LUKE 16:10-11, Matthew 25:14-30

Stewardship is the act of supervising or taking care of something assigned under one’s care. In Christianity, Stewardship means taking responsibility for the assignments given by God. It simply implies service to God. While there are several aspects of stewardship in Christianity, our focus in this study is financial stewardship.

It is important to realize that as believers, we are stewards of God’s finances. He blesses us with kingdom wealth so we would apply the resources towards the furtherance of His work on earth. Our finances do not belong to us but to God who blesses us for His good pleasure. We are trustees of His wealth and should utilize our finances in ways that would honour and please him. (Luke 12:13-21)

Many misconceptions exist about financial stewardship, this is because a lot of Christians erroneously view their finances as a very sensitive aspect of their lives which God should have limited interaction with or not interfere with at all. They assume that their finances belong solely to them and are only willing to submit fragments to God after other seemingly important areas of their financial needs and desires have been settled. This practice contradicts God’s pattern as He owns all while we ‘own’ none. We are custodians of His resources which should be used to serve His purpose. (Rev 4:11, Matthew 6:19-21) When this is clearly understood, the believer would know that God blesses us so we can bless Him in return.

Proper Financial Stewardship helps to achieve the following:

1. To build trust in God as the source of divine prosperity (Psalm 34:10, Deuteronomy 8:18, Proverbs 10:22)
2. It helps us to lead comfortable lives that are pleasing to God (Philippians 4:19)
3. It helps us to cultivate a Generous God and others-centered mindset rather than a selfish mindset. (2 Corinthians 9:8, Gal 6:7, Luke 6:38)
4. It enables us to pursue the kingdom agenda and commit our finances toward kingdom expansion. (Psalm 35:27, Luke 8:3)
5. It inspires and enables us to be a blessing to others. (Gen. 12:2, 1 Peter 4:10)
6. To set godly examples to others on how our finances should bring glory to God.
7. It helps us to deal with lust and love of money which is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:9-10)
8. It positions us to receive more eternal blessings from God (Luke 16:11,2 Cor 9:10-15)
9. To plan properly and save for the future (Prov 21:20, Prov 6:6-8)
10. To show the place of diligence and consistency in building wealth ( Proverbs 10:4, Prov 13:11)

B. Mention Some character traits of a Christian steward as it relates to the discussion.

Memory Verse: If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? Luke 16:11