This study is about stewardship. Here you will see what stewardship is, who gave it to us, and what we should be doing in the following ways.
STEWARDSHIP
1.MAN AS A STEWARD
2.TALENTS GIVEN BY GOD
3.HOW WE SPEND OUR TIME
4.HOW WE USE OUR MONEY
5.WHAT WE DO TO OUR BODIES
Take heed, as we all fall short in these areas, and many will backslide. However, our God is a patient and loving God and will be there to pick us up as long as we strive very hard to keep ourselves clean and holy, following His laws and commandments and proving ourselves to be good stewards to the land and all He has given us.
God Bless
Sister Donna
STEWARDSHIP
1.MAN AS A STEWARD
2.TALENTS GIVEN BY GOD
3.HOW WE SPEND OUR TIME
4.HOW WE USE OUR MONEY
5.WHAT WE DO TO OUR BODIES
Take heed, as we all fall short in these areas, and many will backslide. However, our God is a patient and loving God and will be there to pick us up as long as we strive very hard to keep ourselves clean and holy, following His laws and commandments and proving ourselves to be good stewards to the land and all He has given us.
God Bless
Sister Donna
WHAT IS A STEWARD? A steward is a person who is a manager of another’s goods. With such responsibility there always comes a day of reckoning. Sooner or later the time arrives when the steward will be called upon to render a personal accounting to the owner of those goods, in this case, its God the creator of this world.
MAN AS GOD’S STEWARD
Over what was man given dominion after the creation of all things?
God gave man dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth. Genesis 1:26
Did the world belong to man?
The earth is the Lord’s, and all that is in it belongs to God. Psalm 24:1
Note that the Lord entrusted the management of things on earth to man. In Genesis 2:15 God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to tend and care for, to dress it and keep it.
What portion of the Garden of Eden did God reserve for Himself?
The tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil was not to be touched by Adam and Eve, it belonged to God alone, because in the day they eat of it, they would bring death into the world. Genesis 2:17
Note that this tree of the knowledge of good and evil became the test of man’s acknowledgment of God’s ownership of all things. The tree was placed in the garden as a test, and even if God did know that Adam and Eve would be tempted by Satan, He still had to give them the chance to prove themselves to God, He had to allow them free will.
When Adam and Eve failed God drove them out of Eden and placed Cherubim with flaming swords which turned every which way to keep safe the tree of life. Genesis 3:24
When the day of reckoning came what questions were asked of Adam and Eve?
God asked them were they were, why were they hiding from Him and had they eaten of the tree of which He told them not to touch. God knowing full well they did, He wanted to hear from their own lips what they had done.
Unfaithfulness on the part of man was sin which was brought into the world by the lies of Satan. God promised to redeem fallen man. God pronounced judgment on the devil and predicted the coming of One to deliver man from sin. What does God require of us as stewards today? Our question should be: “What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?” Psalm 116:12.
MAN AS GOD’S STEWARD
Over what was man given dominion after the creation of all things?
God gave man dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth. Genesis 1:26
Did the world belong to man?
The earth is the Lord’s, and all that is in it belongs to God. Psalm 24:1
Note that the Lord entrusted the management of things on earth to man. In Genesis 2:15 God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to tend and care for, to dress it and keep it.
What portion of the Garden of Eden did God reserve for Himself?
The tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil was not to be touched by Adam and Eve, it belonged to God alone, because in the day they eat of it, they would bring death into the world. Genesis 2:17
Note that this tree of the knowledge of good and evil became the test of man’s acknowledgment of God’s ownership of all things. The tree was placed in the garden as a test, and even if God did know that Adam and Eve would be tempted by Satan, He still had to give them the chance to prove themselves to God, He had to allow them free will.
When Adam and Eve failed God drove them out of Eden and placed Cherubim with flaming swords which turned every which way to keep safe the tree of life. Genesis 3:24
When the day of reckoning came what questions were asked of Adam and Eve?
God asked them were they were, why were they hiding from Him and had they eaten of the tree of which He told them not to touch. God knowing full well they did, He wanted to hear from their own lips what they had done.
Unfaithfulness on the part of man was sin which was brought into the world by the lies of Satan. God promised to redeem fallen man. God pronounced judgment on the devil and predicted the coming of One to deliver man from sin. What does God require of us as stewards today? Our question should be: “What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?” Psalm 116:12.
