WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.200 Well, good morning to you all. 00:00:08.599 --> 00:00:10.000 Good morning to you all. 00:00:11.220 --> 00:00:14.120 This is a retreat. We can actually speak and respond. 00:00:14.759 --> 00:00:16.300 Unlike church where you have to be quiet. 00:00:18.920 --> 00:00:21.420 Glad that everybody's here. Glad that you all survived the night. 00:00:21.539 --> 00:00:25.359 I hope you got a decent amount of sleep. I hear the bonfire went late. 00:00:26.400 --> 00:00:28.519 Unofficial off-book festivities went later. 00:00:28.920 --> 00:00:29.800 Hope you got sleep. 00:00:30.800 --> 00:00:33.320 It's been a great time here for most of us. 00:00:33.399 --> 00:00:39.859 I think that we're here as a final session, a final gathering of worship before we head back to D.C. 00:00:39.880 --> 00:00:45.380 I don't know if anybody came out here simply to join us for worship. 00:00:45.539 --> 00:00:48.460 Oh, my goodness. Well done. 00:00:48.960 --> 00:00:50.879 Extra crowns in heaven for you. 00:00:53.519 --> 00:00:56.379 Not bad, ladies. Not bad. That's fantastic. 00:00:56.380 --> 00:01:00.520 Okay. Well, in that case, a little word of introduction is in order. 00:01:00.760 --> 00:01:04.100 For some of us, this is our Sunday worship gathering. 00:01:04.200 --> 00:01:11.540 For some of us, this is the concluding session of a parish retreat on the spiritual gifts. 00:01:11.540 --> 00:01:15.280 I had always thought that after this, this would be known as the spiritual gifts retreat. 00:01:15.420 --> 00:01:16.840 Obviously, that is not true. 00:01:17.140 --> 00:01:19.760 It will hereafter be known as the shipmaster retreat. 00:01:19.760 --> 00:01:23.300 And that was painfully obvious last night. 00:01:23.359 --> 00:01:24.560 There's nothing that we can do about it. 00:01:24.560 --> 00:01:27.180 So we have to embrace it and move on. 00:01:27.180 --> 00:01:34.220 But as I was thinking about this final session and how to wrap up, these two passages came to mind. 00:01:34.860 --> 00:01:40.840 This amazing passage in Matthew chapter 25 that we'll look at in a little while. 00:01:40.840 --> 00:01:47.080 And then the more guiding passage that we're going to look at, 1 Peter 4, verses 7 through 11. 00:01:47.079 --> 00:01:52.439 And this is the first one to reflect on as we have been talking about the spiritual gifts. 00:01:52.879 --> 00:01:55.900 We've been talking about understanding the gifts, what they are in general. 00:01:56.299 --> 00:02:00.140 We've been talking about how to discern the gifts, what they are in particular. 00:02:00.799 --> 00:02:06.620 And this morning, the topic will be, what does it mean to steward those gifts well? 00:02:07.079 --> 00:02:11.919 What does it mean to be good stewards of all that God has given us? 00:02:11.919 --> 00:02:20.839 And these passages speak to that in particular. 00:02:21.139 --> 00:02:25.459 And so first I want to look at 1 Peter 4, verses 7 through 11. 00:02:26.459 --> 00:02:30.779 And I think even for those of us who have not been here talking about spiritual gifts, this is an amazing passage. 00:02:30.979 --> 00:02:37.719 I mean, you'd be hard-pressed to find a book that does a better job explaining what ministry is. 00:02:37.719 --> 00:02:43.039 Whether you're ministering in your church or in your job or in any other context. 00:02:43.080 --> 00:02:45.120 It's a great little primer on ministry. 00:02:45.800 --> 00:02:51.740 And the point that it makes is this, that being a Christian means being a steward. 00:02:52.699 --> 00:02:57.139 That to be a Christian is to be a steward of everything. 00:02:57.400 --> 00:03:03.919 And so we're going to look at two things here, the context of our stewardship and the exercise of our stewardship. 00:03:04.319 --> 00:03:05.780 So let's pray as we get started. 00:03:07.719 --> 00:03:10.180 Heavenly Father, we thank you for your word. 00:03:10.419 --> 00:03:16.539 As we do every week, we thank you for your promise and ability to speak to us. 00:03:17.460 --> 00:03:24.719 We pray that as we open your word this morning that you would clear away the fog of a late night. 00:03:24.939 --> 00:03:28.659 That you would help the caffeine to work in our system. 00:03:28.659 --> 00:03:37.979 That you would, above all, remove distractions and obstacles so that you can empower your word to come alive. 00:03:38.219 --> 00:03:44.319 To confront us with the reality of the gospel and the presence in the face of your son, Jesus Christ. 00:03:44.659 --> 00:03:46.099 And it's in his name that we pray. 00:03:46.359 --> 00:03:46.639 Amen. 00:03:46.639 --> 00:03:46.719 Amen. 00:03:47.779 --> 00:03:49.979 So first of all, the context of our stewardship. 00:03:50.179 --> 00:03:55.759 I want to spend a few minutes just looking at this first verse in the passage in 1 Peter. 00:03:55.839 --> 00:03:57.219 If you have Bibles, you can open them. 00:03:57.459 --> 00:03:59.179 If you have iPhones, you can fire them up. 00:04:00.339 --> 00:04:02.419 1 Peter 4, verse 7. 00:04:04.419 --> 00:04:09.099 The end of all things is at hand, therefore. 00:04:09.099 --> 00:04:12.019 And I love this. 00:04:12.139 --> 00:04:16.699 There's an amazing statement being made here. 00:04:16.800 --> 00:04:19.939 Now, when you first hear this, obviously, what do you think of? 00:04:22.839 --> 00:04:23.319 Right. 00:04:23.920 --> 00:04:27.319 And crazy people with sandwich board signs on street corners, right? 00:04:27.459 --> 00:04:28.139 The end is near. 00:04:28.219 --> 00:04:28.839 The end is near. 00:04:29.920 --> 00:04:32.740 But I want you to notice that Peter goes on to say, 00:04:32.740 --> 00:04:36.340 The end of all things is at hand, therefore. 00:04:37.300 --> 00:04:41.040 Be self-controlled and sober-minded. 00:04:41.400 --> 00:04:44.139 You know what the word sober means in the Bible? 00:04:46.720 --> 00:04:51.100 The word sober means sane. 00:04:52.819 --> 00:04:56.100 It's the opposite of insane or being out of your mind. 00:04:56.240 --> 00:04:59.540 So think of the demon-possessed man in Mark chapter 5. 00:04:59.540 --> 00:05:02.540 And after Jesus casts out the demons and heals him, 00:05:02.760 --> 00:05:07.120 we find the man clothed and in his right mind, right? 00:05:07.340 --> 00:05:08.200 Same word. 00:05:09.900 --> 00:05:11.500 So what is sanity then? 00:05:14.460 --> 00:05:19.840 Sanity means the ability to correctly perceive reality, right? 00:05:21.320 --> 00:05:23.520 So to be sober is to be sane. 00:05:23.640 --> 00:05:26.680 And to be sane is to correctly perceive reality, 00:05:26.680 --> 00:05:29.540 to see things for what they actually are. 00:05:30.100 --> 00:05:32.519 So he's saying the end of all things is at hand, 00:05:32.860 --> 00:05:35.680 therefore, it's more important now than ever before 00:05:35.680 --> 00:05:38.620 for you to see things as they really are. 00:05:39.620 --> 00:05:40.519 Be sane. 00:05:41.220 --> 00:05:42.079 Think clearly. 