STEWARDSHIP
STEWARDSHIP
The Responsibility of the Servant Believer
By Michael K. Farrar, O.D.
© God’s Breath Publications
The New Testament Steward and The Tithe
The Old Testament is where we get our concept of tithing and especially tithing of 10%. The purpose of the tithe in the Old Testament was to acknowledge God as the source of life and the owner of all. The tithe was inspired by God and provided a means for Israel to not only recognize their dependence on God, but to function as a nation.
The tithe funded many expenses of running the nation. Israel was a Theocracy.
The Levites, who were the priests of God, stood in the place of government. When Israel was commanded to pay a tenth of what they possessed to the Levites, they were actually paying the expenses of operating the nation. If you add up all the tithes that were required of God’s people, you will come up with a total beyond 10% to a level more like 23%.
Some believe that as many as three separate tithes can be identified.
Several verses which speak of the Old Testament Tithe:
Leviticus 27:30-33, Numbers 18:21-32, Deuteronomy 12:5-14, 14:22-26, and Deuteronomy 14:27-29, 26:12-15
The New Testament never mentions any instructions on a certain amount to tithe and its emphasis is that we are living sacrifices and God seeks our hearts, not necessarily our possessions.
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.”
The Greek New Testament uses the word Koinonia for “sharing” possessions. This is different than the term “giving.” New Testament “sharing” of possessions was for the helping fellow Christians. There are some references to supporting those who ministered (I Timothy 5:17, I Corinthians 9:14), but there was not an official “priesthood” in the Christian church as in the Old Testament because all Christians were viewed as members of a royal Priesthood (I Peter 2:9).
As followers of Christ, we must strive to invest all of our lives in heavenly treasures and not in temporal earthly pursuits.
1 Timothy 6:6-8
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”
Definition of Stewardship
Stewardship is the management of another person’s property, finances, or household affairs. As far as Christians are concerned, stewardship involves the responsibility of managing God’s work through the church. God has appointed all Christians to be His stewards on earth. Stewardship is not an option, as Paul points out about his own call. Being a steward is a necessary part of believing the gospel, even if it involves sacrificing personal rewards (1 Corinthians 9:17).
As the parable of the talents (Matt 25:14-30) shows, Christians will be held accountable for the way in which they manage God’s affairs as stewards. These matters include extending the church’s ministry through the preaching of the gospel (Col 1:24-28), supporting the church financially (Acts 4:32-37), and ministering to the sick and needy (Matt 25:31-46).
A Possible Precursor to the Great Awakening Revival of the 1850’s
Before the Great Revival of the 1850’s there was the Stewardship Awakening that we rarely hear of. At the height of the stewardship awakening the revival of 1857-1858 swept through the churches. Possibly gaining a proper view our stewardship responsibilities as Christians can revive our spiritual lives as well as transform those around us.
Giving to God and His Kingdom involves giving of your talents, treasures and time.
Giving to God and His Kingdom involves recognizing all things belong to Him.
Psalms 24:1
“The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;”
Romans 11:35-12:1
“Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.”
2 Corinthians 8:1-15
1. Biblical giving is the result of the grace of God working in your life. (v. 1)
“And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.”
The grace working in the lives of the Christians in Macedonia produced benevolence. This grace originated from God Himself.
2. Biblical giving is not based on financial limitations. (v. 2)
“Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty “welled up in rich generosity.”
Generosity and responsible stewardship can function even under the worst of circumstances as Christians let the Lord work in their lives.
3. Biblical giving sometimes involves sacrifice.
(Giving up something we could have for ourselves.) (v. 3 part 1)
“For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,”
Paul had started these churches so he could testify of their abilities, situation and motives in giving. Their generosity was so great that it did not reflect their financial condition. They were giving as if they were rich in material possessions.
4. Biblical giving is internally motivated.
(Because we want to, not have to). (v. 3, 2 Cor.9:7)
“For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,”
Paul shares that they offered their donations without coercion or encouragement. They volunteered on their own to give so generously.5. Biblical giving is our privilege of participating in God’s work. (v. 4)
“they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.”
