Biblical Stewardship (1 Cor 16:1-4 and 2 Cor 8 & 9)

[GoldenEagle]

Stewardship. It's a big deal for the Believer. Money is one of the most discussed topics in the Bible. Yet perhaps we as the Church have not done a very good job in understanding our roles as providers for our families, contributors to the Kingdom of God, and helpers of those who are in need.

In all honesty a majority of Believers today are in debt. Myself included. That can be from a mortgage, to credit cards, to medical expenses, to personal loans, and so on.

My pastor said this weekend:

"Stewardship leads to generosity, not the other way around."

I tend to agree with him.

So let's discuss Stewardship from a Biblical perspective in light of 1 Cor and 2 Cor but first hopefully we can agree on these basic Biblical truths about money and possessions:

1. Everything belongs to God. See Psalms 24

2. God permits temporary ownership of His Creation: Gen 1, Exodus 20

3. God gives resources in order to provide for self and family (Stewardship):

See 1 Thess. 4:11-12; 2 Thess. 3:6, 12; 1 Tim. 5:8; 1 Tim 4:1-5; Heb. 13:5; Psalm 62:10; Ecc. 5:10; Matt 6:19-21, 24; Luke 12:15-21; 15:11-13; James 5:5; 1 John 2:16; 1 John 3:17; Mark 4:19; Luke 6:24)

4. God gives resources to support the work of God’s Kingdom (tithing, giving, or collection for the saints):

See Lev 27:30; Lev 27:32; Gen 14:20; Gen 28:22; Num. 18:21, 26; Deut. 12:17, Deut. 14:22; Deut. 26:12-13; Phil 4:14-19; 1 Tim 5:17-18, 1 Cor. 9:6-14; Gal 6:6; Matt 23:23

5. God gives resources to help those who are in need (alms giving or offerings):

Luke 6:32-36; Mark 10:21-22; 1 John 3:17; James 2:14-17; Acts 21:17, 24:17; Rom. 15:25-28, 31; 1 Cor. 16:1-4; 2 Cor. 8:1-4, 9:1-5; Gal 6:10; 1 John 3:17

Thoughts? Do you agree or disagree with the above 5 basic Biblical truths?

God bless,

GE

[GoldenEagle]

Biblical Stewardship and Generosity (1 Cor. 16:1-4, 2 Cor. 8:1-24, 2 Cor. 9:6-15)

1 Cor. 16:1-4
Biblical Stewardship should include a consistent pattern of giving.

2 Cor. 8:1-7
Biblical Stewardship is motivated by God’s grace!

(NOT guild driven, Where is our joy?)

Biblical Stewardship includes managing your resources well.
Biblical Stewardship includes generous giving proportionate to one’s ability
Biblical Stewardship reflects a commitment to the Lord before a commitment to His Church. (Of note there’s a difference between sowing into a person’s ministry and sowing into the Kingdom of God. Give to the Kingdom of God. Be wary of people who ask for money for “their” pet ministry.)
Biblical Stewardship is something a Believer grows in.
Biblical Stewardship includes helping others who are in need.
Biblical Stewardship is sacrificial.


2 Cor. 8:8-9
Biblical Stewardship should reflect spiritual priorities.

(This passage above is referring to Jesus leaving Heaven to humble Himself as a servant and sacrifice to God – taking on the form of man.)

 

2 Cor. 8:10-12
Biblical Stewardship includes keeping financial commitments.


2 Cor. 8:13-15
Biblical Stewardship is about those who have plenty taking care of the needs of those who don’t have enough.

(Not to be confused with wealth redistribution, preying on emotions, or taking advantage of the poor or rich.)


2 Cor. 8:16-24
Biblical Stewardship is earnest (sincere), excellent (not half-hearted), and transparent (for accountability)


2 Cor.9:6-9
Biblical Stewardship includes a personal commitment to generous giving.


2 Cor. 9:10-15
Biblical stewardship leads to God’s provision which leads to generous living which ultimately leads to God’s glory!


Thoughts or anything to add? Do you agree or disagree?

God bless,

GE
 

[Guest]

Do you agree or disagree with the above 5 basic Biblical truths?

 

 

Well

 

But when you give to the needy,

 

do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 

 

so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:3-4 (ESV)

 

Of Course

 

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart,

 

not reluctantly or under compulsion,

 

for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)

 

I Disagree

 

Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.

 

Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head. Ecclesiastes 9:7-8 (ESV)

 

So NOT~!

 

What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God?

 

By no means!

 

Let God be true though every one were a liar,

 

as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.” Romans 6:3-4 (ESV)