Stewardship

Introduction

There are few topics more personal to us than our finances. The topic of financial stewardship is huge and well beyond the scope of one small Bible study. God knows how important money can be to us and that’s why it is one of the most talked about subjects in the Bible. How we feel about money, or any possession, is very important to our Christian walk. Every Christian must reconcile how his or her heart and mind deals with money. Much credit for this intro study is given to Ray Porter’s six-part Personal Finance series, which will be referenced at the end.

Scripture references

Study the following biblical references and consider how they address the questions listed below. If using this outline with a Small Group, consider assigning different scriptures to different individuals and relating them to one or more of the questions. More recommended resources will be listed at question #6 below.

Psalm 24:1, John 3:27, Matthew 6:19-21, Luke 12:15, Mathew. 6:24, Matthew 19:23-24, 1 John 2:15-17, Proverbs 30: 8-9, Luke 12:22-34, Hebrews 13:5, James 2:15-16, Luke 21:2-4, Malachi 3:10, Matthew 25:40, 1 Timothy 6:6-21, Philippians 4:12-13, Proverbs 10:22, Deuteronomy 10:14

Questions

1. Stewardship is being responsible for the management of someone else’s property; it is being a manager or caretaker of assets that do not belong to us, but with which we have been entrusted. Are we owners or stewards of our money and resources?
2. What should our attitude be toward our possessions? Select some Bible verses that you can memorize or keep in mind about wealth and handling money.
3. Talking about money is scriptural! List two parables from the Bible that teach us about how we are to use our finances well or consequences of being poor stewards.
4. When will you be rich enough to share your finances generously with those in need and other good causes for God?
5. How can your own use of money be part of your witness as a disciple of Christ? Be prepared to share Bible verses and your own example of financial stewardship with others, while still maintaining your privacy and a humble attitude.
6. Develop a plan to learn more about biblical concepts for financial stewardship. Recommended resources:
   • COL Ray Porter’s six-part Personal Finance series
   • Sound Mind Investing website
   • Crown Financial Ministries
7. Develop your own financial plan. After you have studied the biblical concepts of financial stewardship, spend time in prayer and conversation with your spouse (if you are married) or with a trusted parent or mentor (if you are single) to determine your goals and a plan to achieve them.