Exodus 23:25-27
Learning Outcomes
- To understand spiritual stewardship as a relationship between the saved and God the master
- To critically examine various forms of stewardship
- To describe and appreciate the covenant blessing of God upon all who serve Him.
Introduction:
- The biblical doctrine of stewardship defines a man’s relationship to God. It identifies God as owner and man as manager.
- God makes man His co-worker in administering all aspects of our life. “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9).
- It is a spiritual business in vineyard and a worthy business. Any service that promotes the Kingdom of the Father.
- Understanding Spiritual Stewardship- Exodus 23:25a
And you shall serve the LORD your God………
- The key concept here is about You………You shall serve the Lord…. – Deut.6:13; 10;12,20; 11:13-14. Deuteronomy 11:13,14– And it shall come to pass, if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, …
- It’s a function of your commitment and not dependent on others.
- It’s about you, a peculiar, unique, and specific service from you. – 1 Pet.2:9; 4:10; Eph.2:10. Ephesians 2:10- For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.
- Because as different as we are, so also are our abilities, interests, talents, gifts, and personality; each uniquely perfect and beautiful, all intended for one purpose – to be used for his glory- Eph.1:6– To the praise of his glorious grace which he has freely given us; the one he loves.
- Discover where to serve. No one should be idle. Let no one says, ‘there’s nothing I can do’’. -Eph.1:3
- Offer the best of your service. Not any how service. Your best is a function of divine ratio- Gen.4:4- 4 And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favour on Abel and his offering,
- Not a competition but a complimentary service- 1 Cor.12:21; Phil. 2:3; Romans 12:3.
1 Cor.12:21– And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”
- Serve sacrificially and with humility-1 Corinthians 4:7;
1 Corinthians 4:7; For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
Philippians 2:3-Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.
- God blessed individual not collective or group- 1 Cor.3:14-15; Colossians 3:23-24
1 Cor.3:14-15– If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
Colossians 3:23-24-Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
Serve the Lord, Your God…….
- It is a God/kingdom driven service- Deut. 6:13; Matt.4:10; 6:33- God only.
- God dictate the pace and you follow- John 15:16- You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.
- God is the caller, and giver of all trust (gifts)- Matt.20:1; Matt.25:14
- God recruit every willing soul at will- Matt.20:1,3,5,7.
- God is the faithful rewarder- Matt.20:2,4,8.
- Covenant Platform for Spiritual Stewardship. – Exodus 23:25a
Serving God shouldn’t be done for recognition or praise; it shouldn’t be self-seeking – not because you want something from him in return. Serve selflessly, seek his kingdom and every other thing shall be added unto you.
- Prayer platform– Praying kingdom priority prayers; interceding for Church and the kingdom of God; secret agonising – Ezekiel 22:30; Matt. 6:6, 18; Isaiah 59:16
- Ministry platform– your diverse gift is to serve in different ministry of God’s kingdom. Your service to God is exemplified by your actions in your church, family, community, and place of work. – Rom.12:6-8
- Mission platform– Witnessing and reaching out to the lost. – John 15:16, 21:12-16; Matt.28:18-20; Luke 14:23; John 4:29
AFollow up platform- Follow-up is the parental care given to new converts to bring them to spiritual maturity and fruitfulness. Follow-up is “spiritual pediatrics.” Newborn babies do not grow automatically. They must have love, food, care and training. – Col.3:16; Heb.3:13; 1 Thes.5:11
- Secret labour/ designated task
- Giving/ financial platform
- Covenant Blessing for Spiritual Stewardship Exodus 23;25b-27
And He will bless your bread and water.
There is nowhere you find how incomparably profitable serving God is.
- Covenant of Abundance and Sustenance- 2 Cor.9:10; Job.36:11
- Covenant of longevity and sound health– Exo 15:26; Deut. 7:15; Matt.9:35-38
- Covenant of Productivity and fruitfulness- Mal. 3:11; Début 7:14,28:4
- Covenant of Fulfilment
- Covenant of Protection, covering and security
Conclusion
Continuous understanding of spiritual stewardship guarantees sustainable partnership with God that unleash divine blessings upon His children.