First Principles

Lesson 2

Lesson Text—Matthew 25:14-17

Matthew 25:14-1914 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into afar country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.

Lesson Text—Matthew 25:14-17

15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five

talents.

Lesson Text—Matthew 25:14-17

17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. 18 But he that had received one went and digged in theearth, and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, andreckoneth with them.

Lesson Text—Matthew 25:18-21

Matthew 25:20-2120 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

Lesson Text—Matthew 25:18-21

21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Lesson Text—Matthew 25:22-23

Matthew 25:22-2322 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.

Lesson Text—Matthew 25:22-23

23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Focus Verse—I Corinthians 4:2

I Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in

stewards, that a man be found faithful.

Focus Thought

God requires that a steward be

faithful; therefore, the good

steward will acknowledge that his

position is one of service and not

ownership.

I. Role of a StewardCulture Connection

Good Stewardship through Financial Crises

The deep recessionary economic crisis of 2008-2010 has revealed the tenuous and delicate position of global finances. With the global markets reported to have been close to total collapse in the fall of 2008, governments around the world began to take dramatic, emergency measures to try to avert the collapse. Ever since, global

economies have been shaky, to say the least.

I. Role of a StewardJamie Chisholm, global markets

commentator for Financial Times, observed the following in an article dated February 12, 2010, and titled “China’s Surprise Monetary Tightening Shatters Calm”: “Hopes that the European Union’s promise to stand by Greece would deliver a period of relative market calm were shattered on Friday after further monetary tightening by China saw traders suddenly cut risky positions. . . .

I. Role of a Steward‘The message coming out of China in recent weeks has been quite clear—policymakers are becoming more concerned about containing inflationary expectations and managing the risk of asset price bubbles,’ said Jing Ulrich, managing director of China equities and commodities at JPMorgan.”

I. Role of a StewardThe difficult financial times only

serve to remind believers that their hopes do not lie in the world systems, financial or otherwise. Nothing calls for good stewardship more strongly than the realization that all we have really belongs to God, and our hopes rest in Him alone. Every believer is responsible and accountable to God to live according to biblical principles as they relate to stewardship. If we will be good stewards of that which God entrusts to us, He will take care of us, whatever crises come to us and to the

world.

I. Role of a StewardContemplating The

TopicThe principle of stewardship for the

Christian is all encompassing. In his book titled Money, Possessions, and Eternity, Randy Alcorn wrote, “Stewardship is not a subcategory of the Christian life. Stewardship is the Christian life. After all, what is stewardship except that God has entrusted to us life, time, talents, money, possessions, family, and His grace?”

I. Role of a StewardIf there is blessing in faithful stewardship, then there is also peril in poor stewardship. Success in resource management becomes a hindrance to progress when a person fails to obey God’s Word, follow His principles, and use His plan.

I. Role of a StewardSearching The

ScripturesRole of a Steward

Stewardship is an individual’s role and responsibility in managing his life and property regarding the rights of others. In biblical times this involved managing personal and business affairs for others.

A. Must Manage Another’s Affairs

A. Must Manage Another’s Affairs

God first established the idea of stewardship, and there are numerous examples of stewardship in the Scriptures. Mankind as the steward of God’s created world and of his own life was God’s first appointment. (See Genesis 1:28.) Following this same fundamental idea, the Hebrew patriarch, Abraham, entrusted his possessions and household to Eliezer.

I. Role of a StewardHe called him, “the steward of my house,” even assigning him the important task of selecting a bride for Isaac (Genesis 15:2; 24:2-4). As a servant in Egypt, Joseph was a steward in Potiphar’s house. (See Genesis 39:4.) David placed among the most influential of his kingdom “the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons,” even calling them “brethren” (I Chronicles 28:1-2).

I. Role of a StewardIn his book Christian Giving, John

Hopkins wrote, “The word ‘steward’ in the New Testament comes from the Greek word ‘oikonomos’ and it designates the Lord’s ministers and teachers (I Corinthians 4:1-2), believers in general (I Peter 4:10), and the bishops (pastors) of the churches (Titus 1:5-7). It literally means ‘one who arranges the house.’ A public official could be called oikonomos, (Romans 16:23), an overseer or guardian (epitropos, Luke 8:3).”

I. Role of a StewardPaul acknowledged that we are

stewards of the mysteries of the gospel, “which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). He recognized that a dispensation was committed to him. (See I Corinthians 4:1; 9:17; Galatians 2:7; Ephesians 3:2; Colossians 1:23-29.) In other words, God dispensed to him a special responsibility, which made him a steward with specific duties relative to proclaiming God’s grace to others.

