WEBVTT 00:00:00.500 --> 00:00:06.280 Where were you on September the 11th, 2001? 00:00:08.359 --> 00:00:12.500 Most people in this room, most people in this country 00:00:12.500 --> 00:00:16.980 who are over, say, age 35 to 40 00:00:16.980 --> 00:00:21.960 can tell you where they were and what they were doing 00:00:21.960 --> 00:00:27.500 when they heard news that there had been a terrorist attack 00:00:27.500 --> 00:00:29.359 on American soul. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:36.280 It had a profound effect on just about everyone 00:00:36.280 --> 00:00:41.000 who saw those twin towers come crashing down. 00:00:41.000 --> 00:00:45.960 Many people immediately opened their hearts 00:00:45.960 --> 00:00:49.379 and their pocketbooks to those victims. 00:00:51.460 --> 00:00:56.000 Many people gave donations to various charities 00:00:56.000 --> 00:01:03.480 to be used to help the thousands that needed help. 00:01:04.780 --> 00:01:08.200 Well, then the first weeks after the attack, 00:01:08.859 --> 00:01:12.280 the Red Cross received $547 million 00:01:12.280 --> 00:01:17.840 designated to help those touched by this tragedy. 00:01:18.560 --> 00:01:22.299 But then the Red Cross made a shocking announcement. 00:01:23.379 --> 00:01:27.019 They were going to hold almost half of those funds, 00:01:27.659 --> 00:01:31.480 $247 million in reserve. 00:01:31.480 --> 00:01:33.780 Some of you may remember that. 00:01:34.859 --> 00:01:36.180 Well, as you can imagine, 00:01:37.020 --> 00:01:41.520 there was a great public outcry against that decision. 00:01:42.380 --> 00:01:46.680 The Attorney General of New York issued a warning to the Red Cross 00:01:46.680 --> 00:01:50.820 that they must spend those donations 00:01:50.819 --> 00:01:56.799 in the way or according to the way those donors had specified 00:01:56.799 --> 00:02:00.099 and nothing else. 00:02:00.099 --> 00:02:02.919 There was a company in California, 00:02:03.419 --> 00:02:04.619 Siebel Systems. 00:02:05.579 --> 00:02:07.979 When they heard what the Red Cross was planning to do, 00:02:08.439 --> 00:02:11.959 they asked for their $3.2 million to be returned. 00:02:11.960 --> 00:02:14.879 Well, after the upheaval, 00:02:16.280 --> 00:02:18.400 the Red Cross reversed their decision 00:02:18.400 --> 00:02:20.960 and promised that all 9-11 donations 00:02:21.680 --> 00:02:26.439 would be used to help 9-11 victims. 00:02:27.400 --> 00:02:29.939 And that company said they could keep the money. 00:02:30.960 --> 00:02:32.360 But what I want us to think is this. 00:02:33.000 --> 00:02:36.420 The public outcry over the Red Cross 00:02:36.420 --> 00:02:38.960 holding half of those donations 00:02:38.960 --> 00:02:42.460 made it clear that everyone, 00:02:43.540 --> 00:02:44.520 people in government, 00:02:46.379 --> 00:02:48.480 private, common, ordinary citizens, 00:02:49.200 --> 00:02:52.120 everyone expects their donations 00:02:52.120 --> 00:02:53.879 to whatever cause 00:02:53.879 --> 00:02:57.260 be used only for the purpose 00:02:57.260 --> 00:02:59.219 that they were given. 