The Results of Stewardship

Stewardship: Motives of the Heart - Weekly Lesson

2018 Quarter 1 Lesson 13 - The Results of Stewardship

← Prev Intro & Contents Next →

Weekly Lesson Bible Texts Teachers Comments

Sab Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

Inside Story

Stewardship: Motives of the Heart

Jan · Feb · Mar 2018

2018

Quarter 1 Lesson 13 Q1 Lesson 13

Mar 24 - Mar 30

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week’s Study

2 Tim. 3:1-9; Ezek. 14:14; Phil. 4:4-13; Prov. 3:5; 1 Pet. 2:11, 12; Matt. 7:23; 25:21.

Memory Text
“Having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:12, NKJV).

As stewards, we should live as witnesses of the God we serve, which means that we should exert a powerful influence on those around us, an influence for good.

Our story, then, is not to be isolated from the world around us. Instead, we are privileged to reflect a better way of living to those who don’t know the things that we have been given. Stewardship is the act of thriving while managing God’s call to live godly lives. God gives us the skill to live differently than any other lifestyle on earth (2 Cor. 6:17), and it is something that others should notice and even ask about. Hence we are told: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15).

This final lesson will look at the personal benefits, spiritual outcomes, successful results, our influence, and the key to contentment in the steward’s life, knowing that it is all about “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27, NKJV).

Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, March 31.

Sunday ↑

25th of March

Stewardship and Godliness

Godliness is a vast topic. Godly people live a holy lifestyle (Titus 1:1), becoming like Christ with an attitude of devotion and with actions that are pleasing to Him (Ps. 4:3, Titus 2:12). Godliness is the evidence of true religion and receives the promise of eternal life. No philosophy, wealth, fame, power, or favored birth offers such a promise.

Read 2 Timothy 3:1-9. What is Paul warning about here that’s directly related to the life of a faithful steward?

The book of Job provides a description of Job’s character and actions. It illustrates how a godly life is revealed, even through suffering. It also shows how much Satan hates that lifestyle. Even God acknowledges that there were no others like Job in his quality of faith and lifestyle (Job 2:3).

“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil” (Job 1:1, NKJV). Thus, we see a man whose faith wasn’t just an expression of words or religious rituals, though that was part of his life (Job 1:5). His fear of God was manifested in an entire life of godliness, even amid horrific trials. Being godly doesn’t mean we are perfect, only that we reflect perfection in our own sphere.

Read Ezekiel 14:14. What does this text say that testifies to the character of these men? What do they have in common that should be seen in all of us?

Stewardship is, really, an expression of a godly life. Faithful stewards don’t just have a form of godliness. They are godly, and this godliness is revealed in how they live, in how they handle the things that their God has entrusted them with. Their faith is expressed not only in what they do but also in what they don’t do.

Monday ↑

26th of March

Contentment

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Phil. 4:11). If we are to be content in whatever state we are in, where must that contentment ultimately come from?

While writing to Timothy, Paul describes an unsavory group of people “who think that godliness is a means to financial gain” (1 Tim. 6:5, NIV). What better description of some of the TV hucksters today could there be than this? They make a lot of money telling listeners that if they are but faithful (and that “faithfulness” includes supporting their ministry), then these listeners will be rich, too? The equating of wealth with faithfulness is just another manifestation of materialism but under the guise of Christianity.

The fact is, godliness has nothing to do with wealth. If so, some of the world’s nastiest people would have to be deemed godly because they are also some of the wealthiest. Instead, Paul countered that “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim. 6:6, NIV). Godliness with contentment in any circumstance is the greatest type of riches because God’s grace is far more valuable than financial gain. Thus, we should be content with “food and clothing” (1 Tim. 6:8, NIV). In the end, no matter how much we have, there will always be more to get if we are inclined to think that way.

“Contentment in every condition is a great art, a spiritual mystery. It is to be learned, and to be learned as a mystery. . . . Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God’s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition. . . . It is a box of precious ointment, and very comforting and useful for troubled hearts, in troubled times and conditions.” - Jeremiah Burroughs, The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, pp. 1, 3.

Read Romans 8:28, Hebrews 13:5, and Philippians 4:4-13. What can we find here that can help us live contented lives?

Tuesday ↑

27th of March

Trust

Read Proverbs 3:5. What crucial message is there for us, especially in the last part, about not “leaning” on our own understanding? (See also Isa. 55:9, 1 Cor. 4:5, 13:12.)

