WE ARE STEWARDS OF GOD'S GIFTS!

 EVERYDAY IN THE WORD!

SATURDAY DECEMBER 25, 2021.

SUBJECT: WE ARE STEWARDS OF GOD'S GIFTS!

Memory verse: "For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed received it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?" (First Corinthians 4 vs 7).

READ: Deuteronomy 8 vs 17 - 18; First Peter 4 vs 10 - 11:

Deut. 8:17: Then you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.

8:18: And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your father's, as it is this day.

First Peter 4:10: As each one has received a gift, minister to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

4:11: If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

INTIMATION:

A steward is a manager of another's resources or affairs. The earth, the world, and the fullness thereof is the LORD'S (Psalm 24 vs 1; 89 vs 11). And whatever we have is put in our custody and care by the Lord—the Owner of all the earth. Therefore, we must realize that all possessions, gifts, and abilities come from the Lord; “A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.” (John 3 vs 27.) He has given us all those resources, gifts, and abilities for the achievements of His purpose and set objectives. 

God demands that we should be effective and efficient managers or stewards of all He has put in our care. The Scripture says, "Moreover it is required of a steward that one be found faithful" (First Corinthians 4 vs 2). God is a purposeful God, and has predetermined His plans and purposes for all He has committed to our care, and demands that we manage all things to achieve His purposes. Consequently, we should dedicate our all to God's service wholeheartedly, and not holding back anything, realizing that nothing is for our personal success. 

Though we are differently gifted in nature, power, and effectiveness, according to God's wisdom and graciousness, our role is to be faithful and to seek ways to serve God and others with what He has given us. And that is being faithful, and effective stewards.

The reason people are so stressed out about possessions, such as money, is that they think they are owners of them, and are in control of those possessions. People tend to think they are responsible for all of the factors that lead to acquisition of possessions, talents, and gifts; that their abilities have given them the prosperity and all they needed to survive. They are worried about losing any of their possessions; such things as losing their jobs, or a downturn in the economy because they see themselves as the source of their provision.

In reality, all we have are gifts from the Lord, and we are just stewards. Seeing yourself as the source of blessing in your life puts a lot of pressure on you in trying to control circumstances that are really beyond your control. One of the benefits of seeing yourself as a steward is peace of mind and a sense of security. When you know God is your source, you aren't worried about the natural circumstances. If God can prosper Abraham and feed his flocks and herds in a desert, then He can bless and prosper you in any economic situation. It doesn't matter what is going on around you. 

In our Bible reading today, First Peter 4 vs 10, the Scripture says, "As each one has received a gift, minister to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." Obviously, it is by the grace of God you are what you are. Therefore, be a good steward of what is entrusted to your care and management. 

Every one of us needs to realize that our possessions are entrusted to our care and management by God, and then ask ourselves what God wants us to do with it. Knowing that your possessions are really God's, makes you approach life with a totally different attitude; knowing that your attitude toward them is more important than what you do with them.

The primary purpose of God’s blessings in our lives is that we should bless others. God clearly stated this fact to Abraham when He said to Him, “And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and you shalt be a blessing.” (Genesis 12 vs 2.) Therefore, we should be selfless with all God has given us. 

Interestingly, the Bible, in Luke 16 vs 1 - 13, tells us the parable of Jesus about the shrewd steward. In verse 8, Jesus said, "The master commended the unjust steward because he has dealt shrewdly." This steward was unjust (cheating on the master)—a son of this world. But was commended by his master for his shrewdness—cleverness, sharpness, intelligence, astuteness, craftiness. Why? Because he utilized the resources available to him to make friends for himself, so that when he fails, they may receive him into their homes. 

Jesus recognized that this attitude—the attitude of being a blessing with our possessions, that is, being a blessing to others when the opportunity calls, especially when blessed by God, is lacking among the believers—the sons of light. The key to using our resources wisely is to see how much we can use them for God's purposes, that is, being good and effective stewards. Instead of accumulating as much as we can for ourselves. Good stewardship is reflected in the way you use your resources to reflect kingdom values appropriately. 

Though, we are responsible to care for our own needs and the needs of our families and dependent relatives so as not to be a burden on others, we should, however, be willing to give up anything if God asks us to do so. This kind of attitude allows nothing to come between us and God, and keeps us from using our God-given possessions selfishly. 

How much of a blessing have you been to others? How much of your possessions have you given out to others, especially the less privileged who may not be able to give back to you? How much have you been supportive with your possessions for the sake of the kingdom? The answers are with you, and reflect the efficiency and effectiveness of your stewardship.

Prayer: Abba Father, all things are Yours, and You have put things in my care and management for You. Endue me with the spirit of effective and efficient stewardship for all You put in my custody in accordance with Your Will, in Jesus' Name I have prayed.. Amen.

PRAISE THE LORD!