00:03:00.500 --> 00:03:02.840 Now, in the same way, 00:03:03.760 --> 00:03:06.740 God expects us to use all the resources 00:03:06.740 --> 00:03:08.460 he has given us 00:03:08.460 --> 00:03:10.900 according to his purpose, 00:03:11.780 --> 00:03:13.879 the way that he intends. 00:03:14.820 --> 00:03:17.360 And that's because everything that we have, 00:03:18.820 --> 00:03:19.980 our time, 00:03:20.320 --> 00:03:21.120 our talents, 00:03:21.920 --> 00:03:23.080 and our treasures, 00:03:24.240 --> 00:03:27.379 they were all ultimately given to us by God 00:03:27.379 --> 00:03:28.540 with the understanding 00:03:28.540 --> 00:03:31.300 that he remains the owner. 00:03:31.300 --> 00:03:34.360 And what he gives to us, 00:03:34.460 --> 00:03:35.820 he entrusts us 00:03:35.820 --> 00:03:38.300 with the privilege and responsibility 00:03:39.080 --> 00:03:43.080 of being his good managers. 00:03:44.580 --> 00:03:45.900 I want to ask you, 00:03:46.480 --> 00:03:49.460 how well are you taking care of 00:03:49.460 --> 00:03:52.840 and using the time that God's given you? 00:03:54.020 --> 00:03:55.200 The talents, 00:03:55.800 --> 00:03:57.080 the abilities, 00:03:57.340 --> 00:03:59.060 the opportunities that you have. 00:03:59.060 --> 00:04:01.819 The money, 00:04:02.460 --> 00:04:03.860 the material possessions 00:04:03.860 --> 00:04:06.539 that God has entrusted to your care. 00:04:08.560 --> 00:04:08.939 You know, 00:04:09.080 --> 00:04:11.060 it's important that we be good managers 00:04:11.659 --> 00:04:12.740 or stewards of this 00:04:12.740 --> 00:04:13.939 because one day 00:04:13.939 --> 00:04:17.000 we are all going to give an account 00:04:17.000 --> 00:04:20.060 of how we have used 00:04:20.060 --> 00:04:22.240 everything that God has given us. 00:04:23.279 --> 00:04:24.600 Jesus talked about that 00:04:24.600 --> 00:04:26.019 in several of his parables. 00:04:26.019 --> 00:04:27.939 Probably the most well-known 00:04:27.939 --> 00:04:29.719 is in Matthew chapter 25. 00:04:30.139 --> 00:04:31.779 And I want to ask you to turn with me 00:04:31.779 --> 00:04:33.339 as you see on the screen there, 00:04:33.459 --> 00:04:34.019 Matthew 25, 00:04:34.759 --> 00:04:36.180 beginning in verse 14. 00:04:36.839 --> 00:04:38.319 And this will not be on the screen. 00:04:39.199 --> 00:04:39.819 So if you would, 00:04:39.919 --> 00:04:40.579 please turn. 00:04:40.959 --> 00:04:42.439 If you don't have your Bible, 00:04:42.560 --> 00:04:43.519 there's a pew Bible. 00:04:44.099 --> 00:04:45.519 And follow along with me 00:04:45.519 --> 00:04:47.019 in Matthew 25, 00:04:47.799 --> 00:04:50.139 beginning in verse 14. 00:04:50.139 --> 00:04:52.139 Matthew 25, 00:04:52.139 --> 00:04:52.680 Matthew 25, 00:04:53.039 --> 00:04:54.180 Jesus is explaining 00:04:54.180 --> 00:04:56.019 some things about 00:04:56.019 --> 00:04:57.539 the kingdom of God 00:04:57.539 --> 00:04:58.819 or the kingdom of heaven. 00:04:59.300 --> 00:05:00.379 That's how he begins 00:05:00.379 --> 00:05:01.240 chapter 25, 00:05:01.339 --> 00:05:01.879 verse 1. 