STEWARDSHIP OF TALENTS
Jesus told a parable of the talents to answer the question from the disciples regarding watching for His coming again. Its evident that Jesus intended for them to be spending their time in diligent labor as they waited for His return.
“For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents (coins), to another he gave two, and to another he gave one: to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.” Matthew 25:14,15. Jesus has gone on a journey and has given us each talents to use for the spreading of His message. Will we be found waiting with more talents than He gave us, to hand back to Him?
What two things have been given to God’s servants?
Jesus gave us authority and work to do while He is gone, and commanded us to watch for His return. Mark 13:34
How did the master’s servants make use of their authority and talents or work?
The one He gave the five talents to, went and traded with the same and made another five talents for a total of 10. Likewise did the one who received the two talents who made two more for a total of 4. However the one who was given one talent did nothing with it and placed it in the ground and hid the master’s money. Matthew 25:16-18.
Note that the talents in the parable represent the abilities God entrusts with each one of us and they are to be used in glorifying God and in blessing our fellowman.
What talents has Christ entrusted to His church through the Holy Spirit?
1 Corinthians 12:8-11 tells us what Christ has given His church.
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
Divers tongues means having and knowing more than one language.
Discerning of spirits means to be able to perceive or recognize truth.
Note that some of these abilities are inherited- a natural ability. Others are acquired through training. Some abilities are supernatural endowments of the Holy Spirit. These abilities are given to us by God. These abilities mentioned in 1 Corinthians are of the supernatural kind by the Holy Spirit.
Upon what basis does God expect returns on what He has given us?
Luke 12:48 For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
Note that God bestowed talents to each of His servants the disciples and Apostles, and we can see how they used them for the Glorification of God. It should be of no concern as to how many gifts God has given us, but ask ourselves, what are we going with the gifts we have received from God?
What did the master say to the man who hid his talent?
Matt 25:26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
Matt 25:27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
The man here proved himself not to be a disciple of the master, but fearful and overly cautious in the gift he was given. He chose not to use that gift, to share it with others and benefit not only himself in the favor of the master but failed to benefit others with the gift. This gift can also be noted as the Word of God, and if we fail to share that gift, we are no better than this man who lost all in disobedience.
What words of commendation were spoken to the servants who had used the talents the master gave them?
Matt 25:21 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.
When God gives a talent to be used, He gives His servant full responsibility.
Luke 19:13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
However, with the responsibility the master will one day expect the steward to give an account.
Matt 25:19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
Luke 16:1 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.
Luke 16:2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.
Let us ask God to help us to be faithful in our stewardship.
Jesus told a parable of the talents to answer the question from the disciples regarding watching for His coming again. Its evident that Jesus intended for them to be spending their time in diligent labor as they waited for His return.
“For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents (coins), to another he gave two, and to another he gave one: to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.” Matthew 25:14,15. Jesus has gone on a journey and has given us each talents to use for the spreading of His message. Will we be found waiting with more talents than He gave us, to hand back to Him?
What two things have been given to God’s servants?
Jesus gave us authority and work to do while He is gone, and commanded us to watch for His return. Mark 13:34
How did the master’s servants make use of their authority and talents or work?
The one He gave the five talents to, went and traded with the same and made another five talents for a total of 10. Likewise did the one who received the two talents who made two more for a total of 4. However the one who was given one talent did nothing with it and placed it in the ground and hid the master’s money. Matthew 25:16-18.
Note that the talents in the parable represent the abilities God entrusts with each one of us and they are to be used in glorifying God and in blessing our fellowman.
What talents has Christ entrusted to His church through the Holy Spirit?
1 Corinthians 12:8-11 tells us what Christ has given His church.
For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
Divers tongues means having and knowing more than one language.
Discerning of spirits means to be able to perceive or recognize truth.
Note that some of these abilities are inherited- a natural ability. Others are acquired through training. Some abilities are supernatural endowments of the Holy Spirit. These abilities are given to us by God. These abilities mentioned in 1 Corinthians are of the supernatural kind by the Holy Spirit.
Upon what basis does God expect returns on what He has given us?
Luke 12:48 For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
Note that God bestowed talents to each of His servants the disciples and Apostles, and we can see how they used them for the Glorification of God. It should be of no concern as to how many gifts God has given us, but ask ourselves, what are we going with the gifts we have received from God?
What did the master say to the man who hid his talent?
