Lesson Two: Old and New Testament Stewardship
I. Introduction
II. Old Testament
- Ownership - Ps. 24:1 The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.
- David - Temple I Chronicles 29
III. New Testament
- Paul - Philippians 4
- Paul - II Corinthians 8,9
II Cor. 8 and 9 - ENTIRE CHAPTERS
2 Cor. 8:1-3 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.
2 Cor. 8:7 But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
2 Cor. 8:10-12 And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.
2 Cor. 8:19-21 What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.
2 Cor. 9:5-7 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given. Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Cor. 9:11-13 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.
IV. Questions for Consideration
- What is a Christians responsibility regarding stewardship of time, talent, and treasure?
- How should a Christian determine priorities?
- How does the New Testament guide us in our stewardship decisions?
- Does our giving as Christians affect the world?
- Does God keep track of what we give? Time, talent, and treasure?
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