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Transcript of Biblical truth Concerning Stewardship and Distribution of Funds.
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Other Booklets in this series
Contact for copies
Biblical Truths on Quiet time with God(Eng/Tel) Biblical Truths on Christian Marriage Biblical Truths on Career and Money Biblical Truths on Christian Discipleship(Eng/Tel) Backslider in heart (Eng/Tel)
Biblical Truths on Stewardship
Copyright (c) 2013, G John Thimothy
All rights reserved, no part of this booklet may bereproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmittedin any form without the prior permission of thecopyright owners. Any part of this booklet that is quotedmust bear reference to the title and author. Themeticulous efforts of Ms Mary G, in reviewing thelanguage of the manuscript, are acknowledged.
Printed by: Scripture Focus. INDIA
Price: Rs 15
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Content
Preface .. 3Introduction 4Characterstics of a steward .. 7Areas of stewardship .. 13Our attitude towards Riches ..18Finance at Home... 21Distribution of funds 25
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Preface
As a student we learnt about God, sin, Salvation,
Quiet time with God, Personal Bible study and Personal
Witnessing. As we move up and come to pre-final year
students we start thinking about career, marriage, and
money. God wants us to be a faithful steward in thisworld.
The notes in this booklet were taken as a practical
talk on Stewardship in student discipleship camps
during 2002-2004. While preparing the messages, I usedUngers Bible Dictionary , Alexan der Crudens
Concorance , notebook and pen . In 2013 I felt there is a
need to publishing a booklet on Stewardship . As the
thought came, I started re-working on the material inwhich I added new chapters on Managing the money
and distribution of funds .
As we keep reading the book, my prayer is that
every one should come back to the Bible and check thetruths and live a basic Christian life.
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Introduction
Stewardship: Steward is a person who manages
another persons property and or all other affairs. Thi s
can be incharge of household, large estate or club or
hotel or resort. A ship's officer who is incharge of
provisions and dining arrangements is also called as
steward. An attended on a ship or aeroplane is also
called steward. An official who supervises or helps to
manage an event is also a steward. A shop steward is
another example. Biblical stewardship is the productive
and joyful acquiring, managing, using, giving and sharing
with others the very best of our time, treasure, talent,
and nature. There are various synonyms for word
steward like manager,overseer,agent(treasurer)
or governor .
In scripture stewardship is usually rendered to one
who manages the affairs or superintends the household
of another, as Eliezer of Damascus did that of Abr ahams
(Genesis 15:2). Great confidence was reposed in those
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who held such an office, and hence Paul describes
Christian ministers as the stewards of God over his
Church and family (Titus 1:7). Believers also are
described as stewards of Gods gifts and gr ace, to
dispense their benefits to world (1 Peter 4:10). Our Lord
frequently refers to the responsibilities of steward ship
for illustrating his reasoning. In the parable of unjust
steward, who defrauds his master by collusion with the
debtors (Luke 16).
Christian stewardship : is the joyous management of
complete life and lifes resources. Every believer,
responding with love to Gods abundant outpouring of
material blessings, shares the responsibility of Christian
stewardship. Everything that we own is actually on
loan from God. Apostle Paul wrote, We broughtnothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of
it (1 Tim. 6:7). We should be ready to share our
materials with others.
Steward means a manager or porter. Porter isexpected to take it to the destination carefully. A
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manager has been entrusted with some task and is
expected to take care of it well. It is given to be used in
way that it is fruitful or multiply. Christians are stewards
and are accountable to God.
Stewards mentioned in the Bible: We can see five
stewards by name out of them 4 are good stewards and
1 is a bad example. Eliezer (Genesis 24) Josephs steward
(Genesis 43:18-25), steward in vineyard (Mathew 20:8)
Chuza. Herods steward (Luke 8:3) is good examples
where as Arza is a bad example where he opened his
home to make Zimri to drink (1 Kings 16:9). The wordsteward is found thirteen times in KJV and the word
stewardship appears three times in KJV. Going though
all the verses gives proper perspective of Biblical truths
on Christian Stewardship.
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Characteristics of a steward
1. Be aware of your appointment: "... Who called
his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods...
