A Sermon on Stewardship
Key Text: Pr. 22:28; cf. 23:10
Introduction
- Problems came into this world when our first parents, Adam and Eve ate fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 3)
- Have you ever wondered:
- Why did God create this tree at all?
- Why put it where Adam and Eve could access it?
- Well, the tree was not the problem. In fact, it served an important purpose. It marked the boundary of their authority. The tree reminded them that they were creatures and he was the owner of all that was around them. The tree needed to be there, where they could see it.
- Although that tree is no longer here, the Bible still reminds us that the earth is the Lord’s the fulness thereof (Ps. 24:1, 2)
We are God’s stewards of:
- Environment
- Art works by people like Picasso are highly valued and treasured.
- This world is an infinitely greater piece of art, and we are all part of the canvass.
- If people are so careful in handling art works by human beings, how much more should we take care of the environment and all the things given to us by God (Gen. 1:26, 28; cf. 2:15)?
- God cares deeply about the world He created. Everywhere we look, we can see there was great attention to detail. He still sustains all forms of life on this planet. Because He cares for this world, He will destroy the destroyers of the earth Destroy the destroyers of the earth (Rev. 11:18).
- We are free to use this natural resources for our benefit, but there is a point beyond which we begin to abuse the planet. Indiscriminate cutting down of trees, pollution of the air and water bodies, extinction of animal species and many others challenges. We are better reminded that this planet still belongs to a God who cares deeply about it and we are still accountable to Him for how we take care of it.
- Health
- Marvellous work of art and engineering (Ps. 119:14)
- Present your bodies as holy ans living sacrifices to God (Rom. 12:1-3)
- There are boundary stones even in the human diet: (Gen. 1:29; Lev. 11; Deut. 14).
- Therefore, whether you eat or drink, do all to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31).
- Time
- God has also set boundary stones even to time itself
- Six days are ours to use productively, but one belongs to God (Gen. 1:31-2:3).
- That one day is a boundary stone to remember (Exod. 20:8-11),
- Just like the tree of the knowledge of Good and evil, this day marks our relationship with our God (Ezek. 20:12; 20; Exod. 20:8-11).
- Material Possessions
- Even when it comes to our material possessions, there are boundary stones, which like that tree in Eden, reminds us that God is the ultimate owner of all things (Ps. 24:1, 2).
- For that reason then, we are to remember that it is the Lord who gives us strength to earn and accumulate wealth (Deut. 8:18).
- Tithes, Lev. 27:30; Mal. 3:10 – (God you are God!)
- Freewill Offerings, Deut. 35:29; 36:3 (God you are good!)
- Not transactional, but relational
Appeal
- Is it your desire to respect God’s boundary markers?
- Do you want to commit to taking care of this planet, your body, time, and even your possessions the best way you can, by God grace?
- Do you commit to honour God returning faithful tithes and giving liberal offerings for His glory?
- Appreciating that God is the owner of all things and that you are just entrusted with their management, do you desire to be found faithful, unlike Adam and Eve, who proved unfaithful?
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for creating this beautiful world for us to experience and enjoy. All things belong to you. Teach me to be a responsible citizen of this world and also to honour you with all things you have entrusted into my care, as an expression of my worship. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!