Notes

God created all things and owns all things.

Psalm 89:11 – All the heavens and everything on earth belong to you, for you are the Creator of all that is seen and unseen

Our lives belong to God, not ourselves, but He has called us to manage all that belongs to Him.

Genesis 1:26 – Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

Stewardship vs Ownership

A steward is a manager, not an owner. They care for, manage, and distribute the resources entrusted to them.

At the Heart of Stewardship

• Mark 12:41-44 – The Widow with 2 Mites

• Luke 19:1-10 - Zacchaeus the Tax Collector

• Mark 10:17-31 – The Rich Young Man

At the Heart of Stewardship is a Heart after God

1. Time

Ephesians 5:16 – So be very careful how you live, not being like those with no understanding, but live honourably with true wisdom, for we are living in evil times. Take full advantage of every day as you spend your life for his purposes.

It is no longer, “How do I want to spend my day?”

It is now, “God, how do you want me to spend your day?”

2. Talent

Romans 12:6-8 – Let's cheerfully, actively, diligently serve with the gifts God has given us.

Holding our gifts lightly – our gifts are given to us, but they are for others. The whole body fits together. (Ephesians 4:16)

Stewardship involves our whole life

Our world: Wherever we are, whoever we are with, and whatever we are doing.

3. Treasure

Matthew 6:19-21 – Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Tithes – give a 10th of all that is earned
God is our source, and we honour Him by returning to Him what He has put in our care

Offerings – free will offerings
This is where love and generosity meet and bless others

Alms – offerings to the poor
The poor we will always have among us so show compassion

When we belong to God, then everything we have belongs to Him.

We overcome selfishness by serving, but we overcome greed with generosity.

Generosity is not based on what you receive but what you give.

We are stewards of all that God has and have access to the resources of heaven to fulfill His purpose.

We serve a generous God who wants us to steward with His heart.

Stewardship and generosity are a lifestyle.

The Widow’s Focus – God; She wanted to give to Him and trusted He would care for her.

The Tax Collector’s Focus – God; He repented of his ways and wanted to give like God gave to him.

The Rich Young Man’s Focus – Himself; He went away still heavy-hearted and feeling distant from God.

Giving and being generous is the natural overflow of God’s love.

Generosity is a by-product as we become more and more like Jesus.

Generosity is a key to community.

Acts 4:32-35 – They demonstrated hospitality in the community with their time, talent and treasure.

"You must learn to live by heart first so that in everything you do, people will see your heart before they see your task, competency or such. They will first see your heart." - Wayne Cordeiro