The motto and aim of God’s stewards is to “trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” (Prov. 3:5, NKJV).

Of course, that’s often easier said than done. How often might we intellectually believe in God and in His love and care for us, and yet worry ourselves sick over something that we are facing? Sometimes the future can appear very scary, at least in our own imaginations.

How, then, do we as stewards learn to trust in God? By stepping out in faith and obeying the Lord in all that we do now. Trust is an action of the mind that is not depleted with use; on the contrary, the more we trust the Lord the more our trust will grow. Living as faithful stewards is a way to express our trust in God. This trust is the foundation and driving force of the steward, and it becomes visible by what we do.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” The phrase “your heart” is always used figuratively in Scripture. It means that our decisions come from an inner moral self that makes up who we are (Matt. 22:37). This includes our character, motives, and intentions - the very core of our being.

It’s easier to trust God with the things that you can’t control. In that sense we have no choice but to trust in Him. Instead, real trust “from the heart” comes when we have to make a choice regarding something that we can control, and when our trust in God will cause us to choose one way or the other.

The apostles illustrate trusting God with all their hearts: “They were by nature as weak and helpless as any of those now engaged in the work, but they put their whole trust in the Lord. Wealth they had, but it consisted of mind and soul culture; and this every one may have who will make God first and last and best in everything.” - Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers, p. 25.

It is true that it’s easier to trust in God concerning the things that you cannot control. But what about things you can control? What choices might you need to make in which your trust in God will determine which way you do choose?

Wednesday ↑

28th of March

Our Influence

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord” (Eph. 5:8, NKJV). Paul describes the transformation of the heart as being what is publicly seen: As we “walk in the light” (1 John 1:7, NKJV; Isa. 30:21), our daily witness of managed stewardship will be an influential light in a dark world.

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12, NKJV). We reflect the light of God through a stable character in our everyday public behavior.

How is our stewardship on display in ways that bring glory to God? What influence do our actions have on others? Matt. 5:16, Titus 2:7, 1 Pet. 2:11, 12.

Stewardship is about the management of God’s possessions, but it goes beyond this responsibility. Our stewardship is on display in front of our families, communities, the world, and the universe (1 Cor. 4:9). Stewardship lived out in our occupations as well demonstrates the effect that the principles of the kingdom have on our lives. And thus, we can influence others. We reveal Christ by kindness and morality, which carry the approval of the Creator.

Our work ethic also must agree with our stewardship values. Our occupation is one stage in which the stewardship of a righteous person is seen. “He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday” (Ps. 37:6, NKJV). A steward’s influence even at work or at his or her vocation is not put “in a secret place or under a basket” (Luke 11:33, NKJV), but is seen like a city on a hill (Matt. 5:14). As you purposefully live this way at home and at work, you will influence the minds and hearts of those around you.

“Everything in nature has its appointed work and murmurs not at its position. In spiritual things every man and woman has his or her own peculiar sphere and vocation. The interest God requires will be proportionate to the amount of entrusted capital according to the measure of the gift of Christ. . . . Now is your time and privilege to . . . show a stability of character that will make you of real moral worth. Christ has a right to your service. Yield to Him heartily.” - Ellen G. White, This Day With God, p. 243.

What kind of influence does your work ethic reveal to those with whom you work or to those who see you at home? What kind of message do you send to them about your faith?

Thursday ↑

29th of March

The Words We Want (and Don’t Want) to Hear

We are strangers and pilgrims on earth, with heaven - perfect, beautiful, and peaceful - as our ultimate destination (Heb. 11:13, 14). Until then, we have to live our existence here. The Christian worldview, especially as revealed in the great controversy, allows for no neutral parties now. We either live for God or for the enemy. “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad” (Matt. 12:30). Whose side we’re on will be revealed, clearly and unambiguously, when He returns.

At some point after Christ returns, those who claimed to follow Him will hear one of two phrases. What are those phrases and what does each one mean?

Matt. 25:21

Matt. 7:23

Christ’s words “well done” are the most pleasing and satisfying words a steward will ever hear. To have divine, unqualified approval expressed over our attempts to manage His possessions would bring unspeakable joy for doing our best according to our abilities, for knowing all along that our salvation is rooted, not in our works for Christ but in His works for us (see Rom. 3:21, Rom. 4:6).

A faithful steward’s life is a reflection of the faith he or she already has. The attempt at salvation by works is seen in the words of those who sought to justify themselves before God by their works (see Matt. 7:21, 22). Matthew 7:23 shows how futile that self-justification really is.