00:05:02.240 --> 00:05:03.240 Then the kingdom of heaven 00:05:03.240 --> 00:05:04.219 will be like, 00:05:04.339 --> 00:05:05.139 and he talks about, 00:05:06.779 --> 00:05:07.860 gives one parable. 00:05:08.300 --> 00:05:09.360 Then in verse 14, 00:05:09.819 --> 00:05:10.759 he's talking again 00:05:10.759 --> 00:05:11.860 about the kingdom of heaven. 00:05:12.740 --> 00:05:14.120 Let's read in verse 14. 00:05:14.579 --> 00:05:15.819 For it will be like 00:05:15.819 --> 00:05:17.519 a man going on a journey 00:05:17.519 --> 00:05:19.680 who called his servants 00:05:19.680 --> 00:05:21.639 and entrusted to them 00:05:21.639 --> 00:05:22.359 his property. 00:05:23.039 --> 00:05:23.899 To one, 00:05:24.479 --> 00:05:26.099 he gave five talents. 00:05:26.859 --> 00:05:27.419 To another, 00:05:27.919 --> 00:05:28.379 two. 00:05:29.839 --> 00:05:30.779 To another, 00:05:30.919 --> 00:05:31.219 two. 00:05:31.599 --> 00:05:32.259 To another, 00:05:32.639 --> 00:05:33.159 one. 00:05:34.000 --> 00:05:34.939 To each, 00:05:35.060 --> 00:05:36.379 according to his ability. 00:05:36.519 --> 00:05:37.139 Now notice that. 00:05:38.379 --> 00:05:40.060 God creates us all differently. 00:05:40.819 --> 00:05:42.659 He entrusts to us 00:05:42.659 --> 00:05:45.839 different amounts 00:05:45.839 --> 00:05:48.339 of all that we have. 00:05:49.699 --> 00:05:50.719 Then he went away. 00:05:51.000 --> 00:05:51.659 Verse 16. 00:05:52.459 --> 00:05:54.259 He who had received 00:05:54.259 --> 00:05:55.239 the five talents 00:05:55.239 --> 00:05:56.919 went at once 00:05:56.919 --> 00:05:58.639 and traded with them 00:05:58.639 --> 00:06:01.359 and he made five talents more. 00:06:02.359 --> 00:06:03.279 So also, 00:06:03.699 --> 00:06:05.239 he who had the two talents 00:06:05.239 --> 00:06:07.279 made two talents more. 00:06:07.939 --> 00:06:09.120 But he who had received 00:06:09.120 --> 00:06:09.959 the one talent 00:06:09.959 --> 00:06:12.419 went and dug in the ground 00:06:12.419 --> 00:06:14.859 and hid his master's money. 00:06:14.860 --> 00:06:15.819 He dug a hole 00:06:15.819 --> 00:06:16.580 and put it in it. 00:06:17.980 --> 00:06:18.879 Let me pause here. 00:06:20.139 --> 00:06:20.580 A lot of you 00:06:20.580 --> 00:06:21.620 have a Bible translation 00:06:21.620 --> 00:06:22.800 that when you see 00:06:22.800 --> 00:06:24.100 the word talent there 00:06:24.100 --> 00:06:24.840 at the beginning, 00:06:25.280 --> 00:06:26.639 there's a footnote 00:06:26.639 --> 00:06:27.360 that explains 00:06:27.360 --> 00:06:28.199 what that means. 00:06:28.780 --> 00:06:30.560 In the ESV version 00:06:30.560 --> 00:06:31.540 that I'm reading from, 00:06:31.620 --> 00:06:32.439 it says a talent 00:06:32.439 --> 00:06:33.720 was a monetary unit 00:06:33.720 --> 00:06:34.540 worth about 00:06:34.540 --> 00:06:36.300 20 years wages 00:06:36.300 --> 00:06:37.960 for a laborer. 