I. Role of a StewardAs guardian and dispenser of God’s

grace, the Christian believer is a steward and should be both faithful and wise. To be a good steward of Jesus Christ, one first should recognize the need to have a servant’s attitude. He then becomes excited about helping someone else succeed. The Lord Himself demonstrated this attitude by descending into His creation as a servant rather than a ruler. Paul wrote that He “made himself of no reputation” (Philippians 2:7).

I. Role of a StewardPaul also declared that we should acquire the same mind, or thinking process as that of Christ. (See Philippians 2:5.)

This managing role of a steward from a divine perspective is evident in three stewardship parables: (1) the parable of the unjust steward (Luke 16:1-10); (2) the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30); and (3) the parable of the pounds (Luke 19:10-27). In each parable, the owner expected individuals to profitably manage his goods, money, and business affairs.

I. Role of a StewardSuccess or failure hinged on their wise use of available resources. Fearful of taking risks, the servants who were “wicked and slothful” ventured nothing and gained nothing save the wrath of the owner. Apparently, God considers good stewardship to include taking calculated risks in order to gain the best possible increase to His business.

B. Must Be WiseB. Must Be Wise

A successful steward should exercise wisdom by establishing goals, making correct choices, and implementing timely decisions. Even Jesus Christ in His earthly ministry reflected the thinking of a planning steward: “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4). He recognized the need to capitalize on the investment that God had made in His

life.

I. Role of a StewardTo meet the requirements for

exercising wise stewardship, we first must know what the requirements are. Therefore, a wise steward recognizes that planning a clearly defined task is the first step toward the successful completion of that task. Certainly, a wise steward understands what is expected of him.

Luke 12:42

“And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his

lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their

portion of meat in due season?” (Luke 12:42).

C. Must Give AccountC. Must Give Account

The Bible clearly shows that the Master will one day call for an accounting of the use of His resources. In the parable of the talents, inspection day came for the servants who had received the talents: “Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents”

(Matthew 18:23-24).

I. Role of a StewardThe term reckon is an accounting term, rendered as “take account” in the previous verse, meaning “to compare receipts, expenditures, and balance.” When he opened the books, the master discovered that one servant owed him an incalculable debt, which could be neither hidden nor satisfied by the servant.

I. Role of a StewardPertaining to the calling of believers

as stewards in the kingdom of God, Paul solemnly warned: “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). From this statement we derive several things: (1) the certainty of reckoning; (2) the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the only one able to render a just judgment; and (3) the responsibility of each person to give an account of himself to God. Thus, everyone will have to give an account of his character, his attitude, and his work performed on Christ’s

behalf.

D. Must Be Trustworthy and Faithful

D. Must Be Trustworthy and Faithful

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul observed the accountability of stewards of Christ: “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (I Corinthians 4:2). Fidelity—faithfulness to duty—is the first absolute biblical requisite in a steward, and a prerequisite to blessing. The Bible reminds us that God rewards us with true riches based on proven trustworthiness in lesser

things. (See Luke 16:10-11.)

II. Accountability of StewardsAccountability of

StewardsA. Time

The Bible mentions the concept of time on nearly eight hundred occasions in more than seven hundred verses. Since everything we do occurs in time, stewards will succeed only when they use their time wisely. Even Jesus noted the importance of the prudent use of time (John 9:4).

I. Role of a StewardTime passes in uniform increments

that yield themselves to work and management. We might sandwich some work that takes minutes between major jobs that require hours. On the other hand, it takes months to produce a crop and years to educate a child. By prioritizing responsibilities and working efficiently, we can make wise use of our allotted days and years.

I. Role of a StewardPaul advised, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16). The wise steward redeems time, literally “buying the opportunity.”

We should strive to be diligent to accomplish as much as possible in a minimum amount of time. “Everything we do requires time; and the better stewards of time we are, the more we will achieve and the greater will be our rewards” (Ron Becton, “It’s about Time,” Apostolic Man, 2003).

I. Role of a StewardThe wise steward learns to stay focused, avoiding involvement in things that distract from his priorities. He works to eliminate the time-robbers of idleness, procrastination, and involvement in things that do not profit the kingdom. He also practices writing out his goals, plans, and action steps, and he vehemently rejects any excuse for not starting and finishing a job. Also, he recognizes his limitations and delegates tasks to others who have proven dependable.

B. MoneyB. Money

God gives to mankind the power to obtain wealth (Deuteronomy 8:18). Therefore, anything we give to Him comes only from what He has given to us (I Chronicles 29:14). Jesus stated that one cannot serve both God and mammon, so the wise steward should never allow money to be his god (Matthew 6:24). He should learn to use money without allowing money to use him.

B. MoneyThe greatest benefit of money comes when a person invests it into the kingdom of God by paying tithes and offerings and by helping people in need. Even a penny held close enough to the eye will hide the largest item from our view, and it becomes our focus. Paul instructed Timothy to advise those who are wealthy to be level headed about their possessions. (See I Timothy 6:17-18.)

