What is Stewardship?

What do we mean by stewardship, and what does the Bible teach us about generosity? 

 

1. Stewardship acknowledges that God is our source.

 Matthew 6:31, 22 - So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Being generous boldly declares our faith in God as our ultimate source, affirming that all we have - time, talents, and finances - are his gifts, freeing us from worry by trusting his abundant provision. 

2. Stewardship is essential to discipleship.

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." 

Jesus teaches us that we cannot take our treasure with us when we leave this world, but by investing it in God's mission we can send it ahead for an eternal reward. 

3. Generosity leads us to give joyfully. 

2 Corinthians 9:7 - Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 

Generosity is a joyful response to God's love, it provides us with an opportunity to partner in God's transformative work, aligning us with his generous nature. 

4. Generosity is our response to the gospel.

2 Corinthians 8:9 - For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. 

The deepest motivation for a Christian's generoisty lies in the gospel. Jesus - our ultimate example - gave up heaven's riches to extend God's redemptive grace, making his sacrificial love the heart that drives us to share his grace with others. 

5. Stewardship & Generosity advance the mission.

Acts 2:44-45 - All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 

Responsible stewardship and radical generosity allow us to live out God's mission in real, practical ways, showing the gospel not only through words but also through acts of sacrificial love and service.