Christian Stewardship

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27. CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP Every day we receive different kinds of gifts from God and it is our privilege to enjoy them. God is giving us the opportunity to take advantage of these blessings, but not just for ourselves.

In this study, we will see what the Bible tells about the way we should be stewards of the blessings from God.

1. Who does the World Belong to?

 Psalm 24:1 The earth is the Lord’s and all its fullness. Even our own life belongs to God. So, God is the owner and we are just stewards.

2. What does God Expect From Our Stewardship of His Blessings?

 1 Peter 4:10; Matthew 20:25-28 We should minister to one another through the many different blessings that God provided for us.

Jesus has come to serve and in the same way we should serve one another.

3. What are the Blessings That God Has Given Us to Be Steward of?

TALENTS: Colossians 4:6 God has given us natural talents for us to develop them and to use for our good and the good of others.

An example is the talent of speech, which can be useful in many ways. God also gives us the gifts of the Spirit, special abilities that the Spirit provides us for the advancement of the work of God (see Romans 12:4-11 and 1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

TIME: Ephesians 5:15-16 Time is a precious gift and we only have a limited amount of it. We should choose wisely how we spend it and ask for God’s guidance in this regard.

TEMPLE: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and belongs to God. We are called to put at His service our intellect, our strength and our best energies. 2 27. Christian Stewardship – Menorah Mission School – 2018/2019 TREASURE: Deuteronomy 8:10-18 All our belongings belong to God. We would not have strength to work and to gain wealth if it would not be for God. We should not forget this and we are called to use what He has given to us for the advancement of His work.

4. What Method did God Invented for Us to Show Gratitude Toward Him and to Provide for the Advancement of His Work?

 Leviticus 27:30,32 God commanded the Israelites to bring the tithe of all their harvest and of all the newborns of their flock to God.

All belongs to God, but the people had to give back the tithe as a sign of gratitude. God is asking also to us to bring back to Him the tithe of all our incomes. This is a sign of gratitude toward Him and a way to fight our natural tendencies to selfishness and avarice.

5. Does God Need Our Tithes?

 Numbers 18:21-28 No, but He accepts them as an offering from us (see v. 24). These were originally intended as a way to provide for those who were employed full-time in the work of God.

We find that the tithe was given also before Moses instructed the people of Israel in this behalf (see

Genesis 14:18-20, 28:20-22).

6. Should We Still Give Our Tithes Today?

 Matthew 23:23; 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 When Jesus rebuked the scribes and the Pharisees He did not do so because of the tithe, since they were very careful in paying the tithe of little things, but because they were neglecting at the same time much more important things, such as justice, mercy, and faith.

Even today those who preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

7. What does God Say in Regard of Faithfulness in Tithes and Offerings?

 Malachi 3:8-12; 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 If we are not faithfully giving back tithes and offerings to God, we are robbing Him. To have more money for us through this way is not going to be a blessing to us, but a curse.

If we are faithful to God, and bring all tithes and offerings to Him, He will pour upon us much greater blessings than we expect. 27. Christian Stewardship – Menorah Mission School – 2018/2019 3 God is asking also voluntary offerings from our side, that we may contribute for all the needs of His cause. He loves when we do not do it grudgingly but with a cheerful heart.

Appeal

God is faithful in His promises and every day He provides new blessings for us.

Do you believe that God can provide for you greater blessings than what He is asking back from you?

Do you take the decision today to be faithful to God giving back to Him tithes and voluntary offerings as He requires from us in His Word?