00:06:38.460 --> 00:06:39.379 It's a lot, 00:06:39.480 --> 00:06:40.040 but not as much 00:06:40.040 --> 00:06:40.740 as you might think 00:06:40.740 --> 00:06:42.020 because a laborer 00:06:42.019 --> 00:06:44.620 made just enough 00:06:44.620 --> 00:06:45.339 to get by 00:06:45.339 --> 00:06:46.459 for the day. 00:06:47.819 --> 00:06:49.039 Let's continue on now 00:06:49.039 --> 00:06:49.819 in verse 19. 00:06:50.819 --> 00:06:52.279 Now after a long time, 00:06:53.139 --> 00:06:54.539 the master of those servants 00:06:54.539 --> 00:06:56.599 came and settled accounts 00:06:56.599 --> 00:06:57.240 with them. 00:06:57.919 --> 00:06:59.120 And he who had received 00:06:59.120 --> 00:07:00.000 the five talents 00:07:00.000 --> 00:07:00.839 came forward, 00:07:01.359 --> 00:07:03.180 bringing five talents more, 00:07:03.359 --> 00:07:03.639 saying, 00:07:03.779 --> 00:07:04.139 Master, 00:07:04.620 --> 00:07:06.180 you delivered to me 00:07:06.180 --> 00:07:07.219 five talents. 00:07:07.659 --> 00:07:08.839 Here I have made 00:07:08.839 --> 00:07:10.560 five talents more. 00:07:10.560 --> 00:07:12.240 His master said to him, 00:07:12.379 --> 00:07:13.000 Well done, 00:07:13.120 --> 00:07:14.100 good and faithful servant. 00:07:14.480 --> 00:07:15.600 You have been faithful 00:07:15.600 --> 00:07:16.500 over a little. 00:07:17.040 --> 00:07:19.600 I will set you over much. 00:07:20.040 --> 00:07:21.160 Enter into the joy 00:07:21.160 --> 00:07:22.459 of your master. 00:07:23.680 --> 00:07:24.540 And he also said, 00:07:25.740 --> 00:07:26.779 and he also, 00:07:27.160 --> 00:07:28.439 who had the two talents 00:07:28.439 --> 00:07:29.180 came forward, 00:07:29.720 --> 00:07:30.060 saying, 00:07:30.279 --> 00:07:30.660 Master, 00:07:31.100 --> 00:07:32.199 you delivered to me 00:07:32.199 --> 00:07:33.160 two talents. 00:07:33.699 --> 00:07:34.699 Here I have made 00:07:34.699 --> 00:07:36.420 two talents more. 00:07:37.360 --> 00:07:38.480 And I want you to note, 00:07:38.779 --> 00:07:40.019 his master said to him, 00:07:40.019 --> 00:07:41.899 the very same thing. 00:07:42.839 --> 00:07:44.359 He wasn't given as much. 00:07:45.439 --> 00:07:46.759 He didn't have as much 00:07:46.759 --> 00:07:48.620 when the master returned. 00:07:48.939 --> 00:07:50.039 But he'd been faithful 00:07:50.039 --> 00:07:51.299 with what he had been given. 00:07:51.719 --> 00:07:52.639 And so he has commended 00:07:52.639 --> 00:07:53.779 just as much. 00:07:54.339 --> 00:07:55.079 Well done, 00:07:55.199 --> 00:07:56.099 good and faithful servant. 00:07:56.579 --> 00:07:57.359 You have been faithful 00:07:57.359 --> 00:07:58.180 over a little. 00:07:58.579 --> 00:08:00.419 I will set you over much. 00:08:00.899 --> 00:08:02.079 Enter into the joy 00:08:02.079 --> 00:08:03.079 of your master. 00:08:03.079 --> 00:08:04.359 He also, 00:08:04.639 --> 00:08:05.219 who had received 00:08:05.219 --> 00:08:06.060 the one talent, 00:08:06.199 --> 00:08:06.719 came forward, 00:08:06.839 --> 00:08:07.099 saying, 00:08:07.100 --> 00:08:07.900 Master, 00:08:08.400 --> 00:08:09.220 I knew you 00:08:09.220 --> 00:08:10.540 to be a hard man, 00:08:11.240 --> 00:08:11.939 reaping where you 00:08:11.939 --> 00:08:12.780 did not sow 00:08:12.780 --> 00:08:13.860 and gathering 00:08:13.860 --> 00:08:14.720 where you scattered 00:08:14.720 --> 00:08:15.340 no seed. 00:08:15.700 --> 00:08:16.960 So I was afraid 00:08:16.960 --> 00:08:18.100 and I went out 00:08:18.100 --> 00:08:18.879 and hid your talent 00:08:18.879 --> 00:08:19.680 in the ground. 