Matt 25:26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
Matt 25:27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
The man here proved himself not to be a disciple of the master, but fearful and overly cautious in the gift he was given. He chose not to use that gift, to share it with others and benefit not only himself in the favor of the master but failed to benefit others with the gift. This gift can also be noted as the Word of God, and if we fail to share that gift, we are no better than this man who lost all in disobedience.
What words of commendation were spoken to the servants who had used the talents the master gave them?
Matt 25:21 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.
When God gives a talent to be used, He gives His servant full responsibility.
Luke 19:13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.
However, with the responsibility the master will one day expect the steward to give an account.
Matt 25:19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
Luke 16:1 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.
Luke 16:2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.
Let us ask God to help us to be faithful in our stewardship.
STEWARDSHIP OF TIME
Time is a talent given to each person. All are given the same amount of time
24 hours in a day. We are admonished to redeem time, but how can this be?
Paul says in Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without,
redeeming the time. There is no way to call back even a moment of time.
Therefore, Eph 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Eph 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
It is our duty as stewards to make the most of the time remaining by seeking constantly to do God’s will.
What is it time to do now?
Hosea 10:12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.
2Corint 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
Note that the prophet Hosea expresses truth, that is it always a present duty to seek God. Now is the time to seek God, not when it is too late, not when trouble comes, but before it comes and to have a relationship that is strong in trust and faith and truth with Him.
Should we be concerned in our spiritual condition at the present time?
Rom 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
Yes now is the time to get right in our spirit and with God. Now is the time to wake up for Jesus is near and we must not delay and be prepared.
How much time does God give us?
Psalm 90:10 The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
Psalm 89:47 Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain?
Our average life span is 80 years. Some have more years than others. We can die at 1 year old or 100 year old. However, its what we do with that time that is important and its not to be wasted and always used to glorify God.
What is our spiritual work to be during the time allotted to us?
2Corinth 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Note that as we sow the gospel seed in our time it is encouraging to know that in Psalm 126:5,6 it says: They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
We who spread the gospel know that it will not be easy, and that there will be those that turn on us. We may weep for them and ourselves, but we know that our tears will be turned into joy by the hand of our Father in heaven who knows that we tried. Those that refuse to listen, we have done all that we can for them, but those that do listen, oh what joy to see them in heaven.
When should we be doing our work for God?
Every minute of every day. You might say every breathing moment.
John 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
The fields are ready to be harvested now with the Word of God. We are to be ready everyday to give His Word to those who would listen.
God gave us certain amount of days to work how many were they?
Exodus 31:15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.
God gave us six days to work and that is all. There are those who work all seven with disregard to God’s command.
Does it make any difference what is done on the seventh day?
Oh my friend it makes a big difference. Unless its to help another who is ailing, or to spread the gospel to another, no work is to be done on this day.
Isaiah 58:13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
Isaiah 58:14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
We are not to be doing our own pleasure on this day, no work, play, shopping, cleaning, going to baseball games etc. This day is to be spent with the Lord in prayer and fellowshipping with others of like mind, giving glory to God for all He has given us.
Note that while it is true the Sabbath was made for man, yet it must be also remembered that Christ is the Lord of the Sabbath day.
Luke 6:5 And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
Exodus 20:10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
Since this is true, God has the right to tell us how to observe His day to our benefit.
As faithful stewards of time, what three things ought we to do now?
Rev 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
We are to read the word, hear the word and keep the word in our hearts, and most important of all, spread the word that is given us by God.
It seems that there is a time to every purpose under heaven as stated in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, read it, its very profound. Man often struts and shouts as if he were the master of this world. Man is steward over the things entrusted to him by God. Never for get that. God is the time-keeper. The above verses in Ecclesiastes are God’s time bill which indicates times of change, of direction, and of progress. As stewards of God it is up to us to be faithful every time in the discharging of our responsibilities. The great thing is to know the time and to say the right thing at the right moment.
Time is a talent given to each person. All are given the same amount of time
24 hours in a day. We are admonished to redeem time, but how can this be?
Paul says in Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without,
redeeming the time. There is no way to call back even a moment of time.
Therefore, Eph 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Eph 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
It is our duty as stewards to make the most of the time remaining by seeking constantly to do God’s will.
What is it time to do now?
Hosea 10:12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.
2Corint 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
Note that the prophet Hosea expresses truth, that is it always a present duty to seek God. Now is the time to seek God, not when it is too late, not when trouble comes, but before it comes and to have a relationship that is strong in trust and faith and truth with Him.