00:05:43.899 --> 00:05:47.060 And the reason is because the end is coming. 00:05:47.160 --> 00:05:52.740 But by end, he doesn't mean a full stop to creation. 00:05:52.740 --> 00:05:56.660 What he actually means is a major change is coming. 00:05:57.680 --> 00:06:01.840 A major transition in history is upon us. 00:06:03.060 --> 00:06:05.480 February 28, 2002. 00:06:06.660 --> 00:06:11.000 That was the official date on which national currencies 00:06:11.000 --> 00:06:14.939 in many parts of Europe ceased to be legal tender. 00:06:16.220 --> 00:06:19.439 And the euro became the only acceptable currency. 00:06:19.439 --> 00:06:22.300 February 28, 2002. 00:06:22.819 --> 00:06:25.719 Before that date, there was a period of overlap. 00:06:26.899 --> 00:06:29.219 So there was a time in many of these countries 00:06:29.219 --> 00:06:31.860 where you could continue using your old currency 00:06:31.860 --> 00:06:35.240 or you could exchange that old currency for euros 00:06:35.240 --> 00:06:37.500 and start using the euros early. 00:06:37.600 --> 00:06:39.139 So there was a period of time 00:06:39.139 --> 00:06:42.480 in which both currencies were accepted, right? 00:06:42.480 --> 00:06:46.259 But during that time, the word was going out 00:06:46.259 --> 00:06:47.740 that this date is coming. 00:06:47.980 --> 00:06:49.500 February 28 is coming. 00:06:49.660 --> 00:06:51.520 February 28 is upon us. 00:06:51.600 --> 00:06:52.540 It's drawing near. 00:06:52.879 --> 00:06:54.780 And the time is now for you to exchange 00:06:54.780 --> 00:06:56.080 all of your old currency 00:06:56.080 --> 00:06:58.560 to get all of the new currency 00:06:58.560 --> 00:07:00.980 so that you'll be ready when that date comes 00:07:00.980 --> 00:07:02.580 because after that date passes, 00:07:02.759 --> 00:07:04.140 all of that old currency 00:07:04.140 --> 00:07:07.759 will just be worthless pieces of paper. 00:07:08.860 --> 00:07:10.879 It'll have no value in the new economy. 00:07:10.879 --> 00:07:14.899 So there were people who recognized that, 00:07:14.980 --> 00:07:16.719 who saw clearly that that date was coming, 00:07:16.860 --> 00:07:19.060 who took appropriate measures to prepare, 00:07:19.300 --> 00:07:20.459 and there were people who didn't. 00:07:21.879 --> 00:07:24.019 And so the Bible says that we are now 00:07:24.019 --> 00:07:27.399 in a time of overlap, right? 00:07:27.939 --> 00:07:31.639 Theologians call it the already but not yet, right? 00:07:31.680 --> 00:07:33.879 The old world order or the old economy 00:07:34.420 --> 00:07:38.879 is still in operation, right? 00:07:38.879 --> 00:07:41.719 So sin and death are still factors. 00:07:42.480 --> 00:07:43.459 They're still realities. 00:07:43.659 --> 00:07:45.659 Injustice still exists. 00:07:45.959 --> 00:07:48.100 Exploitation still happens. 00:07:48.600 --> 00:07:51.600 And the old currencies are still in use. 00:07:53.219 --> 00:07:56.360 Your intelligence, your popularity, 00:07:56.579 --> 00:07:58.680 your attractiveness, your race, 00:07:58.899 --> 00:08:00.860 your privilege, your education, 00:08:01.079 --> 00:08:02.000 your accomplishments, 00:08:02.379 --> 00:08:04.620 all of these forms of currency, 00:08:04.620 --> 00:08:06.000 in other words, 00:08:06.079 --> 00:08:08.160 all of these things that will get you 00:08:08.160 --> 00:08:09.399 something in this world, 00:08:09.959 --> 00:08:11.660 they have value in this world. 00:08:11.800 --> 00:08:12.079 They will, 00:08:13.019 --> 00:08:14.199 they're things that you can use 00:08:14.199 --> 00:08:15.819 to acquire other things, right? 00:08:15.840 --> 00:08:17.340 To give you access to other things. 00:08:17.540 --> 00:08:19.319 All of these forms of currency are, 00:08:19.439 --> 00:08:20.199 for the time being, 00:08:20.399 --> 00:08:21.680 still accepted in the world. 00:08:22.439 --> 00:08:24.019 And yet what Peter is saying is this, 00:08:24.100 --> 00:08:26.560 the kingdom of God has broken into this world. 00:08:26.560 --> 00:08:29.420 And one day the old world 00:08:29.420 --> 00:08:31.379 is going to fully pass away 00:08:31.379 --> 00:08:33.080 and the kingdom will become 00:08:33.080 --> 00:08:34.480 the new world order, 00:08:34.600 --> 00:08:36.200 complete with a new economy 00:08:36.200 --> 00:08:37.580 and a new currency. 00:08:38.220 --> 00:08:39.200 Does this make sense? 00:08:40.799 --> 00:08:43.220 So Jesus' entire earthly ministry, 00:08:43.519 --> 00:08:44.580 there's one way to look at it 00:08:44.580 --> 00:08:45.080 where you're saying, 00:08:45.200 --> 00:08:45.519 you know, 00:08:45.720 --> 00:08:46.820 Jesus did these miracles 00:08:46.820 --> 00:08:47.960 and why did he do the miracles? 00:08:48.159 --> 00:08:50.399 Well, to prove that he was the son of God. 00:08:50.480 --> 00:08:51.179 No, in fact, 00:08:51.460 --> 00:08:53.240 he didn't seem really concerned 00:08:53.240 --> 00:08:57.039 with proving that he was the son of God. 00:08:58.799 --> 00:09:00.159 He simply was. 00:09:01.519 --> 00:09:02.740 Why did he do the miracles? 00:09:04.820 --> 00:09:06.580 It was to give people a preview 00:09:06.580 --> 00:09:09.159 of what this new world order would look like. 00:09:09.820 --> 00:09:12.580 Every single miracle is meant to teach us 00:09:12.580 --> 00:09:15.220 what the new world order will be like. 00:09:15.440 --> 00:09:17.080 So he gives sight to the blind. 00:09:17.200 --> 00:09:17.519 Why? 00:09:18.820 --> 00:09:20.659 To show that in the new world order 00:09:20.659 --> 00:09:22.360 there will be no darkness. 00:09:23.240 --> 00:09:25.799 There will be no ignorance to the truth. 00:09:26.720 --> 00:09:27.159 Right? 00:09:27.340 --> 00:09:28.759 He makes the lame walk. 00:09:28.860 --> 00:09:29.100 Why? 00:09:29.220 --> 00:09:30.299 To show that the kingdom 00:09:30.299 --> 00:09:32.259 will be a world 00:09:32.259 --> 00:09:34.620 in which no one is encumbered 00:09:34.620 --> 00:09:36.360 and paralyzed by sin and death. 00:09:38.000 --> 00:09:38.440 Right? 00:09:38.600 --> 00:09:39.659 He raises the dead 00:09:39.659 --> 00:09:40.639 to show that in the kingdom 00:09:40.639 --> 00:09:42.120 there will be no more death. 