I Timothy 6:17-18

“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly

all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good

works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate” (I Timothy 6:17-18).

C. PrayerC. Prayer

Christians have received the Holy Spirit, which helps them to discern the things freely given of God (I Corinthians 2:12)—for example, the human body, mind, and spirit. The New Testament Scriptures compare our human bodies to temples that house God’s Spirit. (See I Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19-20; II Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:21.) Paul wrote to the Roman church that we should present our bodies “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God” (Romans 12:1).

Quote from Michael Williams “Daily we make decisions and choices that reveal our relationship to these treasures entrusted to our

care. How we use our time, our talents, and our treasure declares clearly what matters most to us. Watch what a person does with

these, and you will quickly see his priorities”

(Michael Williams).

I. Role of a StewardHaving been filled with the Holy

Spirit, wise stewards keep God’s temples pure. They choose to do nothing that will dishonor, harm, or destroy their bodies, using them for the glory of God. Sanctification, both inward and outward, glorifies God in our bodies. A good steward of the body not only avoids sexual sins, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, gluttony, and other defiling habits, but he also follows a healthy life with sufficient rest and recreation.

I. Role of a StewardA good steward guards his mind

against detrimental thoughts. He practices Paul’s admonition: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8). The apostle also exhorted us to cast down imaginations and high things that exalt themselves against the knowledge of

God (II Corinthians 10:5).

I. Role of a StewardTo have the mind of Christ (I

Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 2:5) means we think and act like Him. Satan targets our minds; therefore, we should renew our minds by reading and meditating daily on the Word of God. Furthermore, we should continually be in a prayerful attitude and restrict our leisure reading to wholesome material. We should fill our minds with God’s Word, which will enable us to win spiritual battles and resist Satan’s attacks.

D. GospelD. Gospel

Stewards are accountable to preach the gospel fully and without compromise, adhering always to truth. Paul declared, “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts” (I Thessalonians 2:4). Paul also understood that God was holding him accountable for the gospel committed to his trust. (See I Timothy

1:11.)

I. Role of a StewardTruth is precious in any generation.

Jesus prophesied, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). The wise steward cultivates a love for the truth, which enables him to avoid the strong delusion that leads to damnation. (See II Thessalonians 2:10-12.) Paul indicated that some were among the believers in Rome who held “the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18). They had known God and had held the truth at one time, but they were no longer faithful stewards of that

treasure.

Quote from Ray Kloepper “Buying truth at any cost is an incredible bargain; selling truth at any price is a foolish transaction. We should have this truth settled

firmly and deeply in our minds and hearts. We should obey and love

truth. We must be faithful stewards of the truth that has been entrusted

to us” (Ray Kloepper, “Buy the Truth and Sell It Not,” Apostolic Man 3, no.

3 (2003): 12).

E. TalentsE. Talents

We normally use the word talents to indicate gifts, skills, or abilities that one possesses or has developed. We should not selfishly withhold these gifts; rather, we should use them to minister to one another as good stewards of the grace of God (I Peter 4:10).

III. Penalty for Poor StewardshipWhen Moses needed craftsmen

skilled in metallurgy to build vessels and furniture for the Tabernacle, God gave him Bezaleel and Aholiab. (See Exodus 31:1-6.) God also supplies human resources through a person’s gifts and skills to perfect our temples that house the Holy Spirit. He gives those gifts and talents to people, expecting them to use them and to multiply them. Therefore, we should develop and hone the talents God has given us to the best of our abilities. (See II Peter 1:3.)

II Peter 1:3

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us

to glory and virtue” (II Peter 1:3).

III. Penalty for Poor StewardshipAs members of the body of Christ,

we should bring glory to God by using the special gifts God has given each of us (Romans 12:3-8). One may have the gift of prophecy while others have gifts of ministry, teaching, exhorting, giving, ruling, and showing mercy—each to be used in a manner that honors God. We should always resist the temptation to use God’s talents primarily to achieve personal fame. Good stewards use God’s gifts to glorify Him.

III. Penalty for Poor StewardshipPenalty for Poor

StewardshipIf successful stewardship involves

glorifying God and using things in a way that edifies the church, then a lack of quantitative increase or qualitative improvement symbolizes poor stewardship. (See Luke 19:16-23.) God’s resources in the hands of gifted and skilled stewards never fail to increase. Thus, failure with kingdom resources is due to poor management

and carries a stiff penalty.

A. The Fool and His BarnA. The Fool and His Barn

Luke told the sad story of a gifted farmer whose fields brought forth plentifully, but who failed to honor God with his increase. (See Luke 12:15-21.) All he possessed really belonged to God. The soil was created by God, and He provided the growing season, the moisture, the seed of the crops, and even the skill of the laborers.

