 (Eph 2:10).

3. We are expected to use what we have been given to bless the Master, Matt 25:15-17; 1 Pet 4:10-11.

a. Talents are usually seen as opportunities to enhance/bless ourselves (fame, money, power…).

b. Christian uses talents given by Lord for the Lord, Gal 2:20.

4. We must honor God who has blessed us with His goods by being thankful for and faithful with His blessings, 2 Tim 2:20-21.

a. By failing to be thankful we will (1) take blessings for granted, (2) not use them to their full extent, and (3) begin to believe we are the ones responsible for our advantages, progress and blessings (forget God), Matt 24:48-51.

b. God has enriched us “for all liberality” – causes thanksgiving! 2 Cor 9:6-11 (cf. 1 Tim 1:12); Psa 34:1-3.

5. We must be faithful, 1 Cor 4:2.

II. THE STEWARDSHIP OF OUR TIME. Eph 5:16

A. We all Want More Time, yet we Often Waste the Time we Have. (cf. AT&T Rollover minutes commercial) Lk 10:38-42

1. Want more time to do our work, meet our obligations, achieve our goals, etc. Time management is important to accomplish the Lord’s work, Jno 9:4; Matt 24:48. (“Time Enough Yet”).

2. At the end of life, time is the one thing we want more of, Psa 90:10, 12.

3. Rejoice in the time you have and use it to honor God, Psa 90:13-17.

4. Buy up (use) your opportunities now! 2 Cor 6:2

III. THE STEWARDSHIP OF OUR POSSESSIONS, 1 Tim 6:17-19.

A. How we Use our Possessions Shows whether we Value our Stewardship.

1. Manage our money to live within our means, Rom 13:8.

2. Pay our taxes and help others, Rom 13:7; Eph 4:28.

3. Give as we have prospered, 1 Cor 16:2.

B. Compels us to Give, 6:18 (Acts 20:35).

-The measure we use will be used back to us, Lk 6:38.

1. Measure of generosity, 2 Cor 9:6.

2. Measure of humble giving, Mk 12:41-44.

3. Measure of dutiful care of our family, 1 Tim 5:4, 8, 16.

IV. THE STEWARDSHIP OF OUR PHYSICAL HEALTH, 1 Cor 6:19-20.

A. Physical Health, though Temporary, is a Blessing from God.

1. Something we often neglect until we no longer have it.

2. Body is a temple of the Holy Spirit to be used to glorify God, 1 Cor 6:19-20. Therefore...

a. Do not defile it with immorality, 1 Cor 6:18.

b. Do not defile it by conduct that destroys it (smoking, drug abuse, alcohol use) – Use self control, Gal 5:23.

B. Taking Care of your Health will Likely Give You More Opportunities to Serve the Lord.

1. Strength for daily responsibilities in family, neighbors, etc.

2. Strength to serve others, 1 Pet 4:11.

3. Even if you are not in good health you are a steward of the health you do have, cf. 2 Cor 12:9-10. Paul didn’t decide to forget about his health; he decided to trust and serve the Lord even when he was weak! He would “live for Christ” (Phil 1:21).

Conclusion

1. Lord will return and we will give account of how we used His goods/blessings. Prepare by the wise use of your blessings, Matt 24:50.

2. Be thankful, useful to the Master, diligent and faithful.