00:09:44.440 --> 00:09:46.620 One day the water of this world 00:09:46.620 --> 00:09:47.879 will become the wine 00:09:47.879 --> 00:09:49.259 of the kingdom of God. 00:09:49.320 --> 00:09:50.960 He's giving us a preview of that. 00:09:50.960 --> 00:09:52.220 In the kingdom economy, 00:09:52.220 --> 00:09:53.980 the proud will be made humble 00:09:53.980 --> 00:09:55.700 but the low will be lifted up. 00:09:56.100 --> 00:09:57.340 In the kingdom economy, 00:09:57.440 --> 00:09:59.220 the one who is willing to lose his life 00:09:59.220 --> 00:10:00.740 for the sake of Jesus and the gospel 00:10:00.740 --> 00:10:02.620 will gain it back in full 00:10:02.620 --> 00:10:04.740 but the one who tries to hold on to his life 00:10:04.740 --> 00:10:06.759 will lose it. 00:10:06.840 --> 00:10:07.720 In the new world order, 00:10:07.779 --> 00:10:08.279 in the kingdom, 00:10:08.740 --> 00:10:09.660 those who mourn 00:10:09.660 --> 00:10:11.519 will once and for all be comforted. 00:10:12.560 --> 00:10:13.480 Those who hunger 00:10:13.480 --> 00:10:15.240 and thirst for righteousness 00:10:15.240 --> 00:10:16.259 will be satisfied. 00:10:16.259 --> 00:10:19.159 The poor will become rich. 00:10:19.279 --> 00:10:21.279 The meek will inherit the earth. 00:10:21.539 --> 00:10:23.319 The last will become first. 00:10:23.460 --> 00:10:25.759 The outsiders will become the guests of honor. 00:10:26.559 --> 00:10:28.659 In the new world order of the kingdom of God, 00:10:29.159 --> 00:10:30.139 all of this is coming. 00:10:31.059 --> 00:10:31.840 And so Peter is saying, 00:10:32.259 --> 00:10:34.159 the end of all things is near. 00:10:34.399 --> 00:10:36.159 The end of the old world order 00:10:36.159 --> 00:10:37.460 and the new world order, 00:10:37.720 --> 00:10:38.460 the new economy, 00:10:38.600 --> 00:10:39.819 the new kingdom has come. 00:10:39.820 --> 00:10:42.940 Therefore, we need to think clearly. 00:10:43.100 --> 00:10:44.220 We need to pray faithfully. 00:10:44.460 --> 00:10:45.520 And we need to exchange 00:10:45.520 --> 00:10:46.840 all of our old currency 00:10:46.840 --> 00:10:48.700 for the new currency of the kingdom. 00:10:50.100 --> 00:10:51.320 What is that currency? 00:10:54.900 --> 00:10:55.340 Love. 00:10:57.820 --> 00:10:59.640 It's the only currency accepted 00:10:59.640 --> 00:11:00.540 in the new world order. 00:11:01.920 --> 00:11:03.580 That's why it goes on in verse 8 to say, 00:11:03.660 --> 00:11:04.340 above all, 00:11:05.720 --> 00:11:07.400 once you're thinking clearly, 00:11:07.520 --> 00:11:08.860 once you understand what's happening, 00:11:08.860 --> 00:11:09.700 once you understand 00:11:09.700 --> 00:11:11.680 that that date is quick approaching, 00:11:12.240 --> 00:11:14.440 exchange all of that old currency 00:11:14.440 --> 00:11:17.039 for the one currency that will matter. 00:11:17.879 --> 00:11:18.320 Love. 00:11:18.419 --> 00:11:18.940 Above all, 00:11:19.080 --> 00:11:20.800 keep loving one another earnestly 00:11:20.800 --> 00:11:23.000 since love covers a multitude of sins. 00:11:23.800 --> 00:11:24.480 So he's saying this, 00:11:24.539 --> 00:11:25.220 our accomplishments, 00:11:25.460 --> 00:11:25.879 our wealth, 00:11:25.960 --> 00:11:26.539 our popularity, 00:11:26.680 --> 00:11:27.320 our success 00:11:27.320 --> 00:11:31.080 will all one day be worthless. 00:11:32.620 --> 00:11:33.940 Because in God's economy, 00:11:34.120 --> 00:11:36.080 love is the only currency. 00:11:37.019 --> 00:11:37.879 But it's the kind of love 00:11:37.879 --> 00:11:39.779 love that we do not generate, 00:11:39.939 --> 00:11:41.500 cannot create on our own. 00:11:41.500 --> 00:11:44.919 It's something that has to be given to us 00:11:44.919 --> 00:11:47.059 or entrusted to us. 00:11:47.120 --> 00:11:48.899 It's a love that has to be given to us 00:11:48.899 --> 00:11:50.320 through Jesus Christ. 00:11:50.439 --> 00:11:52.360 And that's why earlier in his letter, 00:11:52.500 --> 00:11:53.879 Peter says in chapter 1, 00:11:53.879 --> 00:11:56.240 Blessed be the God and Father 00:11:56.240 --> 00:11:57.559 of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:11:58.340 --> 00:11:59.860 According to his great mercy, 00:11:59.980 --> 00:12:02.120 he has caused us to be born again 00:12:02.120 --> 00:12:03.439 to a living hope 00:12:03.439 --> 00:12:05.080 through the resurrection of Jesus Christ 00:12:05.080 --> 00:12:06.259 from the dead 00:12:06.259 --> 00:12:08.159 to an inheritance 00:12:08.159 --> 00:12:09.399 that is imperishable, 00:12:10.080 --> 00:12:10.759 undefiled, 00:12:11.340 --> 00:12:12.159 and unfading, 00:12:12.340 --> 00:12:14.820 kept in heaven for you. 00:12:14.919 --> 00:12:16.320 So by dying for us, 00:12:16.379 --> 00:12:17.840 by taking our place, 00:12:18.000 --> 00:12:19.600 by atoning for our sin, 00:12:19.600 --> 00:12:21.720 Jesus secures for us 00:12:21.720 --> 00:12:22.980 an inheritance. 00:12:24.120 --> 00:12:26.360 And you may think of that inheritance 00:12:26.360 --> 00:12:29.560 as a stockpile 00:12:29.560 --> 00:12:31.320 of the currency 00:12:31.320 --> 00:12:33.100 of the kingdom of God. 00:12:34.120 --> 00:12:35.519 It's a kingdom inheritance. 00:12:37.580 --> 00:12:39.659 So here's the context of our stewardship 00:12:39.659 --> 00:12:41.680 to sort of answer the first question. 00:12:41.899 --> 00:12:43.759 The context of our stewardship is this, 00:12:43.779 --> 00:12:44.440 as we think about 00:12:44.440 --> 00:12:45.540 how do we use 00:12:45.540 --> 00:12:46.660 all that we have? 00:12:46.659 --> 00:12:49.779 How do we prioritize things in our lives? 00:12:49.860 --> 00:12:50.620 What comes first? 00:12:50.740 --> 00:12:52.139 What is the thing to which 00:12:52.139 --> 00:12:54.659 we put everything else under? 00:12:55.339 --> 00:12:56.939 What goes above all of that? 00:12:57.039 --> 00:12:57.899 It's love 00:12:57.899 --> 00:12:59.740 because the old world order 00:12:59.740 --> 00:13:00.839 with its old economy 00:13:00.839 --> 00:13:01.959 is passing away 00:13:01.959 --> 00:13:03.759 and God's kingdom is replacing it. 00:13:04.480 --> 00:13:06.299 And the old currency in God's kingdom, 00:13:07.419 --> 00:13:07.879 I'm sorry, 00:13:08.000 --> 00:13:09.759 and the old currency is passing away 00:13:09.759 --> 00:13:11.879 and being replaced by the new currency 00:13:11.879 --> 00:13:13.740 of love. 00:13:13.740 --> 00:13:15.759 And not just love, 00:13:15.840 --> 00:13:16.919 but gracious love. 00:13:17.039 --> 00:13:18.419 Love that doesn't come from us, 00:13:18.480 --> 00:13:20.919 but that is given like a gift to us. 00:13:22.960 --> 00:13:23.980 And as believers, 00:13:24.279 --> 00:13:26.379 we have been made stewards 00:13:26.379 --> 00:13:28.799 of that love. 00:13:30.740 --> 00:13:32.740 So the next question we need to ask is this, 00:13:32.940 --> 00:13:33.899 what does that mean? 00:13:35.039 --> 00:13:36.440 Specifically as it relates 00:13:36.440 --> 00:13:38.120 to our spiritual gifts. 00:13:38.180 --> 00:13:39.680 Because if you read the passage, 00:13:39.799 --> 00:13:40.700 he goes on and he says, 00:13:40.700 --> 00:13:43.080 show hospitality without grumbling. 