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Introduction: Stewardship – Motives of the Heart — 12 Comments

  1. The introduction to this quarter's lesson states that "As Christians, we need to recognize our sinful condition before we see a need for change. That change can come only and thoroughly through Christ working in us."

    Do I need to only recognise my sinful condition in order for me to be thoroughly changed, or is there more that I need to be actively involved in?

    (12)
    • In humble answer to your question, sin is going in the wrong direction. A 180 degree turn means you recognize your sin; that you were headed in the wrong direction, and the turn puts you in the right direction of following Christ and His righteousness. The rest will come. Says Matthew 6:33, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."

      (2)
  2. Hi

    I have been struggling with this tithe thing for the past months. As I learnt that tithing is not a requirement in the new testament since Christ came and put an end to it. That the Israelites were required to offer a tithe to the Levi priest; that Abraham only returned a tithe once from his spoils.. it is interested that this topic comes out now and I hope i learn the truth.

    (9)
    • I think Baswell, your suggesting that you hope to learn the truth from the study of this topic is a good one. We have 3 months of study ahead of us on this one and will be good to get the big picture of what stewardship really means. Tithing is only part of the issue.

      (7)
  3. The topic and focus of this quarter's lessons is very timely. Learning what is Biblical stewardship is what all of us need to clearly learn in order for us to live the proper Spirit led christian life. And, good stewardship is more than just the narrow subset of financial management. It is also choosing God's way and this requires personal commitment, discipline and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to be successful. When we are evaluated on our conduct in the final judgment let's hear the "well done, good and faithful servant!" from our Master!

    (6)
  4. The introduction to lesson number 1. "materialism" is interesting in that the memory verse is found in a book of discussion for 13 weeks previously. Romans 12:2 is the memory verse. Many of the same admonitions that the Apostle Paul wrote about are also applicable to our problem with materialism. The first question that comes to my mind is, who and what is responsible for this problem? Is Satan to blame for the massive amounts of "things" that we find attractive? Do we suddenly run into a blind alley when the point of view strikes home? When we take inventory of all the communication technology that we use nearly on a continual basis, it has to be very near the top of Materialistic possessions. So what is the answer? Maybe we don't really want to know. Toes may get stepped on? Romans 14:12,13 is still applicable. I know that each new year the new cars and computers and more will be much more plentiful and much more expensive. Oh, how about God? Doesn't He have a part in the equation? Oh, don't tell me we forgot. This may be more serious or embarrassing than we thought. Hopefully someone will have some timely answers. A prayer for enlightenment could help. Thank you Lord.

    (8)
  5. I am looking forward to learning more about stewardship as it relates to what God admonishes me to do/my part to carry the message/gospel to a dying world.

    (4)
  6. Stewardship encompasses not only the individual but also the collective or corporate steward responsibilities too. For example, a local church needs to be faithful to it's needs and to properly handle the finances needed to not only cover operating costs but also to plan and budget for all outreach programs that are undertaken by the various departments. Another example would be the various Conferences, Unions, Divisions as well as the GC. Recent reports show the concern that our World GC leaders have regarding this matter of financial planning as well as current realities. We need to realize that materialism can be manifest at each of these levels. Evidence the excessive financial cost ($31 million plus) for purchase of the NAD office building a few miles down the road from the GC building where there was adequate space available at an affordable rental cost for the NAD operations. How do we respond to realities of such "materialism"? What is the individual's responsibility when such things take place? To this SDA member it seems that we should be putting all financial resources available and all our collective efforts in supporting programs rather than in real estate and buildings. The end of time is near and it won't be long before our ability to give the 3 Angels message will be limited or ended. Several of our various ministries (Amazing Facts, It Is Written, Voice of Prophecy, Loma Linda, etc) are also enlarging their real estate holdings and/or buildings. How should we respond as good stewards to such current issues?

    (6)
    • Hello David,

      From the looks of it, the Spirit is convicting your heart. Why not let him continue leading you into all the truth? (John 16:8; John 16:13-14)

      Richard

      (1)
    • I believe we must seek for organisations that are truly in need and are working to aid the homeless and orphans
      If the church united would work in the mission fields we would see Jesus come soon
      Its a patchwork of ministries with their own facilities and out reach services some even duplicating the other
      Read john 17

      (3)
  7. One of my favored topics.Looking forward to learn more on our role as Stewards. We have been given different gifts that we should all utilize to do God's work. Financial management is part of this stewardship role. Be blessed

    (4)
  8. I just like this; Stewardship is the daily practical expression of what it means to follow Jesus; it is an expression of our love for God, a means of living out the truth that we have been given in Christ. We are stewards because God first loved us.

    (3)

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