Should we be concerned in our spiritual condition at the present time?
Rom 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
Yes now is the time to get right in our spirit and with God. Now is the time to wake up for Jesus is near and we must not delay and be prepared.
How much time does God give us?
Psalm 90:10 The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
Psalm 89:47 Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain?
Our average life span is 80 years. Some have more years than others. We can die at 1 year old or 100 year old. However, its what we do with that time that is important and its not to be wasted and always used to glorify God.
What is our spiritual work to be during the time allotted to us?
2Corinth 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Note that as we sow the gospel seed in our time it is encouraging to know that in Psalm 126:5,6 it says: They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
We who spread the gospel know that it will not be easy, and that there will be those that turn on us. We may weep for them and ourselves, but we know that our tears will be turned into joy by the hand of our Father in heaven who knows that we tried. Those that refuse to listen, we have done all that we can for them, but those that do listen, oh what joy to see them in heaven.
When should we be doing our work for God?
Every minute of every day. You might say every breathing moment.
John 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
The fields are ready to be harvested now with the Word of God. We are to be ready everyday to give His Word to those who would listen.
God gave us certain amount of days to work how many were they?
Exodus 31:15 Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.
God gave us six days to work and that is all. There are those who work all seven with disregard to God’s command.
Does it make any difference what is done on the seventh day?
Oh my friend it makes a big difference. Unless its to help another who is ailing, or to spread the gospel to another, no work is to be done on this day.
Isaiah 58:13 If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
Isaiah 58:14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
We are not to be doing our own pleasure on this day, no work, play, shopping, cleaning, going to baseball games etc. This day is to be spent with the Lord in prayer and fellowshipping with others of like mind, giving glory to God for all He has given us.
Note that while it is true the Sabbath was made for man, yet it must be also remembered that Christ is the Lord of the Sabbath day.
Luke 6:5 And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
Exodus 20:10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
Since this is true, God has the right to tell us how to observe His day to our benefit.
As faithful stewards of time, what three things ought we to do now?
Rev 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
We are to read the word, hear the word and keep the word in our hearts, and most important of all, spread the word that is given us by God.
It seems that there is a time to every purpose under heaven as stated in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, read it, its very profound. Man often struts and shouts as if he were the master of this world. Man is steward over the things entrusted to him by God. Never for get that. God is the time-keeper. The above verses in Ecclesiastes are God’s time bill which indicates times of change, of direction, and of progress. As stewards of God it is up to us to be faithful every time in the discharging of our responsibilities. The great thing is to know the time and to say the right thing at the right moment.
STEWARDSHIP OF MONEY
Tithing
is not a popular subject with many people. Moreover in these days of
high gas prices, the cost of food going up, employers downsizing and
laying off people and raises being frozen, it is no wonder that
people struggle with this command of God.
The stewardship of money involves God’s claim upon our finances. Psalm 116: 12 says, “What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?”
No selfish person will ever enter heaven. There are three kinds of givers:
The Flint
The Sponge
The Honeycomb
You must hammer the flint to get chips and sparks only.
You must squeeze the sponge to get water.
However, the honeycomb just overflows with sweetness.
Let us determine not to be like the flint, stingy and hard, or like the sponge, which must be pressed to give. We ought to be like the honeycomb, for the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “God loveth a cheerful giver.”
By whose power is wealth obtained.
Deuteronomy 8:18
But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get
wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he swore unto thy fathers, as it is this
day.
By Gods power is wealth obtained. God gives and takes away, He has that authority and power.
How much belongs to God?
Psalm 24:1
A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
All belongs to God. He created it, He gave us life, our ability to clothe, house and feed ourselves. He put all those things that we need to survive on this world for us to use.
How much of our income is holy unto the Lord?
Leviticus 27: 30, 32
30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD's: it is holy unto the LORD.
32 And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the LORD.
A tenth of all we own is holy unto the Lord.
Note what is a tithe? The Bible says Abram pursued the kings who had plundered Sodom and Gomorrah. When he returned, the Bible indicates he gave tithes of all. See Genesis 14: 19, 20. In Hebrews 7: 2, 4, it is explained that he gave a tenth.
Out of what portion of the income is the tithe to be taken?
Proverbs 3:9
Honor the LORD with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase:
Note that some have felt they do not have to tithe because it takes all they make to pay their bills. That is a mistake. When the tithe is given to God first, the nine tenths will be blessed of God. Read Proverbs 3:10.