00:13:43.360 --> 00:13:43.680 Absolutely. 00:13:44.520 --> 00:13:45.340 And then he goes on 00:13:45.340 --> 00:13:46.220 and what's the next thing 00:13:46.220 --> 00:13:46.920 we're called to do? 00:13:48.540 --> 00:13:49.460 Use our gifts 00:13:49.460 --> 00:13:51.500 like good stewards. 00:13:51.580 --> 00:13:52.200 And it's amazing 00:13:52.200 --> 00:13:53.680 if he's trying to distill, 00:13:54.160 --> 00:13:54.360 you know, 00:13:54.440 --> 00:13:55.300 have the right perspective, 00:13:55.400 --> 00:13:56.180 be thinking clearly, 00:13:56.360 --> 00:13:57.480 get your priorities in order. 00:13:58.220 --> 00:13:59.480 And one of the main things 00:13:59.480 --> 00:14:00.420 he focuses on 00:14:00.420 --> 00:14:02.259 is how we use our gifts. 00:14:02.400 --> 00:14:02.840 In other words, 00:14:02.960 --> 00:14:04.640 that figures prominently 00:14:04.640 --> 00:14:06.840 in what it means to be stewards 00:14:06.840 --> 00:14:09.160 anticipating the coming of the kingdom. 00:14:09.160 --> 00:14:10.320 How we use our gifts. 00:14:11.660 --> 00:14:12.780 So this brings us 00:14:12.780 --> 00:14:13.780 to the second thing 00:14:13.780 --> 00:14:14.520 I want to focus on, 00:14:14.780 --> 00:14:16.640 the second half, 00:14:17.120 --> 00:14:18.660 the exercise of our stewardship. 00:14:19.620 --> 00:14:20.120 In other words, 00:14:20.200 --> 00:14:21.640 how do we actually go about it? 00:14:21.680 --> 00:14:22.320 What does it mean 00:14:22.320 --> 00:14:23.180 to be a good steward? 00:14:24.860 --> 00:14:26.080 He says in verse 10, 00:14:26.440 --> 00:14:27.879 as each has received a gift, 00:14:28.400 --> 00:14:29.860 use it to serve one another 00:14:29.860 --> 00:14:31.820 as good stewards 00:14:31.820 --> 00:14:33.320 of God's varied grace. 00:14:34.020 --> 00:14:34.980 Whoever speaks 00:14:34.980 --> 00:14:36.920 is one who speaks oracles of God. 00:14:37.580 --> 00:14:38.660 Whoever serves 00:14:38.660 --> 00:14:39.580 is one who serves 00:14:39.580 --> 00:14:40.400 by the strength 00:14:40.400 --> 00:14:41.440 that God supplies 00:14:41.440 --> 00:14:43.400 in order that in everything 00:14:43.400 --> 00:14:44.860 God may be glorified 00:14:44.860 --> 00:14:45.920 through Jesus Christ. 00:14:46.740 --> 00:14:48.139 To him belong glory 00:14:48.139 --> 00:14:48.800 and dominion 00:14:48.800 --> 00:14:49.720 forever and ever. 00:14:50.440 --> 00:14:50.879 Amen. 00:14:53.040 --> 00:14:54.000 So the first point 00:14:54.000 --> 00:14:54.639 we see here 00:14:54.639 --> 00:14:55.460 is the good stewards, 00:14:55.580 --> 00:14:56.480 and this may seem obvious 00:14:56.480 --> 00:14:57.100 to some of you, 00:14:57.700 --> 00:14:58.780 but it's worth pointing out 00:14:58.780 --> 00:14:59.560 that good stewards, 00:14:59.960 --> 00:15:00.580 part of what it means 00:15:00.580 --> 00:15:01.240 to be a good steward 00:15:01.240 --> 00:15:02.720 is that you actually use 00:15:02.720 --> 00:15:04.620 what's been entrusted to you. 00:15:04.620 --> 00:15:07.480 You actually use it. 00:15:08.320 --> 00:15:09.220 And that's why I wanted 00:15:09.220 --> 00:15:10.279 to look at Matthew 25, 00:15:10.740 --> 00:15:12.019 this wonderful parable 00:15:12.019 --> 00:15:12.860 that Jesus tells 00:15:12.860 --> 00:15:13.759 about stewardship, 00:15:13.960 --> 00:15:14.980 the parable of the talents. 00:15:16.560 --> 00:15:18.259 A wealthy man entrusts 00:15:18.259 --> 00:15:19.519 all of his money 00:15:19.519 --> 00:15:20.340 to three servants. 00:15:21.080 --> 00:15:21.820 He has five talents 00:15:21.820 --> 00:15:22.500 to one servant, 00:15:22.600 --> 00:15:23.460 two talents to another, 00:15:23.639 --> 00:15:24.600 one talent to a third. 00:15:25.159 --> 00:15:27.779 A talent is a very large 00:15:27.779 --> 00:15:28.379 sum of money, 00:15:29.060 --> 00:15:30.039 so we might as well 00:15:30.039 --> 00:15:30.620 think of it as 00:15:30.620 --> 00:15:31.940 five million dollars, 00:15:32.060 --> 00:15:32.779 two million dollars, 00:15:32.840 --> 00:15:33.740 and one million dollars. 00:15:34.539 --> 00:15:35.419 A lot of money. 00:15:36.460 --> 00:15:37.879 And when he returns, 00:15:38.240 --> 00:15:39.519 after being away 00:15:39.519 --> 00:15:40.000 for a while, 00:15:40.080 --> 00:15:40.899 the master finds 00:15:40.899 --> 00:15:42.060 that the first two servants 00:15:42.060 --> 00:15:43.419 have actually used 00:15:43.419 --> 00:15:43.980 the talents. 00:15:44.120 --> 00:15:45.519 They've invested them well, 00:15:45.720 --> 00:15:46.419 and they've each 00:15:46.419 --> 00:15:47.240 made a return. 00:15:47.320 --> 00:15:48.240 They've each doubled 00:15:48.240 --> 00:15:49.080 their investment, 00:15:49.240 --> 00:15:51.039 and they both are rewarded. 00:15:51.940 --> 00:15:53.259 Five talents becomes ten, 00:15:53.360 --> 00:15:54.460 two become four, 00:15:54.560 --> 00:15:55.779 they're both rewarded. 00:15:56.519 --> 00:15:57.519 Enter into the pleasure 00:15:57.519 --> 00:15:58.639 of your master. 00:15:58.639 --> 00:16:01.299 But the third servant 00:16:01.299 --> 00:16:02.379 simply digs a hole 00:16:02.379 --> 00:16:02.860 in the ground, 00:16:03.259 --> 00:16:04.080 buries the talent, 00:16:04.519 --> 00:16:05.480 and then makes a bunch 00:16:05.480 --> 00:16:06.939 of excuses for why 00:16:06.939 --> 00:16:08.159 he didn't invest it. 00:16:08.220 --> 00:16:08.799 The master says, 00:16:08.860 --> 00:16:09.500 well, what happened? 00:16:10.259 --> 00:16:11.080 And if you notice, 00:16:11.360 --> 00:16:12.860 he actually blames the master. 00:16:13.720 --> 00:16:14.799 Well, I heard what kind 00:16:14.799 --> 00:16:15.600 of person you were. 00:16:16.939 --> 00:16:18.360 It's sort of a 00:16:18.360 --> 00:16:19.439 passive-aggressive way 00:16:19.439 --> 00:16:19.980 of saying, 00:16:20.139 --> 00:16:20.960 I did what I did, 00:16:21.000 --> 00:16:22.399 and it's your fault, right? 00:16:22.620 --> 00:16:23.360 A little bit of blame 00:16:23.360 --> 00:16:24.220 shifting going on. 00:16:24.580 --> 00:16:25.700 Master's not having it, 00:16:26.139 --> 00:16:27.319 and so the master, 00:16:27.460 --> 00:16:27.700 of course, 00:16:27.700 --> 00:16:29.040 rewards the first two servants, 00:16:29.160 --> 00:16:30.540 but he condemns the third. 00:16:30.879 --> 00:16:31.480 You wicked 00:16:31.480 --> 00:16:33.080 and slothful servant. 00:16:33.660 --> 00:16:34.580 Not holding back. 00:16:36.980 --> 00:16:37.900 And then the point 00:16:37.900 --> 00:16:38.400 of the parable 00:16:38.400 --> 00:16:39.340 comes in verse 29, 00:16:39.640 --> 00:16:40.280 for to everyone 00:16:40.280 --> 00:16:41.160 who has 00:16:41.160 --> 00:16:42.500 will more be given, 00:16:43.040 --> 00:16:44.000 and he will have 00:16:44.000 --> 00:16:44.440 an abundance. 