III. Penalty for Poor StewardshipCaught in the grip of covetousness, this steward of God’s resources decided to tear down his barns and build bigger ones to retain all he had produced for his own ease and consumption. “But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (Luke 12:20). The lesson of this parable is that any steward is a fool who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.

B. The Fool and His RichesB. The Fool and His Riches

An event in the life of Jesus is yet another example of the penalty for poor stewardship. (See Mark 10:17-22.) A man who had great wealth ran to Jesus with the question, “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” Perceiving his dilemma, Jesus focused first on the commandments given in the Law, which the man confessed to having observed from his youth.

B. The Fool and His RichesThen the Lord told him to demonstrate his love for God by selling his possessions, giving to the poor, and taking up the cross to follow Jesus. This he chose not to do and went away sorrowfully, unable to part with his wealth.

C. The Negligent ServantC. The Negligent Servant

Jesus compared the kingdom of Heaven to “a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods” (Matthew 25:14). One servant received five talents, another received two talents, and the third received one talent. Jesus then revealed the extreme consequences for poor stewardship. (See Matthew 25:28-30.) Not only was the unused talent taken from the unprofitable steward and given to the one having ten, but the servant was also

cast into outer darkness.

B. The Fool and His RichesIt may seem drastic to cast a

negligent steward into outer darkness, or Hell, for his poor use of money. However, if these talents were to represent the Scriptures, the penalty would be justified. The Word of God is given to everyone, available to each in whatever measure his ability, intellect, background, or personality can assimilate. The Word will not return void, but it will prosper and accomplish its purpose when it is invested (Isaiah 55:11).

IV. Reward of Good StewardshipReward of Good

Stewardship

Our lesson text reveals two types of rewards given for faithfulness. In either case, the steward is promoted to an honored place with his master. Faithfulness is the key word in Christian stewardship and is also the basis for eternal rewards. (See I Corinthians 4:2.)

IV. Reward of Good Stewardship

The faithful believer will be blessed in every area of his life: “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10); “For the Lord preserveth the faithful” (Psalm 31:23). A biblical definition of the word faithfulness includes not only complete faith in God’s Word but also action or obedience to it.

A. Rule over Many ThingsJesus Christ has personally

ascended into a “far country,” entrusting His kingdom goods and affairs to all believers, who are able ministers of the New Testament. He will return and call them into account for their stewardship. Wise stewards joyfully anticipate the day God calls them for a reckoning.

A. Rule over Many ThingsA. Rule over Many Things

The first type of reward for faithful stewardship is rulership. Stewards who have been faithful over a few things will be made ruler over many. Faithfulness in little responsibility merits a position of greater responsibility. God’s principle of stewardship is two sided: To everyone who has, more shall be given; and everyone who has not shown a profit shall lose even that which he has (Matthew 25:29).

A. Rule over Many ThingsThe familiar declaration “Well done,

thou good and faithful servant” is repeated twice in the parable of the talents. Each time, it is addressed to the steward who showed a profit for his lord. To be made ruler over many things is a promotion of the servant to a higher station of service to the Lord. Faithful stewards ruling and reigning with Jesus after the resurrection of the just will be the fulfillment of this principle.

B. Experience Joys of the LordB. Experience Joys of the Lord

The second type of reward for good stewardship is the invitation to “enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:23). This expression apparently refers to a festival held in celebration of the master’s return.

The Lord’s commendation, “Well done,” may be earned by even the most impoverished of believers, because it is given for faithful service.

B. Experience Joys of the LordInternalizing The Message

God provides assets and gifts to His servants, but our choices in the implementation of those gifts determine our destiny. In the study of physical science, we have discovered that every action reaps an opposite and equal reaction or consequence. Paul reinforced this principle in his letter to the Galatians: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

A. Rule over Many ThingsTherefore, if we properly invest the gifts God has given us, we will reap a great, eternal reward. On the other hand, those who do not invest their God-given gifts will reap the everlasting punishment slated for slothful servants.

The steward’s responsibility to his master is to prove himself worthy of greater responsibility. It is unwise for a steward to be lazy or to procrastinate.

A. Rule over Many ThingsA wise steward is diligent and highly motivated, and he is preoccupied with responsibilities rather than with rights, since he has no claim to any of the assets he manages.

Evaluation of the steward by anyone other than the owner is meaningless. In the day of reckoning before our Master, the opinions of others on earth who knew our name, called us great, or considered us fools will not matter at all.

A. Rule over Many ThingsFurthermore, it will not matter if our personal estate was large or small, or whether many or few attended our funeral. The only thing that will really matter is what the Master thinks of us in the day of reckoning.