Weird Words: “Stewardship” & “Tithe”

Oct 17 / Sunday – Overview | Read 1 Peter 4:10

Our “Weird Word” message series looks at important words used by Christians, but that are just plain weird to other people. Each week’s message will unpack one or more of these words to try and “un-weird” them.

18 / Mon – Who owns what?  |  Read Psalm 24:1

Stewardship is the responsible management of assets/resources that belong to another. Biblical stewardship is managing everything God brings into the believer’s life in a manner that honors God and impacts eternity in a fruitful way. It begins and ends with the understanding that God owns it all. How does this truth differ from the  prevailing attitude of the culture, especially with regard to position, wealth or possessions? What has God given you to manage?

19 / Tue – More or less  |  Read Matthew 25:14-30

When Jesus tells this story illustrating the kingdom of heaven, he seems to say God gives more to some and less to others. Is God being unfair? Does this mean He loves some people more than others? Look for a possible reason in the middle of verse 15. Does this make a difference when feelings pop up as you see others who have more than you do? What is God ultimately looking for when he gives you assets or resources to manage, whether they are big or small (v. 23)?

20 / Wed – Owner or steward?  |  Read Luke 12:15-21 / Genesis 41:47-49, 53-54

There is an unspoken – and sometimes spoken – belief that the things you get in life are for making you happy. Jesus told a story of someone who lived by this philosophy. When he was blessed with an abundant harvest, he thought it was so he could quit work and indulge himself. Compare this attitude with Joseph’s in Genesis 41. What might have been different if this man had seen himself as a steward instead of the owner of the harvest given to him?

21 / Thu – Why a tithe?  |  Read Leviticus 27:30, 32 / Proverbs 3:9 / Deuteronomy 14:24-25

In the Old Testament, God taught the former slaves of Egypt how to live in responsible freedom. The Lord was practical and specific. One command was to give a tithe (10%) of their crops and flocks. If they lived too far from the designated place, they could exchange those things for silver and bring that. Jesus also validated giving a tithe in Matthew 23:23. What are some reasons God would ask this of His people? How have you incorporated tithing into your own life?

22 / Fri – Perspective  |  Read Mark 12:41-44

A woman in Jesus’ time could not work outside of the home to earn money. When her husband died, she would most likely have very little to live on. This widow must have loved God very much, for her to give everything she had. It was a small offering in some people’s eyes but to Jesus it was the greatest gift anyone had put in the box. Have you ever given a sacrificial offering? Why did you do it? How did God provide for your needs as a result?

23 / Sat – Generous living  |  Read James 1:17 / Corinthians 9:7-8

Has anyone ever given you something begrudgingly? How did that make you feel? Have you ever given to someone who thanked you profusely? What effect did that have on you? God is a person. Every good thing in your life comes from Him. If you believe that and also believe you can depend on Him for all you need, does it generate a desire to share with others? If you do not experience joy in giving to the Lord or in passing His tangible blessings on to others, you might want to ask Him to show you the reason. It’s good to have regular heart check-ups.