YMMP Session 3: Stewardship, Yvonne Huang

What is Stewardship?
The practice of systematic and
Proportionate giving of time, abilities,
material possessions and all God’s gifts
to us based on the conviction that they are a
trust from God, to be used in His service,
for the benefit of all mankind in grateful
acknowledgment of Christ’s redeeming love.

(Dr Han Kyung Chik)

Stewardship Check

Who Am I? – How do you see yourself?
What do I do? – home, church, community, work, activities, roles
Why are you doing what you do?
Where do you see Christ calling you to?
Where do you see yourself ultimately and
where do you see yourself today?
How do I practice stewardship

The Why of Stewardship

The Stewardship Mandate:
Genesis 1:27-31
Matt 28:18-19
A steward is a person who looks after something for someone.

Stewardship is about You & me
working as God’s vessels
entrusted with the gospel and His resources
to draw people to His kingdom
Our act of stewardship evangelises the people around us
Stewardship is for ALL
The Basic Principles of the Call to Stewardship
The Principle of Ownership

The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it. Ps 24:1-2
Everything belongs to God, including wealth and honor. 1 Chron 29:11-12
God is the Owner

The Principle of Trust

Stewardship begins with a relationship of trust between us and God e.g. of David, Joseph and Moses
God has entrusted us with His resources. Gen 1:28-31
Stewardship is a duty we perform on behalf of the Master. Luke 12:42-44

The Principle of Accountability

Stewards are called to be accountable. Matt 25:14-29
God will hold us all accountable for the resources entrusted to us.

The Principle of Delegated Authority

We are Joint Heirs and Ambassadors of Christ
God and Moses (Ex 3:10), Jesus and His disciples – “So I send you”
Jesus and all believers – Matt 28:19
The Where of Stewardship : A Lifestyle

The call to stewardship
is about every aspect
of our lives,
every where we go.

The How of Stewardship : Elements of Stewardship as modeled by Joseph – 4Ms
Managing
Mobilizing
Multiplying
Maximizing

Managing Resources (Rule & Subdue)

Management and administration: Joseph was overseer over Potiphar’s house and property (Gen 39:4). He was also put in charge of the prisoners (Gen 39:22)

Mobilizing Resources (Fill the earth)

Joseph executed a plan to mobilize grain during the time of plenty (Gen 41:48-49)

Maximizing Resources: (Increase)

Joseph maximized his resources – he gave the people bread in exchange for livestock (Gen 47:15-16)
He bought the land in Egypt for Pharaoh (Gen 47:20)
He assigned 1/5 of the harvest for Pharaoh (Gen 47:24)

Multiplying Resources (Be fruitful)

Joseph multiplied resources from the grain by selling it to the people during the time of famine. (Gen 41:56-57)
Qualities of a good steward modeled in Joseph’s life
Integrity – Joseph refused to betray God’s trust in him. (Gen 39:9)
Faithfulness/Godliness – The Lord was with Joseph and he was a successful man
(Gen 39:2). Joseph was faithful and trusted by Potiphar (Gen 39:2-5)
Wisdom – God gave Joseph wisdom to rule Pharaoh’s people (Gen 41:39)
Diligence – Joseph personally went through Egypt gathering up the food (Gen 41:46-49)

Reflection:

Consider your role as a leader. Where have you fallen short in your stewardship? Write down three things you will do (NOW) to enhance your stewardship as a leader.
Refer to Col 3:23-24