STEWARDSHIP

Stewardship is God’s way to Transform the Earth.

Stewardship = Careful, responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.

Steward = Someone who is responsible to manage the property of another person carrying out their plans and desires

God creates the earth and then calls us to steward His creation.

“God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.” - Genesis 1:28

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” - John 15:8

God has uniquely created us with the ability to fulfill His Mission.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” - Ephesians 2:10

Thriving, not just surviving.

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” - Colossians 1:9-10

God does not want us to just “survive, but “THRIVE”, being fruitful, flourishing and prospering in all that we do.

Stewardship is not one more thing we have to do, but a way of seeing everything we already do in a very different light.

Stewardship is using our “Time, Talents, and Treasure” for God’s Glory

QUESTIONS TO PONDER

1) The book of Genesis starts with the incredible principle that God has created us to have “dominion” and influence over the earth. Have you thought of your life in this way? How does this change the prevalent view that sometimes we are hoping to just “survive” instead of “THRIVE”?

2) Consider for a moment that the people in your life, your talents and abilities, the many material blessings that you possess, and your very life have been entrusted to you by God. How does that affect the way you view them?

3) Where in your life have you been “fruitful”? How has that benefited others, glorified God or advanced His Kingdom? Have you experienced God’s joy during this time?

4) Stewardship is often defined as using our “Time, Talents, and Treasure” for God’s glory. Which of these is the easiest for you to use? The most difficult?

ACTIVITY

Take some quiet time alone with God and ponder what He was thinking when He created you. What are some talents, abilities and character traits that He put in you on purpose? Why did He fashion you this way? How does He want you to bring Him Glory through your life? Journal some thoughts that come to you, and agree with His design as good and perfect. Thank Him for making you and for making you unique.

MEMORY VERSE

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” - Ephesians 2:10