00:08:20.320 --> 00:08:21.140 Here you have 00:08:21.140 --> 00:08:21.879 what is yours. 00:08:22.700 --> 00:08:23.439 But his master 00:08:23.439 --> 00:08:24.120 answered him, 00:08:24.500 --> 00:08:25.340 you wicked 00:08:25.340 --> 00:08:27.340 and slothful servant. 00:08:28.020 --> 00:08:29.320 You knew that I reap 00:08:29.320 --> 00:08:30.439 where I have not sown 00:08:30.439 --> 00:08:31.500 and gather 00:08:31.500 --> 00:08:32.759 where I scattered 00:08:32.759 --> 00:08:33.500 no seed. 00:08:33.500 --> 00:08:35.000 Then you ought 00:08:35.000 --> 00:08:35.879 to have invested 00:08:35.879 --> 00:08:36.740 my money 00:08:36.740 --> 00:08:37.879 with the bankers 00:08:37.879 --> 00:08:39.320 and at my coming 00:08:39.320 --> 00:08:40.639 I should have received 00:08:40.639 --> 00:08:42.200 what was my own 00:08:42.200 --> 00:08:44.100 with interest. 00:08:44.860 --> 00:08:45.779 So take the talent 00:08:45.779 --> 00:08:46.539 from him 00:08:46.539 --> 00:08:47.740 and give it to the one 00:08:47.740 --> 00:08:49.059 who has ten talents. 00:08:49.659 --> 00:08:50.419 For to everyone 00:08:50.419 --> 00:08:51.360 who has 00:08:51.360 --> 00:08:54.200 will more be given 00:08:54.200 --> 00:08:55.779 and he will have 00:08:55.779 --> 00:08:56.600 an abundance. 00:08:56.960 --> 00:08:57.700 But from the one 00:08:57.700 --> 00:08:59.159 who has not, 00:08:59.799 --> 00:09:01.179 even what he has 00:09:01.179 --> 00:09:02.679 will be taken away 00:09:02.679 --> 00:09:04.139 and cast 00:09:04.139 --> 00:09:05.519 the worthless servant 00:09:05.519 --> 00:09:07.219 into the outer darkness. 00:09:07.939 --> 00:09:09.139 In that place 00:09:09.139 --> 00:09:09.939 there will be 00:09:09.939 --> 00:09:10.500 weeping 00:09:10.500 --> 00:09:11.419 and gnashing 00:09:11.419 --> 00:09:12.099 of teeth. 00:09:13.419 --> 00:09:13.839 Now I think 00:09:13.839 --> 00:09:14.519 it's pretty obvious 00:09:14.519 --> 00:09:15.399 that the man 00:09:15.399 --> 00:09:16.819 in this parable, 00:09:16.979 --> 00:09:18.039 the master of the servants 00:09:18.039 --> 00:09:19.019 represents God. 00:09:19.679 --> 00:09:20.679 The men receiving 00:09:20.679 --> 00:09:21.419 the talents, 00:09:21.819 --> 00:09:22.500 they represent 00:09:22.500 --> 00:09:23.579 God's people. 