In addition to the tithe what else does God require?
Psalm 96:8
Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.
Note that an offering is no certain amount. The offering is given according as God has prospered. Read 1 Corinthians 16:2 and 2 Corinthians 8:12 and 9:7. We owe God the tithe. The offering is given to God out of the portion He gives us. In tithing we fulfill a duty, whereas, in giving an offering we show our appreciation for God’s many blessings.
When Paul was doing his missionary work the people laid up offerings for him to take with him. These offerings advanced his work, aided him in his travels with supplies, food, and lodging. It is no different for us today. With so many charities for the homeless, orphans, etc. by our offerings we are furthering God’s work in helping them. Find trusted Christian charities and further the work of God.
What blessing is pronounced on those who are faithful in returning to God that which is His?
Malachi 3:10, 11
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.
What can those expect who are unfaithful in tithes and offerings?
Malachi 3:9
Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
Read Haggai 1:5-11.
For what was the tithe to be used?
Numbers 18:21
And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.
Should the ministry be supported from the tithe today?
1 Corinthians 9:13, 14
13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?
14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
Did Jesus endorse the tithing system?
Matthew 23:23
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and
cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith:
these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Where should we put our tithe?
Malachi 3:10
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and
prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of
heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Note that the storehouse means the treasuries of God’s church. Read Nehemiah 13:12 and 13:13. It is the duty of the treasurer to distribute the tithe to support God’s ministers.
In nature some things multiply by dividing. Some cells increase by splitting. Plants multiply only when the seeds are sown liberally. A farmer who sows sparingly reaps sparingly. It is the same in God’s kingdom. We should tithe our income because we love God and in acknowledgment of God’s ownership of all things. We are dependent upon God for all our blessings, and He bestows them in numberless ways.
STEWARDSHIP OF THE BODY
The Bible has much to say about healthful living. Sometimes man reasons that the care of the human body is strictly up to him. No one has the right to tell him what to do regarding the care of his body. This reasoning is wrong on at least two counts.
First, God created man in His own image. Genesis 1:26,27 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Second, as stewards over our bodies we are to glorify God. 1Corinth 6:19, 20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Our bodies do not belong to us, as with everything else God has given us. They are His and He expects us to care for them until He comes again to reclaim them.
What is God’s desire for us who are His children?
3 John 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Note that God promised His people, Exodus 23:25 And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.
God promised not to allow disease to afflict His people provided they would keep all His commandments. Exodus 15:26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
Which commandments do you think God tells us to keep? The 10 Commandments of course, and all the health laws that entail not eating meat and foods that would harm us. Gods original diet for us was to be fruits, nuts, grains, and vegetables. And so it will be when we are in heaven.
In what ways are we to glorify God?
1Corinth 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Therefore in what we eat, drink, or do, we must do in with God in mind and in Glorifying Him. That means, no foods that harm the body, no liquor, smoking, drugs, sex before marriage, anything that would keep us from God.
How serious a matter is it to disregard the proper care of the body?
In John chapter 5, is the account of a cripple at the pool of Bethesda. He had been in that condition for thirty-eight years. The abuse of his health, which had led to this condition, was considered to be sin by Jesus (John 5:14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.) Breaking physical or moral law is sin against the Creator.
Too many people eat the wrong foods and too much of it and become obese, or don’t eat enough and become anorexic. Too many people drink liquor and become alcoholics, or drug addicts, or smoke and then get cancer. Then they say to the doctors, fix us. Does it not occur to you that if you stay away from these evils that you won’t need a doctor to fix you. If you put your bodies where they belong in the hands of Jesus, and do the right things for your body, you will not need earthly physicians.
How are we to present our bodies to God?
Roman 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
What was the original diet prescribed for man?
Genesis 1:29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. (meaning food not actual meat).
How many trees can you think of today that bear fruit that is good to eat? What vegetables are there that have healing properties and nutrition that our bodies need? What herbs are there today that have the same healing and nutrition properties needed for our bodies? Nuts and grains, all these God gave us for food.
Why did God place restrictions on the diet of His people?
Deut 14:2 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.
Deut 14:3 Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.
God knew that His people would be going into nations that were pagans and ate meats and things that were not good for the body. God therefore had to lay down restrictions for them to follow in order to keep their bodies pure and holy.
