DIGGING DEEP NO. 1141 • June 23, 2026
Stewardship is the faithful management of everything God has entrusted to us. A steward does not own the resources; he manages them on behalf of the owner.
As Christians, we are stewards of Our lives, Our time, Our talents and gifts, Our finances, Our families, Our opportunities. Everything we have belongs to God.
Psalm 24:1 states: "The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein". Written by King David, this foundational verse declares God's absolute sovereignty, ownership, and authority over all of creation, including everything in it and all of humanity.
The question is not, "How much do I have?" but, "How am I managing what God has given me?"
I. GOD IS THE OWNER; WE ARE THE STEWARDS
Haggai 2:8 reminds us that everything that exists, whether material or spiritual, belongs to God. Silver and gold, which are symbols of wealth and value, are under his control.
We must understand that God is the owner of all things and what we consider our possessions is not something we achieve on our own. Everything belongs to God.
We are caretakers of His possessions. We own nothing permanently. We are accountable to God.
We must manage God's resources according to His will. A manager does not spend the company's money however he wishes. He follows the owner's instructions. Likewise, we must manage God's resources according to His Word.
II. GOOD STEWARDS RECOGNIZE THEIR RESPONSIBILITY
1 Corinthians 4:2
"Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful."
God does not primarily seek gifted people; He seeks faithful people.
Areas of Responsibility for which stewardship is required include:
Ephesians 5:15-16 states "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
Time is one of God's greatest gifts. Prioritizing prayer. We should use our to Studying God's Word. Serving others. Avoiding wasted time.
1Peter 4:10 tells us that every believer has received gifts from God and as a result God expects us to Discover our gifts Develop our gifts. We should use our gifts for His glory.
Malachi 3:10: Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw. God challenges the Israelites to bring their full tithes to the temple, promising to abundantly bless them in return.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 is a foundational biblical passage on Christian generosity, encouraging believers to give joyfully and trust in God's abundant provision. It teaches that one's spiritual and physical harvest directly reflects the generosity of their giving, emphasizing that God loves a cheerful, willing giver.
The passage outlines three main principles:
- The Law of Sowing and Reaping: Just as a farmer who plants few seeds harvests a small crop, those who give sparingly will receive a limited return, while those who give generously will be blessed abundantly.
- The Attitude of Giving: Giving should be a personal decision made thoughtfully in the heart. It should never be done reluctantly or out of pressure, because "God loves a cheerful giver".
- God’s Provision: God is fully capable of providing all necessary grace, ensuring that believers always have everything they need and plenty left over to share in every good work.
Biblical financial stewardship includes: Tithing, Giving, Saving wisely, Avoiding waste and helping those in need.
Joshua 24:15 is a well-known Bible verse where Joshua challenges the Israelites to choose between serving God or idols, famously declaring: "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
The Ultimate Choice: Joshua lays out a clear ultimatum: if serving the Lord seems burdensome or undesirable, the Israelites must decide who they will follow—the gods of their ancestors or the gods of the Amorites.
Personal Dedication: The phrase "As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord" is a personal statement of intent. It represents a firm commitment to lead one's family in faith, regardless of the choices others around them make.
Individual Responsibility: While the head of a household is expected to set the spiritual direction of the home, theological consensus dictates that every person ultimately holds individual responsibility for their own relationship with God.
We are responsible for Our families, Our marriages, Our children and Our influence on others.
III. GOOD STEWARDS MULTIPLY WHAT GOD GIVES THEM
Matthew 25:14-30
In the Parable of the Talents two servants increased what they received. One servant buried his talent.
God expects growth and fruitfulness in the life of the believers.
IV. POOR STEWARDSHIP LEADS TO LOSS
- The servant who buried his talent Operated in fear.
- Made excuses.
- Produced nothing.
- Lost his opportunity.
- Lost his reward.
- Lost his master's approval.
Proverbs 18:9
"He who is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys."
God is not pleased with wasted opportunities.
V. FAITHFUL STEWARDS RECEIVE REWARDS
Matthew 25:21
"Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things."
Rewards of Faithful Stewardship: Greater responsibility. Greater influence. Greater blessings. Greater trust from God. Eternal rewards.
Faithfulness in small things prepares us for larger assignments.
- Acknowledge God's ownership of everything.
- Evaluate how you use your time.
- Be faithful in small assignments.
- Use your spiritual gifts actively.
- Manage finances according to biblical principles.
- Invest in people and relationships.
- Seek God's guidance in every decision.
- Live with eternity in view.
Conclusion
Stewardship is not about how much we possess; it is about how faithfully we manage what God has entrusted to us.
One day, every believer will give an account to God.
Romans 14:12
"So then each of us shall give account of himself to God."
May we live in such a way that when our stewardship is reviewed, we hear:
"Well done, good and faithful servant."
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for every gift, resource, opportunity, and blessing You have entrusted to us. Forgive us for any area where we have been careless or unfaithful. Teach us to be wise stewards of our time, talents, finances, families, and spiritual gifts. Help us to serve You faithfully and to use everything we have for Your glory. May our lives produce fruit that honors You, and may we one day hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." In Jesus' name, Amen.