Principles for Biblical Stewardship

Excerpts from the book “Biblical Principles for Financial Decisions”

A steward is the Bible word for a manager. Abraham had a steward named Eliezer of Damascus,
who helped Abraham manage his growing wealth (Gen. 15:2). Joseph had a steward in Egypt
who managed his affairs (Gen. 43:19). Elah had a steward in Tirzah named Arza who did not do
such a great job (1 Kings 16:9).

Jesus gave several parables about stewards. One of the best known is found in Luke 16, where
He described an unjust steward who had been wasting his lord’s money. In Luke 12:42, after
delivering a parable, Peter asked Jesus if His words were only for the disciples, or for everyone.
Here was Jesus’ response:

And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make
ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that
servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that
he will make him ruler over all that he hath. (Lk. 12:42-44)

From Luke 12, we realize that Jesus has entrusted every one of us with some of His possessions
as a test of our stewardship (management). If we manage well what has been entrusted to us,
then there is the promise of more management to come. If we mismanage our stewardship, then
there is judgment to come. The reward or judgement is based proportionally upon what has been
entrusted into our care.

…For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men
have committed much, of him they will ask the more. (Lk. 12:48b)

Understanding that God has entrusted us with a stewardship, how ought we to live?

Stewardship Principle #1

The Lord has entrusted me with His resources, therefore I will not use my money in a way
that would displease God.
(Psalm 24:1; Deuteronomy 8:18)

Some people spend much money on entertainment that displeases God. Some people spend much money on causes that displease God. Many Christians spend money on investments that
displease God. Should I invest God’s money into a company that displeases God?

“Would God be pleased with my stewardship?” You cannot justify a 5 percent yield if God
would be dishonored. You cannot justify a 5,000 percent yield if God would be displeased! You
must dive into the Scriptures and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading to determine if God would be
pleased with how you are investing His money.

Stewardship Principle #2

The Lord has entrusted me with His resources, therefore, I will use my money in a way that
would please God.
(Luke 14:28)

The converse of the aforementioned principle #1 is also true. What would please God? Those are the causes I will support, those are companies in which I will invest, and those are the companies I will patronize.

The key to making a budget is to ask the question of good, better, and best as it relates to God
and stewardship. How much would God be pleased with my giving line item? How much would God be pleased with my housing payment? How much would God be pleased with my food budget? How much would God be pleased with my entertainment budget?

A budget is your friend. If done correctly, it will help you determine how God would want you to disperse His money. Remember, it all belongs to Him; you have simply been given charge of His money.

Stewardship Principle #3

The Lord has entrusted me with His resources, therefore, I give away my money to God’s
causes.
(Romans 12:6-8; 2 Corinthians 8:7)

Giving is a spiritual gift. Some are more talented in the gift of giving, but we can all grow and
abound in this grace if we practice using the gift. We must learn to give according to God’s
principles.

I must, as a good steward, only give to causes with which God would be pleased! If I believe
God would have me deploy some of His funds to feed the poor, should I contribute to a Christian organization that feeds the poor and teaches Christ, or a LGBTQ organization that feeds the poor and teaches abominations? If I believe God would have me deploy His funds to provide water to third world communities, should I contribute to a Christian organization that brings water and the Living Water of Jesus Christ, or to a secular humanitarian effort that provides water, but has no message of hope?

Stewardship Principle #4

The Lord has entrusted me with His resources, therefore, I will also use God’s money to
supply my needs.
(1 Corinthians 9:7-10)

Every single thing we have ever been given belongs to God, but God has entrusted to us the
stewardship of it. And the Bible makes it clear that we are to use His resources to supply our
needs. But this must not be done out of order. We must take care of God’s purposes first, and
then we care for our own!

It was to a giving church in Philippi that the promise was given, “My God shall supply all your
need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19). It was a promise from Jesus
Himself in Luke 6:38 when He said, “Give and it shall be given unto you.” And it was in the
Sermon on the Mount that Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;
and all these things shall be added unto you” (Mt. 6:33). The Lord has set the priorities: God
above self.

Stewardship Principle #5

When my stewardship is right, God may also provide abundance. (Philippians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 5:10)

God has promised to provide for all our needs as we diligently, prayerfully, and carefully take
care of His stewardship (Phil. 4:19). Sometimes, God will even go beyond our needs, and supply
some of our wants! He does this because He is a good God, and as in the parable of the talents,
He chooses to reward those who are faithful.

Not all rewards will be in this life. Most rewards will be reaped in the life to come. But there will
be rewards for those who faithfully administer their stewardship. When the Lord returns, He will reward those who are faithful.

Conclusion:

I believe most Christians get into debt problems when they think their income is all theirs. They
spend it on the abundance they want, and as a result they waste God’s provision for their necessities. Then, they must take on debt to pay for their needs, because they squandered the
talent God provided.

Make a budget. Organize according to God’s plan, prioritizing what is good, better, and best.
Diligently care for the stewardship provided to you by giving, spending, saving and investing
according to what God would have you to do. Don’t splurge on your wants unless God provides
a blessing of abundance above the normal stewardship.

By Rev. Scott McFeters
Pastor of Greater Portland Baptist Church, Gresham, OR.

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