(Mathew 25:14-30). We should realize how much
amount God given to us. This amount varies with what
he given to one with other person. We need to trade
and increase the amount. The minimum gain we can get
is the interest given by banks. We need to work such
that our earning is more than bank interest. We should
not hardened our hearts and accuse our master who
given talent. We should not think that whatever we do is
failing others are prospering. We should not be slothful.
We should venture into business. It is our privilege to be
able to serve for the sake of increasing what has been
entrusted on us. Two servants are faithful and another is
not. Whether we are seen by men or not we must be
conscious of the fact that our God sees everything. If we
work on what we got, God will give more bonus on the
same, otherwise he will take away what we have.
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2. Be responsible: "As every man hath received the
gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good
stewards of the manifold grace of God." (1 Peter 4:10.)
Every believer received a gift by the Holy Spirit. We
should identify the gift and work on it. Neglect not the
gift that is in thee (1 Thimothy 3:14). And always
remember to stir up the gift which is in us (2 Timothy
1:6, 7). We should execute the gift with boldness
(Romans 8:15) Power (Luke 24:49; Acts 1: 1 Cor 16:10; 1
Timothy 4:14) spirit of love (1 Corinthians 13:4) and
spirit of a sound mind, understanding and judgement(Galatians 5:22-23). These gifts are specifically given to
us minister to others with grace. Be confident in the
work we start using these gifts (Philippians 1:6)
3. Be faithful: A person should consider as servantsof Christ and managers of God's mysteries. In this
regard, it is expected of managers that each one be
found faithful. (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). Here stewardship
is to administrate the manifold grace of God. We needto be faithful in the activities we are doing. Faithfulness
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is a characteristic of a believer (Ephesians 1:1, Colossians
1:1).To find a faithful person it is very difficult (Psalm
5:9. Find a faithful person associate with him. (Psalm
101:6). Faithfulness needs patience (proverbs 28:20)
and it will be rewarded (Mathew 25:21; Mathew 25:23).
Be faithful in small things (Luke 16:10-12). Be faithful in
conveying the message (Proverbs 13:17) In Daniel life no
fault found in him (Daniel 6:4). As we become strong in
the Lord, We need to commit the same to faithful men,
who shall able to teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2, 3).
4. Be discerning: And the Lord said, who then is thatfaithful 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. (Luke 12:42,43) The wise steward has his mind on eternal values and
He builds his house on the rock (Mathew 7:24) and lays
up for himself treasurers in heaven (Mathew 6:20). Our
soul is like a mirror designed to behold and reflectChrist. Yet in order for our soul to reflect Christ in the
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clearest, most unobstructed way, its fallen source must
first be denied (Matthew 16:24-26; Luke 9:23-25). This
means that we must learn to deny our natural mind, will
and emotion. Secondly, for our soul to reflect Christ
alone, it must be not only denied but also purified by
receiving the Word (1 Peter 1:22). Finally, our soul needs
to be thoroughly transformed into the image of Christ
by the renewing of the mind (Romans 12:2; 2
Corinthians 3:18). Thus, when our soul is denied,
purified, and transformed it is able to fulfil its intended
function, the glorious, true reflection of Christ. This willhelp us to discern the things.
5. Be loving: For a bishop must be blameless, as the
steward of God; not self willed, not soon angry, not
given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; But alover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just,
holy, temperate; Holding fast the faithful word as he
hath been taught, that he may be able by sound
doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gain Sayers
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(Titus 1:7). Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and
strength." (Mathew 22:37; Luke 10:27).
If you love God keep his commandments then Love
yourself (Self-discipline), which reflects in loving your
neighbour (Mathew 22:39) loving his own wife (Eph
5:33). family. Father, mother, wife, children, brethren,
sister and his own life... (Luke 14:5; Eph 5:22-6:9). All
these are Possible by filling with the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18
cf Col 3:16), possible by being rich in word of God (Eph
5:18 cf Col 3:16)
6. Be accountable: Luke 16:1- 5 talks about parable
of unjust steward which teaches us about the wise use
of time and the danger of covetousness. The steward
was unjust and wasted his resources. But when the timeof reckoning came he suddenly felt he was working with
a real people for whom business is a meaning. He taught
stewardship is just responsibility and privilegeWhen
time came he learnt that he needs to be accountable.Now he acted smart and ensured that he made some
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friends by lowering the interest rate and also he proved
that he was a shrewd manager, capable of acting in
crisis. He knows that when master comes he will fire him
or put him in jail. We as the stewards in the house of
God have tendency to forget that one day an account
must be given to the Lord. For we must all appear
before the judgement seat of Christ; that every one may
receive the things done in his body, according to that he
hath done, whether it is good or bad . (2 Cor 5:10). If we
really believe that one day we need to give an account
to God for our works, this conviction show up in our dayto day life and in using our time talent and treasures.
