The following blog post contains notes and application questions from our December 22, 2019 message, Stewardship. For more from this series, check out This Is The Life.
Discussion and Applying the Sermon
- Are you diligent or negligent toward the money God has given you to steward? What’s one way you can be more diligent?
- Do you view generosity as a blessing or as a burden? What’s one way you can be more generous?
Summary
How is your relationship with money? Most of us think our relationship with money is similar to our ability to drive…better than it really is. As we continue our series, “This is the Life,” Adam Tarnow asks three questions to examine our relationship with money and possessions.
Key Takeaways
- Our relationship with money is not a numbers issue, it’s a heart issue.
- A steward is someone who manages someone else’s property according to their vision and values.
- We are owners of nothing…only God owns anything. We are stewards.
- Are you diligent or negligent?
- If we are going to be diligent and not negligent, we will have a spending plan and track our expenses. Knowing “your flock” today is knowing where your dollars go.
- When it comes to stewarding the money the Lord has entrusted you with, just OK is not OK.
- Do you view generosity as a blessing or a burden?
- Scripture doesn't teach how much to give, it teaches how to give: deliberatively and joyfully.
- One reason we struggle to give and view it as a burden is because our values are out of whack. We must raise the value of generosity in our lives.
- Scripture gives us the perfect example to motivate us to be more generous: Jesus Christ.
- Do you view financial independence as a condition of your heart or as an accumulation of wealth?
- Biblical financial independence is a condition of the heart, not an accumulation of wealth.
- You cannot serve God and money. Period. Jesus is clear: there is no loophole.
- The dream come true for Christians is to have a heart that is not gripped by money. To be a faithful steward.
Mentioned or Recommended Resources
- Suggested Scripture study: Proverbs 22:7; Matthew 6:21; 1 Chronicles 29:10-20; Psalm 24:1; Proverbs 27:23-27; Proverbs 11:24-25; 2 Corinthians 9:6-9; Proverbs 3:9; Romans 12:1; Proverbs 30:7-9; Matthew 6:24
- Real Truth Real Quick: Is Debt a Sin?
- Real Truth Real Quick: If I’m in Debt, Should I Still Tithe?
- Sermon: How to Be Rich