Lessons - Week 11 - Stewardship.pub

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Group Discussion God desires for us to wisely manage our time, abilities, money, and bodies (1 Corinthians 12:7‐11; Malachi 3:8‐ 10; Romans 6:12‐19). We are called to carefully use our time, spiritual gifts, and abilities to encourage and edify other believers as well as to reach the unsaved (Ephesians 4:11‐13). In a similar way, God longs for money to be a tool to bless others rather than an idol that so easily enslaves (Luke 6:38; Hebrews 13:5). He also instructs us to care for our physical bodies as an act of honor to Him, because the body is a temple of His Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:12‐20).

GO DEEPER 1. From Matthew 25:14‐30, how does God (i.e. the master) respond to poor stewardship? From this parable, what are His expectations of believers in terms of what they have been given? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. According to Ephesians 4:11‐13, why has God given each believer specific spiritual gifts and abilities? From verses 14‐15 of the same passage, what is the result if this purpose is fulfilled? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. In Malachi 3:8‐10, how are believers to test God, and what will be His response (see also Proverbs 3:9‐10; Luke 6:38)? From Hebrews 13:5 and Matthew 6:24, what must believers avoid concerning money? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. According to Romans 6:12‐19, what are the parts of the body to be offered or presented as? In 1 Corinthians 6:12‐ 20, what phrases does the Apostle Paul use to describe the physical body? What are his specific instructions concerning the body? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

LEADER TESTIMONY Share with your group about a specific time you received incredible blessing from God because of your willingness to give financially or to use your time or spiritual gifts for the sake of others. What were the circumstances, and how did God bless you in return?

MAKE IT PERSONAL 1. How would you rate your stewardship of your time and spiritual gifts? Of your money? What keeps you from being a good steward of these things? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. How well do you care for your physical body (i.e. diet, exercise, sexual purity, alcohol, etc.)? What changes, if any, do you need to make in how you steward your body? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PRACTICE IT NOW Stewardship is a Biblical idea that many affirm but few practice well. It often requires hard work in the trenches of our lives, making tough decisions, reshaping priorities, establishing new boundaries and commitments. Take 5‐7 minutes to ask God for a willingness to engage in the hard work of stewardship, for a dedication and faithfulness to the process. Ask Him to give you the right heart and attitude towards stewardship, the right motivation of honoring and glorifying Him first and foremost.

TAKE ACTION THIS WEEK The challenge this week is to intentionally take a step towards stewardship in one specific area (e.g. using your spiritual gifts, allocating your time more properly, managing your finances, caring for your physical body). This may involve receiving help and counsel from someone who specializes in that particular area. It may entail some challenging but necessary conversations with your spouse or family. Regardless of the step you take, know that it is a beginning of a journey that demands commitment, faithfulness, and perseverance.