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Areas of Stewardship
Christian stewardship also includes managing lives,
money and resources. All the material procession we
have also includes area of stewardship. Stewardship
means how a believer uses his time, treasure, talent,
tongue, team, thoughts and things. We should be good
stewards in using our cars, our houses, and resources.
Talents and Gifts: Matthew 25:14-30. 1 Corinthians
12:1-11 you are solely responsible for the use of talents
and gifts God has given you or that He would give you.
Your faithful use and profit will have a reward otherwise
a punishment. (1 Peter 1:4-11) . We need to use both
talent and gifts to build one another. We need to find
the specific talent in us , focus and excel in it. Church
should identify these talents and gifts in a person and
encourage him to concecreate the talent to God so that
entire beleivers grow together.
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Time: Every purpose in life has some time to
execute (Eccl. 3:1-9) we should start working early
without postponing (John 9:4). We should plan to do the
things. Our god is a God who keeps time table (2
Corinthians. 6:2.) We are accountable to God in terms of
time . See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools,
but as wise, redeeming the time because days are evil.
(Eph 5:15-16). This means we have to avoid time
wasters. Everyone is having 24 hours per day. We
cannot stretch it and we cannot squeeze it. Present
worldly system makes us busy only in mind but weneed to utilize the time effectively and should become
busy in executing work using mind. We should have time
for God, family, friends and enemies. If you give right
time to God, He will bless hundred fold and give u time.He has given us the time of our lives for a definite;
purpose of using it for Gods glory. What you refuse to
do today may be too late for tomorrow.
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4. Life: (Matt. 6:25-34) you are a steward even your
life. You cannot live any way you like. Remember that
you are bought with a price for a purpose (1 Cor. 6:20;
7:23). There are some people who will waste their life .
They will gather the entire resources and property and
they eat, drink and merry. By the end they realize that
they wasted entire property or they die before they
realize. A rich fool said to his soul Soul, thou hast much
goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink,
and be merry (Luke 12:19). Even prodigal son wasted
his life he realized after he spent all (Luke 15:14) he said
to himself I will arise and go to my father and wil l say
unto him, Father I have sinned against heaven and
before thee, and ... arose and came to his father ( Luke
15:17-20). This will lead to merry to the entire family(Luke 15:29). There are another set of people who
spent their life. Elder brother served the father for
many years, he never transgressed any time to the
commandment of his father, and his expectation is thathe want a party with his friends (Luke 15:29). Even elder
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son does the will of God he doesnt have enjoyment in
it. Many of us spent their life doing the will of God and
spend their life but they wont enjoy the fellowship with
family members. Better is we have to invest our life in
this present keeping eternity as future in mind. In order
to achieve this we should use the opportunities wisely
and manage the life without falling into dangers and
overcoming the temptations.
5 Gospel: But as we were allowed of God to be put
in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as
pleasing meant but God which trieth our hearts ( 1 Thes
2:4). For I delivered unto you fi rst of all that which I also
received (1 Corinthians 15:3). Gospel is that which I
also received how that Christ died for our sins according
to the scriptures and he was buried and that he roseagain the third day according to the scriptures (1
Corinthians 15:3, 4). Gospel is a great and pure treasure
which he put in us. It is our responsibility to proclaim
and guard it. We need to buy the opportunities and
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share the Gospel with everyone who ever come across
in our life.
