Stewardship Lesson

Stewardship Lesson
by Estelle Nazary

I. Basic Stewardship Principles
A. God is the Creator, owner, and sustainer of the Universe as well as the giver of all things. He gives life, time, abilities, wisdom, possessions, and opportunities. Genesis 1:1; Nehemiah 9:6; I Chronicles 29:14; Colossians 1:16.

B. Man is God's special creation. Genesis 1:26

C. We (Christians) belong to God by creation (Gen. 1:1), by redemption (I Peter 1:23), and by preservation (I Peter 1:5); John 10:27-30.

D. All that we have has been entrusted to us by God - I Corinthians 4:7; James 1:17. We must give an account of our Stewardship to God. Colossians 3:23-24; I Peter 4:10; Romans 14:12.
1. How we earn it
2. How we spend it
3. How we save it
4. How we give it

II. Some good stewards and some poor stewards
Good -
Zacchaeus - Luke 19:8-9
The Early Christians - Acts 4:32-35; Acts 2:43-46
Barnabas - Acts 4:36

Poor -
Ananias and Sapphira - Acts 5:1
Rich Farmer - Luke 12:16-20
Rich Young Ruler - Mark 10:17-22

III. Bible teaching about Tithe
1. Leviticus 27:30-31
2. Deuteronomy 14:22-23
3. Numbers 18:20-30
4. Matthew 23:23
5. Luke 11:42
6. Malachi 3:8-10

IV. Blessings of Tithing
1. The approval of conscience
2. Setting a good example
3. A worthy sharing in God's work through his church
4. Helping to win a lost world to Christ
5. Laying up treasures in heaven
6. Putting first things first
7. A partnership with God
8. Hearing His welcome and approval at last. "Prove me"

V. Motives for Giving
The love motive - John 14:15; II John 6
The fear motive - Proverbs 14:27; Proverbs 16:6; Numbers 32:23
The blessing motive - Malachi 3:10; Luke 6:38
The duty motive - Luke 17:10
The "prove your love motive" - II Corinthians 8:8
The "will of God motive" - II Corinthians 8:5
The "abounding in the Grace of giving motive" - II Corinthians 9:6
The "bountiful reaping motive" - II Corinthians 9:6
The "glorify God" motive - II Corinthians 9:13
The "example of others" motive - II Corinthians 8:8
The "Thanksgiving unto God" motive - II Corinthians 9:12
The "Need" motive - II Corinthians 8:4

VI. Quality of giving
Joyful - II Corinthians 8:2
Willing - II Corinthians 8:12
Purposeful - II Corinthians 9:7
Enthusiastic - II Corinthians 9:7
Sincere - II Corinthians 8:8
Sacrificial - II Corinthians 8:3

VII. Method of giving
Periodic - I Corinthians 16:2
Personal - I Corinthians 16:2
Provident - I Corinthians 16:2
Proportionate - I Corinthians 16:2

Prove me now herewith, saith the Lord. Malachi 3:10