Sabbath: The Marks of a Steward
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Read for This Week’s Study: Heb. 11:8-12; Rom. 4:13, Rom. 4:18-21; Matt. 6:24; Heb. 9:14; 1 John 5:2-3; Luke 16:10-12.
Memory Text: “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2, NKJV).
Stewards are known by their brand, or their distinctive mark, just as retailers are known by their logos or brand name. In fact, many people have become famous by turning themselves into a marketable brand.
A Christian steward’s brand, or mark, is a reflection of Christ’s love through the relationship that he or she has with Him. When we live and practice the traits of Christ, our lives will reveal our brand. Our brand is His brand; our identity is blended with His (1 Cor. 6:17).
This week we look at identifying character traits of God’s stewards that make up their brand name. These traits inspire us to look for Jesus’ return and to do the work entrusted to us as faithful stewards of His truth. Each characteristic describes a deepening relationship we can have with the One who came to seek and save the lost. The more these qualities are studied, the deeper they will be ingrained in our lives. God’s character of love, in all its dynamics, will become our brand and have an influence on every aspect of our lives, today and eternally.
Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, February 10.
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I love the distinction between tangible and spiritual stewardship.The earth and its fullness, animals,nature,health, etc. All of it are God's great blessings to us.God's great care and Love for us amazes me.Good stewarts are ALWAYS in a state of gratitude to Jesus💖
Characteristics of a steward:
1. is responsible to carry out the vision, mission, will, of the Owner
2. has the ability to manage
3. knows/accepts/focuses on/ implements the vision, mission, will, agenda, of the "Owner"
4. knows his/her position in relationship to the "Owner"
5. does not misappropriate the Owner's goods for him/herself
6. must know what the Owner would or would not do in any given situation
7. must consistently be in communication/contact with the Owner
8. is faithful in carrying out assigned duties related to vision, mission, will of the Owner
9. does what the Owner tells him/her to do
The memory text is on point..
1 Corinthians 4:1 "Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God."
The mystery of God is the Truth in the Bible, and the Holy Spirit which reveals to all, who are truly believers, this mystery.
Unless the Holy Spirit draws a person who is truly repentant and seeking a relationship with Jesus, they are unable to understand that which is the truth written in the bible. To them it is nonsense. Secondly, it is the Holy Spirit who reveals the truth to them.
1 Corinthians 4:2 "Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful."
As the lesson is studied this week, one of the essential quality of a servant, manager or steward is obedient loyalty to his master.
We are called sons and daughters of God. 2 Corinthians 6:18. What is a good son and daughter? A good steward! I do believe this is why we can enjoy the warm and securness of being in the family of God, family members are good stewards, servents of Christ. A good song to have on your heart is:
1 John 4:7-11. Therefore we conclude that if we love Him we will serve Him, and if we serve Him we will serve each other, and others.
This is how good families work, they serve each other and others.
Christ set the example. John 13:12-15. Matthew 25:40.
Now we are branded Christians. Not a bad brand to have. Revelation 3:5.
Hi John,
Your comment brought me back when I was 11 and accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. I used to sing that song every day; still singing it. Just seeing it written brought me back. God bless.
The lesson states that a Christian steward’s brand, or mark, is a reflection of Christ’s love through the relationship that he or she has with Him. When we live and practice the traits of Christ, our lives will reveal our brand. Our brand is His brand; our identity is blended with
1st Corinthians 6:17: But whoever is united with the Lord is one with Him in Spirit.
Let’s look at a couple of biblical brands for stewards:
John 4:23 - Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshippers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipper that the Father seeks. (In our Sabbath School class we spoke of this last week that stewardship is a form of worship and also identifies the character of the steward)
Matthew 7:16 – By their fruit you will recognize them.
Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace forbearance, kindness, goodness, FAITHFULNESS, gentleness and self-control.
Let us be in our knees and ask our
heavenly father so that we can live the truth that we know