00:09:24.799 --> 00:09:25.759 Jesus is making 00:09:25.759 --> 00:09:27.279 a point 00:09:27.279 --> 00:09:28.979 that whatever 00:09:28.979 --> 00:09:29.879 we've been given 00:09:29.879 --> 00:09:30.679 by God, 00:09:30.979 --> 00:09:31.399 whether it be 00:09:31.399 --> 00:09:32.379 great or small, 00:09:32.679 --> 00:09:34.539 we are responsible 00:09:34.539 --> 00:09:35.539 to God 00:09:35.539 --> 00:09:36.919 to wisely 00:09:36.919 --> 00:09:37.739 manage it. 00:09:39.739 --> 00:09:40.899 Note how 00:09:40.899 --> 00:09:41.859 Jesus concludes 00:09:41.859 --> 00:09:42.299 this. 00:09:43.500 --> 00:09:44.239 His point 00:09:44.239 --> 00:09:44.939 of the parable 00:09:44.939 --> 00:09:45.519 is that 00:09:45.519 --> 00:09:47.299 one day 00:09:47.299 --> 00:09:49.319 everyone 00:09:49.319 --> 00:09:50.019 is going to 00:09:50.019 --> 00:09:50.759 give an account 00:09:50.759 --> 00:09:51.539 to God 00:09:51.539 --> 00:09:53.039 for how they 00:09:53.039 --> 00:09:54.099 have managed 00:09:54.099 --> 00:09:55.799 what God 00:09:55.799 --> 00:09:56.379 has given them. 00:09:57.819 --> 00:09:58.919 And we're not 00:09:58.919 --> 00:09:59.859 just talking about 00:09:59.859 --> 00:10:00.939 money here. 00:10:00.940 --> 00:10:02.320 I'm beginning 00:10:02.320 --> 00:10:03.300 a series today 00:10:03.300 --> 00:10:03.780 that will help 00:10:03.780 --> 00:10:04.520 us to evaluate 00:10:04.520 --> 00:10:06.720 our stewardship 00:10:06.720 --> 00:10:07.600 and we'll explain 00:10:07.600 --> 00:10:08.000 that word 00:10:08.000 --> 00:10:08.440 in a moment 00:10:08.440 --> 00:10:10.060 of what God 00:10:10.060 --> 00:10:10.880 has given us 00:10:10.880 --> 00:10:11.560 using three 00:10:11.560 --> 00:10:12.240 categories. 00:10:13.360 --> 00:10:14.040 Our time, 00:10:15.000 --> 00:10:16.680 our talents, 00:10:17.480 --> 00:10:18.180 our abilities, 00:10:18.320 --> 00:10:19.120 our opportunities, 00:10:19.120 --> 00:10:21.179 and our treasures, 00:10:21.179 --> 00:10:22.879 our money 00:10:22.879 --> 00:10:23.560 and material 00:10:23.560 --> 00:10:24.019 possessions. 00:10:25.019 --> 00:10:25.759 As we go 00:10:25.759 --> 00:10:26.419 through this study 00:10:26.419 --> 00:10:27.019 today and the 00:10:27.019 --> 00:10:27.759 next few weeks, 00:10:28.679 --> 00:10:29.840 I want us to pray 00:10:29.840 --> 00:10:30.560 that God will work 00:10:30.560 --> 00:10:31.120 like this. 00:10:31.940 --> 00:10:32.980 If we are being 00:10:32.980 --> 00:10:33.960 wise stewards, 00:10:34.060 --> 00:10:34.560 and I know a lot 00:10:34.560 --> 00:10:35.120 of people in this room 00:10:35.120 --> 00:10:35.360 are, 00:10:36.500 --> 00:10:37.279 you'd recognize 00:10:37.279 --> 00:10:38.440 that the time, 00:10:38.620 --> 00:10:38.940 talents, 00:10:39.019 --> 00:10:39.419 and treasures 00:10:39.419 --> 00:10:40.460 God has given you 00:10:40.460 --> 00:10:41.840 are a trust. 00:10:43.180 --> 00:10:44.060 And while none of us 00:10:44.060 --> 00:10:45.379 does it perfectly, 00:10:45.379 --> 00:10:47.399 some people really 00:10:47.399 --> 00:10:48.360 do seek to be 00:10:48.360 --> 00:10:49.620 a wise manager 00:10:49.620 --> 00:10:50.580 of their time, 00:10:51.220 --> 00:10:52.279 of their talents, 00:10:52.500 --> 00:10:53.559 and their treasures. 