00:16:44.980 --> 00:16:45.820 But from the one 00:16:45.820 --> 00:16:46.580 who has not, 00:16:46.700 --> 00:16:47.680 even what he has 00:16:47.680 --> 00:16:49.200 will be taken away. 00:16:49.280 --> 00:16:49.700 Now that's 00:16:49.700 --> 00:16:50.700 a little confusing. 00:16:50.860 --> 00:16:51.320 Let me put it 00:16:51.320 --> 00:16:52.379 in context for you. 00:16:53.340 --> 00:16:54.200 Think about your muscles. 00:16:54.200 --> 00:16:56.220 I don't know 00:16:56.220 --> 00:16:56.759 how often you think 00:16:56.759 --> 00:16:57.240 about your muscles, 00:16:57.360 --> 00:16:57.680 but think about 00:16:57.680 --> 00:16:58.340 your muscles now. 00:17:02.240 --> 00:17:03.460 If you develop 00:17:03.460 --> 00:17:04.180 your muscles, 00:17:04.660 --> 00:17:06.720 if you use 00:17:06.720 --> 00:17:07.299 your muscles, 00:17:07.440 --> 00:17:08.360 if you invest 00:17:08.360 --> 00:17:08.960 your muscles 00:17:08.960 --> 00:17:10.340 in physical activity, 00:17:11.220 --> 00:17:12.200 then what is 00:17:12.200 --> 00:17:12.900 the reward 00:17:12.900 --> 00:17:13.620 that comes? 00:17:13.880 --> 00:17:14.400 The reward 00:17:14.400 --> 00:17:14.980 that comes 00:17:14.980 --> 00:17:16.220 is the increased 00:17:16.220 --> 00:17:16.900 capacity 00:17:16.900 --> 00:17:18.019 to do more. 00:17:18.819 --> 00:17:19.160 Right? 00:17:19.240 --> 00:17:19.600 So the more 00:17:19.600 --> 00:17:20.480 you use them, 00:17:20.540 --> 00:17:20.800 the more 00:17:20.800 --> 00:17:21.240 you gain 00:17:21.240 --> 00:17:21.840 a capacity. 00:17:22.759 --> 00:17:23.259 In other words, 00:17:23.360 --> 00:17:23.800 to you, 00:17:24.019 --> 00:17:24.759 more is given. 00:17:26.040 --> 00:17:26.420 Right? 00:17:26.600 --> 00:17:27.380 But if you don't 00:17:27.380 --> 00:17:28.000 use your muscles, 00:17:28.080 --> 00:17:29.300 if you lie in bed 00:17:29.300 --> 00:17:30.000 all day long 00:17:30.000 --> 00:17:31.920 and binge watch 00:17:31.920 --> 00:17:32.279 Netflix 00:17:32.279 --> 00:17:33.200 and do that 00:17:33.200 --> 00:17:33.980 for days and days 00:17:33.980 --> 00:17:34.540 and days, 00:17:35.220 --> 00:17:36.180 then what happens? 00:17:39.920 --> 00:17:41.100 Even what you have 00:17:41.100 --> 00:17:42.200 will be taken away. 00:17:42.340 --> 00:17:42.540 Right? 00:17:42.640 --> 00:17:43.560 They atrophy. 00:17:45.560 --> 00:17:45.980 Right? 00:17:46.060 --> 00:17:46.580 So remember, 00:17:46.720 --> 00:17:47.140 yesterday, 00:17:47.340 --> 00:17:48.320 we said that 00:17:48.319 --> 00:17:49.519 the spiritual gifts 00:17:49.519 --> 00:17:50.480 are the continued 00:17:50.480 --> 00:17:52.659 ministry of Jesus Christ 00:17:52.659 --> 00:17:53.379 in the world 00:17:53.379 --> 00:17:54.700 through individual 00:17:54.700 --> 00:17:55.220 Christians 00:17:55.220 --> 00:17:56.000 by the power 00:17:56.000 --> 00:17:56.859 of the Holy Spirit. 00:17:57.720 --> 00:17:59.099 So take that image 00:17:59.099 --> 00:17:59.700 and apply it 00:17:59.700 --> 00:18:00.439 to this parable. 00:18:00.579 --> 00:18:01.839 Jesus is the master 00:18:01.839 --> 00:18:03.619 and he has divided 00:18:03.619 --> 00:18:04.460 his power 00:18:04.460 --> 00:18:05.819 or his ministry 00:18:05.819 --> 00:18:07.179 among all 00:18:07.179 --> 00:18:08.059 of his people. 00:18:09.379 --> 00:18:10.259 Five talents, 00:18:10.379 --> 00:18:10.839 two talents, 00:18:10.980 --> 00:18:11.500 ten talents, 00:18:11.619 --> 00:18:12.319 fifteen talents. 00:18:13.319 --> 00:18:14.299 He's divided 00:18:14.299 --> 00:18:15.240 his ministry up. 00:18:16.339 --> 00:18:17.139 And we've each 00:18:17.139 --> 00:18:18.039 been entrusted, 00:18:18.039 --> 00:18:18.460 we've each 00:18:18.460 --> 00:18:19.500 been made stewards 00:18:19.500 --> 00:18:21.180 of spiritual gifts 00:18:21.180 --> 00:18:21.859 that actually 00:18:21.859 --> 00:18:23.039 belong to Jesus. 00:18:24.539 --> 00:18:25.420 And the same 00:18:25.420 --> 00:18:26.200 principle is true. 00:18:26.279 --> 00:18:27.259 The more we use 00:18:27.259 --> 00:18:27.980 our gifts, 00:18:28.759 --> 00:18:30.319 the more we invest 00:18:30.319 --> 00:18:31.039 in the life 00:18:31.039 --> 00:18:31.819 of the church, 00:18:32.159 --> 00:18:33.379 the more we prioritize 00:18:33.379 --> 00:18:34.859 building others up 00:18:34.859 --> 00:18:36.059 and bringing those 00:18:36.059 --> 00:18:37.000 outside the church 00:18:37.000 --> 00:18:37.339 in, 00:18:37.480 --> 00:18:38.779 the more we will grow 00:18:38.779 --> 00:18:39.839 in what we can do. 00:18:40.000 --> 00:18:41.099 The more you use 00:18:41.099 --> 00:18:41.980 what you've been given, 00:18:42.099 --> 00:18:42.940 the more you will be 00:18:42.940 --> 00:18:43.659 able to do. 00:18:43.660 --> 00:18:45.740 But if we remain 00:18:45.740 --> 00:18:46.640 uninvolved, 00:18:46.720 --> 00:18:47.259 if we remain 00:18:47.259 --> 00:18:48.160 unengaged, 00:18:48.300 --> 00:18:48.820 if we remain 00:18:48.820 --> 00:18:50.220 unwilling to serve, 00:18:50.380 --> 00:18:51.180 no matter what 00:18:51.180 --> 00:18:52.980 excuses we may make, 00:18:53.240 --> 00:18:54.160 our gifts will 00:18:54.160 --> 00:18:54.740 atrophy. 00:18:54.980 --> 00:18:56.120 Or the unknown 00:18:56.120 --> 00:18:57.200 gifts will remain 00:18:57.200 --> 00:18:58.920 dormant. 00:19:01.279 --> 00:19:02.500 So good stewards 00:19:02.500 --> 00:19:03.840 use what has been 00:19:03.840 --> 00:19:06.060 entrusted to them. 00:19:06.059 --> 00:19:08.440 they use. 00:19:08.500 --> 00:19:08.619 Now, 00:19:08.720 --> 00:19:09.500 I know yesterday 00:19:09.500 --> 00:19:10.099 I said 00:19:10.099 --> 00:19:11.779 that gifts are not 00:19:11.779 --> 00:19:12.220 the same thing 00:19:12.220 --> 00:19:12.700 as talents. 00:19:14.220 --> 00:19:15.200 But in this case, 00:19:15.659 --> 00:19:16.720 the talents represent 00:19:16.720 --> 00:19:17.599 the gifts. 00:19:17.679 --> 00:19:18.019 Last night, 00:19:18.079 --> 00:19:18.899 we also learned 00:19:18.899 --> 00:19:22.339 make sure you get 00:19:22.339 --> 00:19:22.940 that in your notes. 00:19:24.359 --> 00:19:25.179 I think last night 00:19:25.179 --> 00:19:25.919 we also learned 00:19:25.919 --> 00:19:27.059 that there are gifts, 00:19:27.179 --> 00:19:27.779 there are talents, 00:19:27.779 --> 00:19:28.579 and there are 00:19:28.579 --> 00:19:29.579 varieties. 00:19:32.059 --> 00:19:33.339 God's very grace. 