Read Proverbs 3:5. What crucial message is there for us, especially in the last part, about not “leaning” on our own understanding? (See also Isa. 55:9, 1 Cor. 4:5, 1 Cor 13:12.) The motto and aim of God’s stewards is to “trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” (Prov. 3:5, NKJV). Of course, … Continue reading –>
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Phil. 4:11). If we are to be content in whatever state we are in, where must that contentment ultimately come from? While writing to Timothy, Paul describes an unsavory group of people “who think that godliness is … Continue reading –>
Godliness is a vast topic. Godly people live a holy lifestyle (Titus 1:1), becoming like Christ with an attitude of devotion and with actions that are pleasing to Him (Ps. 4:3, Titus 2:12). Godliness is the evidence of true religion and receives the promise of eternal life. No philosophy, wealth, fame, power, or favored birth offers such a promise. … Continue reading –>
Read for This Week’s Study: 2 Tim. 3:1-9; Ezek. 14:14; Phil. 4:4-13; Prov. 3:5; 1 Pet. 2:11-12; Matt. 7:23; Matt. 25:21. Memory Text: “Having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:12, NKJV). As stewards, we should live as witnesses of … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: Enoch and Noah made it a habit to walk with God in an age when few remained faithful amid excess, materialism, and violence (Gen. 5:24, Gen. 6:9). They understood and accepted God’s grace, and were thus good stewards of the possessions and tasks entrusted to them. Down through the ages, people have walked with God … Continue reading –>
Self-discipline is one of the most important character traits a steward can have. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Tim. 1:7, NIV). The Greek word for discipline, sophronismos, appears only here in this verse in the New Testament and involves the ability to do what must … Continue reading –>
We originally were created perfect – mentally, physically, and spiritually. Of course, sin has ruined it all. The good news of the gospel, among other things, is that God is in the process of restoring us to what we were originally meant to be. Read Acts 3:21 and Rev. 21:1-5. What hope is found in these texts for … Continue reading –>
“For we were born yesterday, and know nothing, because our days on earth are a shadow” (Job 8:9, NKJV). You can stop a clock, but not the movement of time. Time does not wait; it keeps moving forward even if we stand still and do nothing. What do the following texts teach us about our time here … Continue reading –>
Read Luke 12:35-48. What does this parable teach us about how we are to relate to the second coming of Jesus? Why must all that we do always be in the context of the reality of the Second Coming? Stewardship should be habitually practiced in light of Jesus’ return. The character of unfaithful stewards who act … Continue reading –>
We all have habits. The question is: What kind are they? Good or bad? Of all the good habits a Christian could have, seeking God first thing every day would have to be the most important one of all. “Every morning dedicate yourself, soul, body, and spirit, to God. Establish habits of devotion and trust … Continue reading –>