It truly is a privilege to serve God and Christian brothers and sisters. Any ministry has a unique capability of ministering to those in need, but also to those who are doing the ministering.
6. Biblical giving is the outgrowth of one’s personal relationship with God. (v. 5)
“And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.”
It was expected that these Christians would give, but not a large sum due to their poverty. The proper order of stewardship is to give of oneself first, then to give of your time, treasures and talents. God is not impressed with what we give. He already owns all we have. What He values is our hearts dedicated to Him.
“So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part.” (v. 6)
7. Biblical giving is part of a balanced spiritual growth. (v. 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.”
This church at Corinth had been blessed with all types of spiritual gifts. Paul is encouraging them that they should excel in the gift of giving.
8. Biblical giving is an expression of our love for God and people. (v. 8)
“I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.”
Paul does not use his position of authority to command them to do what they should already be doing as a result of their commitment to God.
9. Biblical giving is based on the example of the life of Jesus. (v. 9)
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.”
We live in the charity of the Lord so we should be charitable to others out of gratitude.
10. Biblical giving requires perseverance. (v. 10,11)
“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.”
Paul is reminding them of their eagerness to make a commitment in the past. Paul is asking them to follow through with their pledge.
11. Biblical giving is in proportion to income. (v. 12)
“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.”
Our gifts, whether they are talent, time or treasures are acceptable to God as long as we are giving according to our abilities. God judges us according to what we do when we have the capability to give. He does not hold us to a standard that is above our means.
1 Corinthians 16:2
“On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.”
We must be willing to give our talents, treasures, and time in a consistent and balanced manner. Always reevaluate your giving to be sure you are balanced in your stewardship.
12. Biblical giving is God’s method for meeting the needs of His people. (v. 13,14)
“Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality,”
Paul wants to make himself clear that he is not wishing to put them into hardship. He desires equality among brothers and sisters.
Acts 2:44-45
“All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.”
1 John 3:17-19
“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence…”
Hebrews 13:15-16
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Matthew 25:45
“He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’”
13. Biblical giving is blessed in proportion to our sacrifice.(v. 6)Remember this: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
Paul is not promoting an investment scheme here. He is stating that God can out give anyone. God will bless you if you give generously. This may be with material or spiritual blessings, but He will bless you.
14. Biblical giving (always includes a cheerful spirit) is especially pleasing to God. (v. 7)
“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Each person should give to God as they have planned and thought about it. This giving should be without complaining and grumbling. This giving should also be without coercion or pressure from others.
15. Biblical giving is blessed with increased capacity for service. (v. 8)
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
God is able to make grace abound to us, that is, He can cause our charity to rebound back to us to our advantage.As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” (v. 9)
16. Biblical giving is blessed with increased capacity for giving. (v. 10)
“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.”
Proverbs 3:9-10
“Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
17. Biblical giving produces thanksgiving to God by those who receive. (v. 11,12)
“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.”
18. Biblical giving causes the recipient to glorify God. (v. 13)
“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.”
19. Biblical giving proves the reality of our faith. (v. 13)
“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.”
20. Biblical giving causes the recipient to pray for the giver. (v. 14)
“And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.”
Guidelines For Stewardship
When evaluating giving of our time, treasures and talents. Ask the following questions:
Am I making myself available to be used? Am I spending time serving?
Am I giving regularly with my treasures (financially) according to my ability?
Am I skilled and/or talented in areas that could benefit the local Body of Believers?
Questions Jesus Asks in Scripture
John 21:17-18…Do you love me? Feed my sheep.
Luke 6:46……….Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?
Luke 12:42……..Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge
Luke 16:2……….What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship,
Mark 8:18………Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear?
Matthew 16:26..What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?
Luke 16:11……..If you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?
Luke 18:8……….When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth? Remember
Your giving and sharing with the Body of Christ is a true reflection of your relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Your giving is a testimony. It can reap a great harvest because it is a seed we plant in God’s garden. God is able to take your time, talents and treasures and multiply them.
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.”