“When Christ’s followers give back to the Lord His own, they are accumulating treasure which will be given to them when they shall hear the words, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; . . . enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” - Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 523.

In the end, stewardship is a life lived in which the two greatest commandments, love for God and love for our neighbors, are the motivation and driving force in all that one does.

How well does your own life, and the stewardship revealed in your life, reflect these two greatest commandments?

Friday ↑

30th of March

Further Thought

“Christ came to this world to reveal the love of God. His followers are to continue the work which He began. Let us strive to help and strengthen one another. Seeking the good of others is the way in which true happiness can be found. Man does not work against his own interest by loving God and his fellow men. The more unselfish his spirit, the happier he is, because he is fulfilling God’s purpose for him.” - Ellen G. White, Counsels on Stewardship, pp. 24, 25.

“Wherever there is life in a church, there is increase and growth. There is also a constant interchange, taking and giving out, receiving and returning to the Lord His own. To every true believer God imparts light and blessing, and this the believer imparts to others in the work that he does for the Lord. As he gives of that which he receives, his capacity for receiving is increased. Room is made for fresh supplies of grace and truth. Clearer light, increased knowledge, are his. On this giving and receiving depend the life and growth of the church. He who receives, but never gives, soon ceases to receive. If the truth does not flow from him to others, he loses his capacity to receive. We must impart the goods of heaven, if we would receive fresh blessing.” - Ellen G. White, Counsels on Stewardship, p. 36.

Discussion Questions

1. How does trusting in the Lord lead to contentment? What does it take to trust God with all your heart on an intellectual level? 2 Cor. 10:5. Why is it so easy to say “that all things work together for good” (Rom. 8:28, NKJV) but so hard to believe it? That is, why do we say that we trust God, and really do trust Him on an intellectual level, and yet be so fearful of the future?
2. In class, ask this question and then compare answers: “In 25 words or less, what is your definition of stewardship?” Then ask the question: “In 25 words or less, why is stewardship an important part of the Christian’s life?”
3. Read again Matthew 7:21-23. What is going on here? Why do these people say the things that they do? What do their words reveal about themselves? How can we make sure that - even as we seek to be good stewards, even as we seek to live a life of faith and obedience, even as we seek to do good works in God’s name - we do not fall into the same kind of self-deception?
4. We tend to think of Christian influence only on an individual level. But what about at the level of your local church? What kind of influence does your church as a whole have in the community?

Inside Story ↑

By Andrew McChesney, Adventist Mission

Inside Story Image

Seeking 3 Signs

Starlene Peters felt convicted to sign up for a two-week mission trip to South America as she listened to a veteran U.S. missionary speak at a youth conference in her native country of Trinidad and Tobago.

But the desire confused her. She had just returned to the Seventh-day Adventist Church after seven years of wild partying, and she did not feel qualified to serve as a missionary.

“To me, I was not missionary material”, said Peters, who was 25 at the time. “So I decided to pray.”

She asked God for a sign: that random people at the youth conference would tell her to become a missionary. No one knew her, so she thought no one would approach her.

“But several people that same day came up to me and told me, ‘Have you ever thought about being a missionary?’” she said.

Peters rationalized that people were thinking about mission service after the U.S. missionary’s presentation, so she asked God for a second sign: that her father would tell her to become a missionary. “My father is not a church-going person, and I am his only daughter”, Peters said. “So to me the chances were slim to none. I thought I had gotten God into a corner.”

The next day, her father called her and said, “Maybe you should go where God leads you.” He said was pleased with the recent changes in her life.

Peters prayed angrily that night. She didn’t want to risk her job for the mission trip to Guyana. She asked for a third sign: that God provide the U.S. 450 needed for the trip.

The next day, the last day of the conference, a stranger handed Peters a white envelope and walked off. “When I looked inside, it was a check for 450, the exact amount I needed for the trip”, she said.

Peters ended up staying in Guyana for 1 ½ years, teaching at a mission school. Since then, Peters has been going on short- and long-term mission trips nonstop, pausing only to raise funds for the next trip. In 2014, Adventist Church president Ted N.C. Wilson presented her with an award for her work with the church’s One Year in Mission program.

Peters, now 32, said it is never too late - or too soon - to share Jesus.

“Before my first mission trip, I had just come back to church, so I didn’t feel Christian enough to go on a mission trip”, she said. “Now I do all trips all the time. God provides for all my needs.”

Read more about Starlene Peters in last week's Inside Story.

End of Lesson