1.         Look up the words “steward” and “stewardship” in the dictionary and write their meanings: Steward:

Stewardship:

2.         Read 1st Corinthians 4:2 (page 1130).

What does God require of a steward (or, servant)?

 

 Time

3.         Read Psalm 90:12. (page 589).

What are we to do?

Why?

4.         Read Psalm 127:2 (page 614).

What are the three things this verse says are vain (“…all for nothing.”)?

(Note: It is when all these things are done together day after day, as a way of life, without trusting in God that they are not good.)

1.      Read Matthew 6:33-34 (page 961).   What should we seek first?

 

What attitude should we have about tomorrow?

 

6.         Read Ephesians 5:15-16. (page 1159). How should we walk (or, live)?   How should we view our time?

Why?

 

Money

7.         Read Luke 12:48 (page 1032).

8.         Read Proverbs 23:4-5 (page 648).

What happens to money?

1.      Read Philippians 4:10-13 (page 1164).  How should we view abundance or loss?

10.       Read Matthew 6:19-20 (page 960).

What can happen to things?

Where is true treasure (riches)?

How should we invest?

 

11.       Read Proverbs 11:24 - 25 (page 635).

What is one thing mentioned in these verses that God wants us to do with the money He gives us?

______________________________________________________________________________

What happens to those who are unwilling to do this?

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Summary Statements

¨      It is required that stewards/managers be faithful in time and money (1 Corinthians 4:2).

 

¨      We must use our time and our money wisely (Psalm 90:12; Luke 12:48; Ephesians 5:15,16).

 

¨      Wealth is temporary  (Proverbs 23:4-5).

 

¨      We must learn to be content with much or with little (Philippians 4:10-13)

 

¨      We should be willing to use our time and money to help others. (Proverbs 11:24-25)

 

Principles That Work

1.      God will hold us accountable for how we use our time both personally and professionally.

 

2.      It is not what we lack but what we have that we should live by  (Philippians 4:10-13).

 

3.      If little is enough, then enough will be a feast!

 

4.      Get the best deals for your time AND your money. Budget your time as you do your money.

 

5.      Reminder: Only two things will last forever - God’s Word and God’s People. Those are the true investments that will be with you.

 

Practical                                                  Name______________________________

1.                  List three time stealers (things you are tempted to waste time doing).

 

2.                  List three money wasters (things you are tempted to waste money on).

 

 

3.      What can you do to curtail time-wasters?

 

 

4.      What can you do to curtail impulsive or unnecessary spending?

 

 

5.      In your personal planning, what is the timing for your action steps?

 

6.      Develop a budget on page 64 (you may want to ask for help doing this).

 

Small Group Discussion Questions - Class #11 – Stewardship

 

I can refer to the previous “Practical” page as the Mentor asks these questions.

Question #1:     What are the most common time wasters that you struggle with?

 

Question #2:     What are the most common money wasters that you struggle with?

 

Question #3:     What are one or two steps you can take this week to use your time better?

 

Question #4:    What can you do to use money in a better way?

 

Question #5:     What do you think it means to have “treasures in Heaven”

(Matthew 6:20) (page 960)? How can we store up for ourselves this kind of wealth?

(At this point the small group leader may need to share some additional scripture and explain.)

 

Question #6:     Why do you think that God will not bless a stingy person the way He will bless a    

  generous person?

 

 

Review          What did I learn about “Stewardship” of Time and Money?

*        Stewardship is not just a way of giving, it’s a way of living.

*        Psalm 24 (page 544) starts “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;”

*        So I belong to the Lord. I am a manager. Everything is divinely provided.

*        God gave me riches in time, talent, and knowledge.

*        All of my gifts should be used to God’s glory.

*        As a steward, I am to be a manager.

*        I should redeem any time I have lost with good works.

*        Over-commitment and procrastination may be two of the biggest barriers I face in using time.

*        I should budget my time just as I would my money. I have 168 hours every week.

 

What Jesus Taught About Time

In Matthew 25:35-36 (page 984), in the parable of The Sheep and the Goats, Jesus taught concerning the final judgment and names six groups we should serve:  “the hungry, the thirsty, strangers, the naked, the sick, and those in prison.”

He gave these illustrations of what he meant by “... the least of these my brethren.”

*        Who is dependent on me? Or should be? Or could be?

 

What Jesus Taught About Money

Also in Matthew 25:14-30 (page 983), in the Parable of the Talents, Jesus taught concerning the handling of money God has entrusted to us.

 

Compound Interest

 Is compound interest working in your favor through savings, or against you because of debt? The rule of 72 tells how long it will take for your debt or your savings to double.

If you incur $100 of debt at 18% per year, divide 72 by 18¸ which is 4.

Your debt will double in four years to $200.

If you save $100 with compound interest at a rate of 6% per year, divide 72 by 6, which is 12.

            Your savings will double in 12 years to $200.

STEPS -

Refer to the page Monthly Budget to develop Monthly Income and Expenses.