6 Creation: In Genesis 1 God provided the water for
the vegetation, He wanted man to till the ground and
work on it so that plantation produce fruit. We are the
stewards of the creation. God put Adam in the garden to
do his work in tilling the soil and caring for it (Genesis
2:15). God promised that he will provide the necessary
material if we seek his righteousness and kingdom which
doesnt mean that we have to sit idle and seek his
righteousness and kingdom. We should work, Faithwithout works is dead (James 2:26). A Gardner should
work on the ground. We sh ould labour as we are
laborers of god (1Cor 3:9) work is an opportunity where
we bring out our abilities and utilize the opportunities,As we are going to stand before the God and say along
with Paul Have fought a good fight, I have finished my
course, I have kept the faith (2 timothy 4:7)
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Our Attitude towards Riches
It was commended in the Bible that every one needs
to work and eat their fruit. T here are poor among us
and some are rich among us. We are not supposed to
advertise our personal needs. Twelve apostles and
Apostle Paul never advertised their needs. They did
make known the needs of distressed saints. Bible
recommends information of need is sent as information
to the house of God but not with seeking a help. Every
beleiver even working employee must look to their
Master alone for due support if employer not paying
him properly. He it is who moves the hearts of His
people in right directions to meet His needy beleivers.
Every transaction of finance may be acknowledged by
word or letter. Person who is handling money should be
accountable for every rupee coming into funds.
Bible warns us He that loveth silver shall not be
satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with
increase: this is also vanity (Ecclesiastes 5:11). The
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cares of the world, and delight in the riches, and desire
for other things, enter in and choke the word, and it
proves unfruitful (Ma rk 4:19). Jesus said to a rich young
man If thou wilth be perfect, go and sell that thou hast,
and give to the poor, .. (Mathew 19:21). There is no evil
in the money itself, but love of money is the root of all
evil.
Riches are gift from God (Deut 8:18; 1 Chron 29:12).
We come across many wonderful men of God who were
rich. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they
be not high minded, nor trusted in uncertain riches, butin the living Go, who giveth riches in the living God, who
giveth us richly all things to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17).
When we fail to recognize from where the riches comes
we bring sorrow and snares of devil in our life. Havingriches puts us into responcibility and duties.Riches
should be used to do good, that they be rich in good
works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate ( 1
Timothy 6:18). Rich people should involve in taking careof the needs of the poor people as a manifestation of
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love of God. But by an equality, that now at this time
your abundance may be a supply for their want, that
their abundance also may be a supply for your want,
that there may be equality ( 2 Corinthains 8:14).
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Finance at Home
Managing funds at Home: We should know our
income, in come can be fixed monthly salary or variable
business returns, by re-wards, awards, bank interest,
shares and house rental. Once you are clear about your
income, move to your Expenditure.Expenditure is of two
catergories. Fixed: Tithe, EMI, Savings, School fees,
house rent e.t.c Variable: Food, clothing, Telephone bill
e.t.c. little variation will be there based on family, for e.g
some people eat only at home, for them food expences
may be less, some like to visit restaurants. Once you
know your income and expenditure you will get your
balance. Important in life is not how much you areearning but how much you save. For e.g you may be
earning 1Lakh every month and other person is earning
30K every month. You are expenditure for every month
is 1Lakh 10 thousand. And other person expenditure is
20k per month at the end of first year you end up with a
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Clothing (5%), save every month so that you can get the
cloths easily for occasions. Medical Expences (2.5%)
Recreation (5%) , Debts ( 5%) and Savings (5%). Savings
will increase from 5% to 20% if we dont have medical
expences and debts.
Some feels this percentage is insignificant to save.
They wont save money. Small drops for every month
reaps riches in future.There are some who thinks it is
not spiritual to save the money. It is scriptural according
to Bible to save the money for the Rainy day. It is good
to cultivate the habit of savings. Your savings should be
used for buying laptop, car or house where u can use for
effeceint work. We should not buy things where we
wont use, or there is no particual need.
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Distribution of Funds
Reading Portion: Collective gifts are indicated in
Acts 11: 29, 30; Rom 15: 25,26; 1 Cor 16: 1 ; Phil 4:15,
16; individual gifts, 2 Jn 5-7 ; Gal 6:6 ; Heb13: 16 ; 1 Tim.
6.:18 ; Acts 4:36, 37.
In gatherings we collect the money. Once the money
is collected, the collection should be 1) Administered 2)
spent for logistics and 3) Distribute.