What particular animal does God say is unfit for food?
Deut 14:8 And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase.
Lev 11:7 And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you.
Lev 11:8 Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.
In the Bible there are two whole chapters, Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 devoted entirely to lists of clean and unclean animals. Jesus did not regard swine to be fit food otherwise in Mark 5:1-13 where he casts out the demons from the man into the swine, he would not have caused the swine to die.
When the people in Mark 8:5-9 came to listen to Jesus and they were hungry, what food did He feed them? He fed them bread and fish. Those were acceptable to eat.
If you really want to know why God did not want us to eat swine or pig as we call them, then take a look at this website which shows all the different worms and parasites that are in the pig. When you eat the pig you eat the parasite as well. http://www.thepigsite.com/diseaseinfo/150/internal-parasites-worms-etc
What was the meaning of the animals on the sheet in Peters vision ?
Act 10:28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
Act 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
Act 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Note that God was not trying to show Peter that all kinds of animals and creeping things are good for food, but rather, the Gentiles were not to be regarded as unclean and unfit to receive the Gospel. This was the message Jesus was trying to get across to Peter in the Vision. It has nothing to do with eating meat as most people think.
What can those expect who persist in eating swine’s flesh until Jesus comes?
Isaiah 66:15-17 For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.
For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many.
They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD.
Note that such judgments of God foretold to come upon His sinning ancient people, clearly indicate what His judgment will be on the similar sins for us in our day.
We were not meant to eat meat, and to continue to eat meat with the conditions of today, mad cow disease, and parasites that cause disease and severe damage to the body, is an insult to God who gave us these bodies. Do you not know that your body is a temple and is to be kept pure and holy before God?
1Corinth 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
What counsel does God give concerning the use of intoxicating drink?
Pro 23:31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
Pro 23:32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
Pro 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
Any wine or liquor drunk in excess that causes impairment of mind and actions is an abomination because it causes you to do things you cannot control. You lose reason and cause harm to yourself and to others.
Anything you eat or drink in excess is harmful to the body. All must be done in moderation.
Should a Christian use tobacco?
1Corinth 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Ask yourself, would smoking glorify God, would drug use, or drinking, or overeating glorify God? Would getting cancer from smoking, or alcoholism, or obesity glorify God? No they would not.
Note today it is a recognized fact that tobacco is harmful to the human body. As well as on the animals that it is tested on, which is also an abomination to God, because you are not being good stewards to the animals whom God
gave us to care for. Since God made man He knows what is best for Him. He gave man permission to eat such animals as deer, sheep, cows or any animal with a split hoof and which also chews the cud. The eating of squirrel, rabbits, and hogs
is not permitted. Fish which have fins and scales are good for food, but eels, catfish, lobsters, crabs, oysters and clams are unfit for food, because they clean all the dead scraps from the ocean floor, all the contaminates of the ocean are filtered through their bodies and when we eat them, we eat the contaminates. There are twenty birds mentioned as being prohibited to eat. Some fowl considered clean to eat are the dove, partridge, quail, chicken, and turkey to name a few. Daniel set a good example for us in eating and drinking.
Dan 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
The Bible has much to say about healthful living. Sometimes man reasons that the care of the human body is strictly up to him. No one has the right to tell him what to do regarding the care of his body. This reasoning is wrong on at least two counts.
First, God created man in His own image. Genesis 1:26,27 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Second, as stewards over our bodies we are to glorify God. 1Corinth 6:19, 20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Our bodies do not belong to us, as with everything else God has given us. They are His and He expects us to care for them until He comes again to reclaim them.
What is God’s desire for us who are His children?
3 John 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
Note that God promised His people, Exodus 23:25 And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.
God promised not to allow disease to afflict His people provided they would keep all His commandments. Exodus 15:26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.
Which commandments do you think God tells us to keep? The 10 Commandments of course, and all the health laws that entail not eating meat and foods that would harm us. Gods original diet for us was to be fruits, nuts, grains, and vegetables. And so it will be when we are in heaven.
In what ways are we to glorify God?
1Corinth 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Therefore in what we eat, drink, or do, we must do in with God in mind and in Glorifying Him. That means, no foods that harm the body, no liquor, smoking, drugs, sex before marriage, anything that would keep us from God.
How serious a matter is it to disregard the proper care of the body?