00:19:33.579 --> 00:19:35.759 God's very grace show. 00:19:35.759 --> 00:19:36.279 That's what we'll 00:19:36.279 --> 00:19:37.619 call it next year, 00:19:37.740 --> 00:19:40.319 the God's very grace show. 00:19:42.839 --> 00:19:44.000 But even some of 00:19:44.000 --> 00:19:44.640 those things that 00:19:44.640 --> 00:19:45.559 we may look down on, 00:19:45.599 --> 00:19:46.400 we may laugh at, 00:19:46.460 --> 00:19:46.980 we may think, 00:19:47.059 --> 00:19:48.799 oh, that's just some... 00:19:48.799 --> 00:19:49.839 There are ways that 00:19:49.839 --> 00:19:50.720 God may be able 00:19:50.720 --> 00:19:51.440 to use that. 00:19:51.480 --> 00:19:51.900 If there's anything 00:19:51.900 --> 00:19:52.619 I want to impress 00:19:52.619 --> 00:19:53.160 upon you, 00:19:53.220 --> 00:19:54.000 it is not to 00:19:54.000 --> 00:19:55.079 underestimate what 00:19:55.079 --> 00:19:55.819 God can do 00:19:55.819 --> 00:19:56.500 through you. 00:19:56.839 --> 00:19:57.660 Even through the 00:19:57.660 --> 00:19:58.319 parts of you, 00:19:58.400 --> 00:19:59.279 the aspects of you 00:19:59.279 --> 00:19:59.879 that you think 00:19:59.879 --> 00:20:01.379 are simply silly, 00:20:01.819 --> 00:20:02.720 inconsequential, 00:20:03.140 --> 00:20:03.519 random, 00:20:03.519 --> 00:20:05.819 that God can 00:20:05.819 --> 00:20:06.839 use all of it. 00:20:06.879 --> 00:20:07.759 But the question is, 00:20:07.839 --> 00:20:09.339 will you use all of it? 00:20:10.240 --> 00:20:11.480 Will you do that? 00:20:11.779 --> 00:20:12.960 Or will you let it atrophy? 00:20:15.680 --> 00:20:17.119 So what does a good steward do? 00:20:17.180 --> 00:20:18.339 A good steward uses 00:20:18.339 --> 00:20:19.660 all that they've been given, 00:20:19.819 --> 00:20:21.259 not in ways that reflect 00:20:21.259 --> 00:20:24.059 their own preferences, 00:20:24.299 --> 00:20:26.180 but those that reflect 00:20:26.180 --> 00:20:28.779 the preferences of the owner. 00:20:28.779 --> 00:20:31.139 that's what a good steward does. 00:20:32.139 --> 00:20:33.079 So Peter says, 00:20:33.160 --> 00:20:34.039 we should do all of this, 00:20:34.180 --> 00:20:34.319 what? 00:20:34.700 --> 00:20:36.180 In order that in everything 00:20:36.180 --> 00:20:37.779 God may be glorified 00:20:37.779 --> 00:20:39.019 through Jesus Christ. 00:20:39.339 --> 00:20:40.539 To him belong glory 00:20:40.539 --> 00:20:41.160 and dominion 00:20:41.160 --> 00:20:41.859 forever and ever. 00:20:42.319 --> 00:20:42.660 Amen. 00:20:42.960 --> 00:20:43.639 The point is, 00:20:43.799 --> 00:20:45.279 our gifts are not about us, 00:20:46.039 --> 00:20:47.119 but about loving others 00:20:47.119 --> 00:20:48.599 in ways that glorify God. 00:20:48.720 --> 00:20:49.579 And if we lose 00:20:49.579 --> 00:20:50.779 this central focus, 00:20:51.779 --> 00:20:53.480 our gifts can quickly 00:20:53.480 --> 00:20:54.639 become about us. 00:20:55.139 --> 00:20:55.379 Right? 00:20:55.420 --> 00:20:56.619 If we lose the focus 00:20:56.619 --> 00:20:58.500 that God is the one 00:20:58.500 --> 00:20:59.339 who enables it, 00:20:59.459 --> 00:21:00.000 God is the one 00:21:00.000 --> 00:21:00.699 who empowers it, 00:21:00.819 --> 00:21:01.779 and God's glory 00:21:01.779 --> 00:21:02.639 is the purpose 00:21:02.639 --> 00:21:03.539 for which it was all 00:21:03.539 --> 00:21:04.299 given to us. 00:21:04.859 --> 00:21:05.559 Loving others 00:21:05.559 --> 00:21:06.139 for God's glory. 00:21:06.179 --> 00:21:06.779 If we lose that, 00:21:07.079 --> 00:21:07.899 then what happens 00:21:07.899 --> 00:21:08.819 is that our gifts 00:21:08.819 --> 00:21:10.219 begin to turn inward. 00:21:10.599 --> 00:21:11.619 Our gifts begin 00:21:11.619 --> 00:21:13.299 to become twisted. 00:21:13.439 --> 00:21:15.559 They begin to become distorted. 00:21:15.699 --> 00:21:16.579 They begin to point 00:21:16.579 --> 00:21:18.419 in the wrong direction. 00:21:18.579 --> 00:21:18.779 Right? 00:21:19.119 --> 00:21:20.639 So those with the gift 00:21:20.639 --> 00:21:21.239 of leadership, 00:21:21.419 --> 00:21:22.839 leadership can be used 00:21:22.839 --> 00:21:24.579 to build up 00:21:24.579 --> 00:21:25.479 our own kingdoms 00:21:25.480 --> 00:21:26.920 rather than the kingdom 00:21:26.920 --> 00:21:27.400 of God. 00:21:27.480 --> 00:21:27.680 Right? 00:21:28.720 --> 00:21:29.400 The gift, 00:21:29.620 --> 00:21:30.640 the life-giving gift 00:21:30.640 --> 00:21:31.400 of encouragement 00:21:31.400 --> 00:21:32.900 can start to turn inward 00:21:32.900 --> 00:21:34.400 and become empty flattery. 00:21:35.420 --> 00:21:35.920 Right? 00:21:36.200 --> 00:21:37.240 Genuine hospitality 00:21:37.240 --> 00:21:38.299 can give way 00:21:38.299 --> 00:21:39.500 to entertaining. 00:21:41.019 --> 00:21:41.720 You know, 00:21:41.799 --> 00:21:42.799 where the focus 00:21:42.799 --> 00:21:43.819 is on the beauty 00:21:43.819 --> 00:21:44.579 of your home 00:21:44.579 --> 00:21:46.000 and the quality 00:21:46.000 --> 00:21:46.759 of the cuisine 00:21:46.759 --> 00:21:48.680 rather than on 00:21:48.680 --> 00:21:50.180 strangers becoming friends 00:21:50.180 --> 00:21:51.519 and friends becoming family. 00:21:53.140 --> 00:21:54.680 They begin to turn inward. 00:21:54.680 --> 00:21:55.940 The gift of helping 00:21:55.940 --> 00:21:58.240 can become the need 00:21:58.240 --> 00:21:58.920 to be needed. 00:22:01.039 --> 00:22:01.519 Right? 00:22:02.259 --> 00:22:03.320 The gift of speaking 00:22:03.320 --> 00:22:04.100 can be used 00:22:04.100 --> 00:22:04.920 to build a cult 00:22:04.920 --> 00:22:05.680 of personality. 00:22:06.660 --> 00:22:07.940 The gift of serving 00:22:07.940 --> 00:22:08.720 can give way 00:22:08.720 --> 00:22:09.980 to resentment. 00:22:11.080 --> 00:22:11.580 Right? 00:22:11.660 --> 00:22:12.180 These gifts 00:22:12.180 --> 00:22:12.560 that are meant 00:22:12.560 --> 00:22:13.279 to be life-giving 00:22:13.279 --> 00:22:13.799 for us 00:22:13.799 --> 00:22:14.880 and those whom we serve 00:22:14.880 --> 00:22:15.759 can turn inward 00:22:15.759 --> 00:22:16.720 and become destructive 00:22:16.720 --> 00:22:17.759 to us 00:22:17.759 --> 00:22:19.440 and those whom we 00:22:19.440 --> 00:22:21.759 may unintentionally 00:22:21.759 --> 00:22:22.799 harm. 00:22:22.799 --> 00:22:24.519 So unless 00:22:24.519 --> 00:22:25.319 the glory of God 00:22:25.319 --> 00:22:26.259 is our central focus 00:22:26.259 --> 00:22:27.159 all of these gifts 00:22:27.159 --> 00:22:27.839 that are entrusted 00:22:27.839 --> 00:22:28.720 to us as stewards 00:22:28.720 --> 00:22:30.139 will become distorted 00:22:30.139 --> 00:22:30.960 turned inward 00:22:30.960 --> 00:22:31.779 and this is why 00:22:31.779 --> 00:22:32.639 it's crucial for us 00:22:32.639 --> 00:22:33.159 to remember 00:22:33.159 --> 00:22:34.579 and to remind one another 00:22:34.579 --> 00:22:35.519 that we are stewards 00:22:35.519 --> 00:22:36.759 and not owners 00:22:36.759 --> 00:22:38.059 of all that we have 00:22:38.059 --> 00:22:38.899 because a steward 00:22:38.899 --> 00:22:41.099 uses what they've been given 00:22:41.099 --> 00:22:42.059 in ways that reflect 00:22:42.059 --> 00:22:43.379 the values of the owner 00:22:43.379 --> 00:22:45.240 and not the steward. 