Administration of funds: Administration of funds
should be should be in the hands of more than one
brother.Acts 6. 3-6 ; 1 Cor. 16. 3, 4 ; 2 Cor. 8. 18-21; 9. 3-
5. Handling money by multiple people is wise, and it
eases the burden of one person, brings the sharing,accountability into picture. Pastor should be busy with
gaurding the flock from wrong teachings, Elders should
spent time in gaurding the flock, Reading the word of
God and in prayer. Evangelist should be busy in winning
the soul. Leaders in the assembly would seem free to
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judge the most expedient way of discovering the mind
of (he saints. Accounts should be rendered at regular
intervals, again on the principle of 1 Cor. 14. 40.
The responcible bretheren should be born again,
spirit filled and moral in nature (Acts 6. 3 ; 1 Tim. 3. 8-
13.). apart from that he should be aware of local laws
with respect to tax payment, maintianing the log books,
cash receipts and good at purchasing the goods and
abide to the principles concerning the distribution of
funds.
2) Amount spent for Logistics: As an individual or
group of people we have funds with us. This collection is
by collective Acts 11: 29, 30; Rom 15: 25, 26; 1 Cor 16:1;
Phil 4:15, 16 or by individual contribution (2 Jn. 5-7 ; Gal.6. 6 ; Heb. 13. 16 ; 1 Tim. 6. 18 ; Acts 4. 36, 37). There
will be expences like hall rent, Chairs, lights, fans, air-
conditioning, fees for care-taker e.t.c. As an individual
we should be aware that giving to such need is not
considered as Giving unto the Lord. These are
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nessasary but for the comfort, convenience and wise
investment of the saints for the gathering. Sharing such
expences cant be considered Offering. These are
matter of obligation and a debt.
3) Distribution of Funds: The amount spent on
administration and logistics should be minimmum.
Major amount should go to this category where
distribution of funds has to be. New Testament teaches
us to distribute the funds to the nessacities (Romans
12:13) in the following areas.
i) Needy Widows: Generally in our day to day
ministration widows were neglected in daily
ministration (Acts 6:1).Because of this need Pastors,
Evangelists and elders should not leave the ministry ofwinning souls, Bible teaching and shepperding the folk
and distribute the funds. This has to be dealt by the
responcible bretheren. The widows whom we support
should be of really destitute , of aged, woman trusts on
God and is not a tale bearer (1 Timothy 5:11-16).
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ii) Poor People: We should open our hand wide
unto thy brother, to thy poor and to thy needy and to
the land (Deuteronony 15:7-11). Make certain
contribution to the poor saints (Romans 15:26, Galatians
2:10) in their studies, food, and in whatsoever business
he needs (Romans 16:1-3). Care must be taken that poor
person is working on the investment you are making and
he is growing (2 Thessalonians 3:10). He that hath pity
upon the poor lendenth unto the Lord and that which he
hath given him will he pay him again (Proverbs 19:17)
iii) Unto Releif fund: When ever natual calamities
happened we should raise funds and send to the releif
fund unto the bretheren (Acts 11:27-30 cf Acts 24:17).
what ever we have should consider it is theirs. (Acts2:44.45).
iv) Eangelists: Now ye phillip plans know also, that
in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from
Macedonia, no church communicated with me as
concerning giving and receiving but ye only.For even in
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Thessalonica, ye sent once anga again unto my
necessity. Not beacause I desire gift: but I desire fruit
that may abound to your account.. (Philippians 4:15 -
19). There are some evangelists who forsaken working
and devoted their time completely in the vineyard. In
order their souls are at peace, we should support in
their needs so that they can work in vineyard with out
much tempatations (1 Cor 5:4:14)
v) Bible Teachers: There are few who spends on
Reading Bible, Preparing the notes and in prayers so that
they can teach Bible accurately and contextually to the
thirsty souls. There is a need of pure word in every
gathering. Galatians 6:6 recommends Let him that is
taught in the word communicate unto him that teachethin all good things.
vi) Elders: there are few who are earning and about
to settle in the world, relinquished their work, resigned
and started spending more time in winning souls, Bible
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teaching and shepperding the flock. (1 timothy 5:17,18).
For sure we should share a portion to them.
vii) Philanthrophic Efforts: As we distribute the
funds, we should not forget about philanthphic efforts.
We should give to every man. Follow that which is
good, both among youselves and to all men (1
Thessalonians 5:15). The household of faith has prior
claim upon the gifts of God's people but not an exclusive
claim.