In John chapter 5, is the account of a cripple at the pool of Bethesda. He had been in that condition for thirty-eight years. The abuse of his health, which had led to this condition, was considered to be sin by Jesus (John 5:14 Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.) Breaking physical or moral law is sin against the Creator.
Too many people eat the wrong foods and too much of it and become obese, or don’t eat enough and become anorexic. Too many people drink liquor and become alcoholics, or drug addicts, or smoke and then get cancer. Then they say to the doctors, fix us. Does it not occur to you that if you stay away from these evils that you won’t need a doctor to fix you. If you put your bodies where they belong in the hands of Jesus, and do the right things for your body, you will not need earthly physicians.
How are we to present our bodies to God?
Roman 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
What was the original diet prescribed for man?
Genesis 1:29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. (meaning food not actual meat).
How many trees can you think of today that bear fruit that is good to eat? What vegetables are there that have healing properties and nutrition that our bodies need? What herbs are there today that have the same healing and nutrition properties needed for our bodies? Nuts and grains, all these God gave us for food.
Why did God place restrictions on the diet of His people?
Deut 14:2 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.
Deut 14:3 Thou shalt not eat any abominable thing.
God knew that His people would be going into nations that were pagans and ate meats and things that were not good for the body. God therefore had to lay down restrictions for them to follow in order to keep their bodies pure and holy.
What particular animal does God say is unfit for food?
Deut 14:8 And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcase.
Lev 11:7 And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be clovenfooted, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you.
Lev 11:8 Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.
In the Bible there are two whole chapters, Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 devoted entirely to lists of clean and unclean animals. Jesus did not regard swine to be fit food otherwise in Mark 5:1-13 where he casts out the demons from the man into the swine, he would not have caused the swine to die.
When the people in Mark 8:5-9 came to listen to Jesus and they were hungry, what food did He feed them? He fed them bread and fish. Those were acceptable to eat.
If you really want to know why God did not want us to eat swine or pig as we call them, then take a look at this website which shows all the different worms and parasites that are in the pig. When you eat the pig you eat the parasite as well. http://www.thepigsite.com/diseaseinfo/150/internal-parasites-worms-etc
What was the meaning of the animals on the sheet in Peters vision ?
Act 10:28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
Act 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
Act 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Note that God was not trying to show Peter that all kinds of animals and creeping things are good for food, but rather, the Gentiles were not to be regarded as unclean and unfit to receive the Gospel. This was the message Jesus was trying to get across to Peter in the Vision. It has nothing to do with eating meat as most people think.
What can those expect who persist in eating swine’s flesh until Jesus comes?
Isaiah 66:15-17 For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.
For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many.
They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD.
Note that such judgments of God foretold to come upon His sinning ancient people, clearly indicate what His judgment will be on the similar sins for us in our day.
We were not meant to eat meat, and to continue to eat meat with the conditions of today, mad cow disease, and parasites that cause disease and severe damage to the body, is an insult to God who gave us these bodies. Do you not know that your body is a temple and is to be kept pure and holy before God?
1Corinth 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
What counsel does God give concerning the use of intoxicating drink?
Pro 23:31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.
Pro 23:32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
Pro 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
Any wine or liquor drunk in excess that causes impairment of mind and actions is an abomination because it causes you to do things you cannot control. You lose reason and cause harm to yourself and to others.
Anything you eat or drink in excess is harmful to the body. All must be done in moderation.
Should a Christian use tobacco?
1Corinth 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Ask yourself, would smoking glorify God, would drug use, or drinking, or overeating glorify God? Would getting cancer from smoking, or alcoholism, or obesity glorify God? No they would not.
Note today it is a recognized fact that tobacco is harmful to the human body. As well as on the animals that it is tested on, which is also an abomination to God, because you are not being good stewards to the animals whom God
gave us to care for. Since God made man He knows what is best for Him. He gave man permission to eat such animals as deer, sheep, cows or any animal with a split hoof and which also chews the cud. The eating of squirrel, rabbits, and hogs
is not permitted. Fish which have fins and scales are good for food, but eels, catfish, lobsters, crabs, oysters and clams are unfit for food, because they clean all the dead scraps from the ocean floor, all the contaminates of the ocean are filtered through their bodies and when we eat them, we eat the contaminates. There are twenty birds mentioned as being prohibited to eat. Some fowl considered clean to eat are the dove, partridge, quail, chicken, and turkey to name a few. Daniel set a good example for us in eating and drinking.
Dan 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.