00:22:47.119 --> 00:22:48.539 So being a Christian 00:22:48.539 --> 00:22:50.519 as I said 00:22:50.519 --> 00:22:51.000 at the beginning 00:22:51.000 --> 00:22:52.240 is being a steward. 00:22:52.839 --> 00:22:53.980 To be a Christian 00:22:53.980 --> 00:22:56.039 is to be a steward. 00:23:00.519 --> 00:23:01.359 Our vision 00:23:01.359 --> 00:23:02.220 at Church of the Advent 00:23:02.220 --> 00:23:02.759 is 00:23:02.759 --> 00:23:05.259 every member of ministry 00:23:05.259 --> 00:23:08.819 where every single person 00:23:08.819 --> 00:23:09.460 in our church 00:23:09.460 --> 00:23:10.880 is actively serving 00:23:10.880 --> 00:23:12.119 and using their gifts 00:23:12.119 --> 00:23:12.640 fully 00:23:12.640 --> 00:23:13.960 for the common good. 00:23:14.279 --> 00:23:15.460 And I hope it's clear 00:23:15.460 --> 00:23:15.859 by now 00:23:15.859 --> 00:23:16.559 at the end of the weekend 00:23:16.559 --> 00:23:18.119 that this isn't primarily 00:23:18.119 --> 00:23:19.459 because we need it. 00:23:21.039 --> 00:23:21.419 Right? 00:23:21.500 --> 00:23:22.539 We could restructure 00:23:22.539 --> 00:23:23.079 our budget 00:23:23.079 --> 00:23:24.059 and decide to start 00:23:24.059 --> 00:23:25.000 hiring people 00:23:25.000 --> 00:23:25.879 to do all of the things 00:23:25.879 --> 00:23:26.519 that we need to do. 00:23:26.639 --> 00:23:27.559 Hire a setup crew 00:23:27.559 --> 00:23:28.899 and hire a cleanup crew 00:23:28.899 --> 00:23:29.979 and hire professionals 00:23:29.979 --> 00:23:31.119 to do all of this stuff. 00:23:31.199 --> 00:23:31.339 Right? 00:23:31.379 --> 00:23:32.599 Just professionalize everything 00:23:32.599 --> 00:23:34.899 and you could just come 00:23:34.899 --> 00:23:36.179 and enjoy 00:23:36.179 --> 00:23:38.219 a well-produced service 00:23:38.219 --> 00:23:39.479 and hopefully get 00:23:39.479 --> 00:23:40.439 some meaning out of it 00:23:40.439 --> 00:23:41.079 and you know, 00:23:41.179 --> 00:23:41.839 you would maybe 00:23:41.839 --> 00:23:43.399 enjoy the fact 00:23:43.399 --> 00:23:44.439 that we would maybe 00:23:44.439 --> 00:23:45.559 have fewer 00:23:45.559 --> 00:23:46.119 technical difficulties 00:23:46.119 --> 00:23:47.619 and fewer glitches 00:23:47.619 --> 00:23:48.699 and fewer last-minute 00:23:48.699 --> 00:23:49.219 emergencies 00:23:49.219 --> 00:23:50.079 where we're scrambling 00:23:50.079 --> 00:23:50.699 and the vergers 00:23:50.699 --> 00:23:51.399 would no longer 00:23:51.399 --> 00:23:51.959 have to wonder 00:23:51.959 --> 00:23:52.979 will there be bread 00:23:52.979 --> 00:23:53.500 this week? 00:23:53.979 --> 00:23:55.599 And we would have 00:23:55.599 --> 00:23:56.439 perfect bread 00:23:56.439 --> 00:23:58.019 and I could tear it 00:23:58.019 --> 00:23:58.500 and I would never 00:23:58.500 --> 00:23:59.419 even break a sweat 00:23:59.419 --> 00:24:02.359 and all of it 00:24:02.359 --> 00:24:03.059 could be smooth 00:24:03.059 --> 00:24:03.719 and polished 00:24:03.719 --> 00:24:04.379 and amazing 00:24:04.379 --> 00:24:06.039 and all of that 00:24:06.039 --> 00:24:06.819 would be incredible, 00:24:07.000 --> 00:24:07.179 right? 00:24:07.219 --> 00:24:08.359 We could probably afford it. 00:24:08.419 --> 00:24:08.959 We would have to 00:24:08.959 --> 00:24:09.939 make some changes 00:24:09.939 --> 00:24:11.159 but we could probably do it. 00:24:13.699 --> 00:24:15.199 But our church would die. 00:24:16.119 --> 00:24:17.619 We would die. 00:24:18.939 --> 00:24:20.000 We would die. 00:24:21.739 --> 00:24:23.019 We would fade away. 00:24:24.159 --> 00:24:25.259 So the point is not 00:24:25.259 --> 00:24:26.679 that we need you to serve 00:24:26.679 --> 00:24:28.019 because if you don't serve 00:24:28.019 --> 00:24:29.079 then things don't work right. 00:24:29.719 --> 00:24:29.959 I mean, 00:24:30.019 --> 00:24:30.619 on the surface 00:24:30.619 --> 00:24:31.379 that's the reason. 00:24:31.539 --> 00:24:32.299 The real point is 00:24:32.299 --> 00:24:34.339 you need to serve. 00:24:35.059 --> 00:24:36.659 You need to be involved 00:24:36.659 --> 00:24:37.979 because it's your design 00:24:37.979 --> 00:24:38.959 as a steward 00:24:38.959 --> 00:24:40.379 of God's varied grace 00:24:40.379 --> 00:24:40.939 and love. 00:24:41.459 --> 00:24:42.839 If you don't use 00:24:42.839 --> 00:24:43.519 these gifts 00:24:43.519 --> 00:24:44.699 that God has given you, 00:24:44.700 --> 00:24:47.819 they will atrophy. 00:24:49.380 --> 00:24:51.100 So our priority 00:24:51.100 --> 00:24:52.100 is actually 00:24:52.100 --> 00:24:53.180 not just filling 00:24:53.180 --> 00:24:54.340 volunteer slots. 00:24:55.279 --> 00:24:56.740 We want to structure 00:24:56.740 --> 00:24:57.299 our church 00:24:57.299 --> 00:24:57.880 in a way 00:24:57.880 --> 00:24:59.480 that requires you. 00:25:00.200 --> 00:25:01.580 The whole design 00:25:01.580 --> 00:25:02.600 of the church 00:25:02.600 --> 00:25:03.980 is meant to require 00:25:03.980 --> 00:25:05.460 that people serve 00:25:05.460 --> 00:25:07.120 because we are a body 00:25:07.120 --> 00:25:07.920 and you are cells 00:25:07.920 --> 00:25:08.460 in that body 00:25:08.460 --> 00:25:09.539 like we talked about yesterday. 00:25:10.640 --> 00:25:12.200 And what that gives you 00:25:12.200 --> 00:25:12.860 is not only 00:25:12.859 --> 00:25:13.419 the opportunity 00:25:13.419 --> 00:25:13.899 to grow 00:25:13.899 --> 00:25:14.819 and to learn your gifts 00:25:14.819 --> 00:25:15.379 but it gives you 00:25:15.379 --> 00:25:16.779 the tremendous fulfillment 00:25:16.779 --> 00:25:17.839 and joy 00:25:17.839 --> 00:25:19.519 in seeing the ways 00:25:19.519 --> 00:25:20.740 that God can use you. 00:25:20.979 --> 00:25:21.819 If you're made 00:25:21.819 --> 00:25:22.359 to serve 00:25:22.359 --> 00:25:22.939 and to meet needs 00:25:22.939 --> 00:25:23.339 in that way 00:25:23.339 --> 00:25:24.099 then when you do it 00:25:24.099 --> 00:25:25.319 it will bring you joy 00:25:25.319 --> 00:25:26.740 and you will get to see 00:25:26.740 --> 00:25:27.839 what God does. 00:25:28.099 --> 00:25:28.919 You'll get to sense 00:25:28.919 --> 00:25:29.419 what it's like 00:25:29.419 --> 00:25:30.959 to be part of something great 00:25:30.959 --> 00:25:32.059 that God is doing 00:25:32.059 --> 00:25:32.559 in the world. 00:25:32.559 --> 00:25:35.599 So for those of you 00:25:35.599 --> 00:25:36.299 who are already 00:25:36.299 --> 00:25:37.159 deeply involved 00:25:37.159 --> 00:25:37.960 and many of you are 00:25:37.960 --> 00:25:38.460 and by the way 00:25:38.460 --> 00:25:39.279 you've seen people 00:25:39.279 --> 00:25:39.980 even this weekend 00:25:39.980 --> 00:25:41.700 serving and setting up 00:25:41.700 --> 00:25:42.579 and cleaning up food 00:25:42.579 --> 00:25:43.500 and running sound 00:25:43.500 --> 00:25:44.819 and running the check-in 00:25:44.819 --> 00:25:46.139 and caring for our kids 00:25:46.139 --> 00:25:47.419 and all of the various ways 00:25:47.419 --> 00:25:48.339 that people have been serving 00:25:48.339 --> 00:25:49.460 you should congratulate them 00:25:49.460 --> 00:25:50.200 and thank them 00:25:50.200 --> 00:25:51.079 and tell them 00:25:51.079 --> 00:25:52.259 how much you appreciate them. 00:25:53.359 --> 00:25:54.679 If you're already serving 00:25:54.679 --> 00:25:55.619 then I pray 00:25:55.619 --> 00:25:56.519 that as you do that 00:25:56.519 --> 00:25:57.980 God would clarify for you 00:25:57.980 --> 00:25:59.159 the ways that he's gifted you 00:25:59.159 --> 00:25:59.579 to serve. 00:26:00.059 --> 00:26:01.059 The ways that he has 00:26:01.059 --> 00:26:02.299 empowered you to bring life 00:26:02.299 --> 00:26:02.899 to his body 00:26:02.899 --> 00:26:04.319 and I pray that God 00:26:04.319 --> 00:26:04.899 would empower you 00:26:04.899 --> 00:26:05.859 for all that you're doing. 00:26:06.720 --> 00:26:07.599 If you're not 00:26:07.599 --> 00:26:09.899 if you're still sort of 00:26:09.899 --> 00:26:10.579 on the periphery 00:26:10.579 --> 00:26:11.740 if you're trying to figure out 00:26:11.740 --> 00:26:12.179 whether or not 00:26:12.179 --> 00:26:12.720 you want to become 00:26:12.720 --> 00:26:13.259 more involved 00:26:13.259 --> 00:26:13.960 if you're not yet 00:26:13.960 --> 00:26:15.480 playing a significant role 00:26:15.480 --> 00:26:16.339 in the life of our church 00:26:16.339 --> 00:26:16.919 in any way 00:26:16.919 --> 00:26:18.500 I know that there are 00:26:18.500 --> 00:26:19.240 a lot of great reasons 00:26:19.240 --> 00:26:19.879 for that out there. 00:26:20.019 --> 00:26:21.200 So this isn't a time 00:26:21.200 --> 00:26:23.279 to point fingers 00:26:23.279 --> 00:26:24.359 or to turn any screws 00:26:24.359 --> 00:26:25.599 but you should at least 00:26:25.599 --> 00:26:28.339 reflect on this question. 00:26:29.220 --> 00:26:30.460 Are you investing 00:26:30.460 --> 00:26:32.200 in currency 00:26:32.200 --> 00:26:34.579 of the old world 00:26:34.579 --> 00:26:36.460 that will one day 00:26:36.460 --> 00:26:37.259 be meaningless 00:26:37.259 --> 00:26:39.360 or are you investing 00:26:39.360 --> 00:26:40.360 in things 00:26:40.360 --> 00:26:42.019 that will last 00:26:42.019 --> 00:26:43.299 into God's kingdom 00:26:43.299 --> 00:26:45.600 things that will 00:26:45.600 --> 00:26:47.799 have value 00:26:47.799 --> 00:26:48.700 in an economy 00:26:48.700 --> 00:26:50.480 where the only currency 00:26:50.480 --> 00:26:50.940 that matters 00:26:50.940 --> 00:26:51.600 is the currency 00:26:51.600 --> 00:26:52.400 of God's love. 00:26:53.460 --> 00:26:54.640 And I want to leave you 00:26:54.640 --> 00:26:55.840 with that question 00:26:55.840 --> 00:26:58.799 and close us in prayer. 00:26:58.799 --> 00:27:02.279 Lord we do thank you 00:27:02.279 --> 00:27:03.879 that even as we talk 00:27:03.879 --> 00:27:04.619 about stewardship 00:27:04.619 --> 00:27:05.799 even as we talk about 00:27:05.799 --> 00:27:06.379 what it means 00:27:06.379 --> 00:27:07.059 to be oriented 00:27:07.059 --> 00:27:07.839 toward your glory 00:27:07.839 --> 00:27:09.220 we have the greatest 00:27:09.220 --> 00:27:09.980 example of that 00:27:09.980 --> 00:27:11.240 in your son Jesus Christ. 00:27:12.539 --> 00:27:13.579 Lord who is the ultimate 00:27:13.579 --> 00:27:14.059 steward 00:27:14.059 --> 00:27:14.859 who took all 00:27:14.859 --> 00:27:15.819 that you had entrusted 00:27:15.819 --> 00:27:16.339 to him 00:27:16.339 --> 00:27:19.180 laid down his own life 00:27:19.180 --> 00:27:19.899 to see it through 00:27:19.899 --> 00:27:20.259 Lord. 00:27:21.259 --> 00:27:22.059 We thank you 00:27:22.059 --> 00:27:22.899 for the beauty of that 00:27:22.899 --> 00:27:23.379 we thank you 00:27:23.379 --> 00:27:23.859 for the beauty 00:27:23.859 --> 00:27:24.299 and the hope 00:27:24.299 --> 00:27:25.059 of the gospel 00:27:25.059 --> 00:27:25.659 we thank you 00:27:25.659 --> 00:27:26.099 for the coming 00:27:26.099 --> 00:27:27.099 of your new kingdom 00:27:27.099 --> 00:27:28.159 and I pray 00:27:28.159 --> 00:27:28.659 that for everybody 00:27:28.659 --> 00:27:29.619 here not just 00:27:29.619 --> 00:27:31.919 not just in this church 00:27:31.919 --> 00:27:32.719 but that you would 00:27:32.719 --> 00:27:33.719 give us all a vision 00:27:33.719 --> 00:27:34.899 for what good stewardship 00:27:34.899 --> 00:27:36.399 looks like in our jobs 00:27:36.399 --> 00:27:38.199 in our vocations 00:27:38.199 --> 00:27:39.279 that you've called us to 00:27:39.279 --> 00:27:40.740 Lord in every sphere 00:27:40.740 --> 00:27:41.899 of vocation 00:27:41.899 --> 00:27:43.019 that we would think 00:27:43.019 --> 00:27:44.159 as stewards 00:27:44.159 --> 00:27:45.219 that we would recognize 00:27:45.219 --> 00:27:46.559 all that we have 00:27:46.559 --> 00:27:47.219 all the access 00:27:47.219 --> 00:27:47.740 we have 00:27:47.740 --> 00:27:48.480 all the opportunities 00:27:48.480 --> 00:27:48.959 we have 00:27:48.959 --> 00:27:50.679 as things to be stewarded 00:27:50.679 --> 00:27:51.319 for your kingdom. 00:27:52.579 --> 00:27:53.339 Lord I pray 00:27:53.339 --> 00:27:53.939 that this would be 00:27:53.939 --> 00:27:55.339 real in our church community 00:27:55.339 --> 00:27:55.899 and I pray 00:27:55.899 --> 00:27:56.579 it would be real 00:27:56.579 --> 00:27:58.279 as far as you scatter 00:27:58.279 --> 00:27:59.119 us around the world 00:27:59.119 --> 00:28:00.500 in all of the varied ways 00:28:00.500 --> 00:28:01.139 that you've called us 00:28:01.139 --> 00:28:01.699 to serve 00:28:01.699 --> 00:28:02.699 the common good 00:28:02.699 --> 00:28:03.279 of this world. 00:28:05.720 --> 00:28:06.500 Lord we pray 00:28:06.500 --> 00:28:07.480 that you would 00:28:07.480 --> 00:28:08.720 infuse us 00:28:08.720 --> 00:28:09.619 with power 00:28:09.619 --> 00:28:10.699 and bless us 00:28:10.699 --> 00:28:11.319 with an awareness 00:28:11.319 --> 00:28:12.339 of the ways 00:28:12.339 --> 00:28:13.019 that each one of us 00:28:13.019 --> 00:28:13.919 is called to serve 00:28:13.919 --> 00:28:14.839 in unity 00:28:14.839 --> 00:28:16.480 as your kingdom 00:28:16.480 --> 00:28:17.699 breaks into this world. 00:28:18.259 --> 00:28:18.819 And we pray this 00:28:18.819 --> 00:28:19.839 in your son's holy name. 00:28:20.139 --> 00:28:20.339 Amen.