00:10:54.320 --> 00:10:55.439 They want to please 00:10:55.439 --> 00:10:55.919 God. 00:10:56.580 --> 00:10:57.460 They want to be 00:10:57.460 --> 00:10:58.379 used by God 00:10:58.379 --> 00:10:59.580 to meet people's 00:10:59.580 --> 00:11:00.860 needs in their life. 00:11:02.059 --> 00:11:02.320 And so, 00:11:02.439 --> 00:11:03.439 as we go through 00:11:03.439 --> 00:11:03.840 this, 00:11:05.220 --> 00:11:06.320 if you're being 00:11:06.320 --> 00:11:07.220 a wise steward 00:11:07.220 --> 00:11:08.620 in one or more 00:11:08.620 --> 00:11:09.379 of these areas, 00:11:10.379 --> 00:11:11.379 you'll be affirmed. 00:11:11.379 --> 00:11:14.539 You'll be 00:11:14.539 --> 00:11:15.259 encouraged 00:11:15.259 --> 00:11:17.620 to continue 00:11:17.620 --> 00:11:19.379 to remain 00:11:19.379 --> 00:11:20.320 faithful. 00:11:21.340 --> 00:11:21.960 Pray that God 00:11:21.960 --> 00:11:22.539 will do that 00:11:22.539 --> 00:11:23.960 if you're a wise 00:11:23.960 --> 00:11:24.439 manager. 00:11:25.059 --> 00:11:25.799 But if we're not 00:11:25.799 --> 00:11:27.259 being wise stewards, 00:11:28.879 --> 00:11:29.740 let's pray that 00:11:29.740 --> 00:11:30.879 we will be 00:11:30.879 --> 00:11:32.039 convicted of our 00:11:32.039 --> 00:11:33.059 sin of poorly 00:11:33.059 --> 00:11:33.759 managing what 00:11:33.759 --> 00:11:34.539 God's given us. 00:11:35.240 --> 00:11:35.980 Let's pray that 00:11:35.980 --> 00:11:36.779 we will be made 00:11:36.779 --> 00:11:37.639 aware of it. 00:11:38.600 --> 00:11:39.240 We'll know 00:11:39.240 --> 00:11:40.080 what needs to 00:11:40.080 --> 00:11:40.820 change. 00:11:41.379 --> 00:11:42.519 What priorities 00:11:42.519 --> 00:11:43.539 need to change 00:11:43.539 --> 00:11:45.559 so that we can 00:11:45.559 --> 00:11:47.059 become wise 00:11:47.059 --> 00:11:48.519 and faithful 00:11:48.519 --> 00:11:49.480 stewards 00:11:49.480 --> 00:11:51.399 of everything 00:11:51.399 --> 00:11:52.299 that we are 00:11:52.299 --> 00:11:52.679 and everything 00:11:52.679 --> 00:11:53.419 that we have 00:11:53.419 --> 00:11:54.259 because 00:11:54.259 --> 00:11:55.639 every single 00:11:55.639 --> 00:11:56.039 one of us 00:11:56.039 --> 00:11:56.500 in this room, 00:11:57.539 --> 00:11:59.340 if you 00:11:59.340 --> 00:12:01.220 truly believe 00:12:01.220 --> 00:12:02.000 what the Bible 00:12:02.000 --> 00:12:03.120 says about God, 00:12:03.840 --> 00:12:04.679 about living life 00:12:04.679 --> 00:12:05.279 as a Christian, 00:12:05.820 --> 00:12:06.519 about how things 00:12:06.519 --> 00:12:06.820 are going to 00:12:06.820 --> 00:12:08.340 come to an end, 00:12:08.740 --> 00:12:09.100 I want us to 00:12:09.100 --> 00:12:09.559 understand that 00:12:09.559 --> 00:12:10.240 one day, 00:12:10.399 --> 00:12:11.120 every single one 00:12:11.120 --> 00:12:12.000 of us in this 00:12:12.000 --> 00:12:12.139 room, 00:12:12.179 --> 00:12:12.460 we're going to 00:12:12.460 --> 00:12:12.940 stand before 00:12:12.940 --> 00:12:13.320 God. 00:12:14.860 --> 00:12:15.740 And a part of 00:12:15.740 --> 00:12:16.200 what will take 00:12:16.200 --> 00:12:16.899 place that day 00:12:16.899 --> 00:12:17.460 is we will 00:12:17.460 --> 00:12:18.299 give an account. 00:12:18.539 --> 00:12:19.500 Jesus told this 00:12:19.500 --> 00:12:20.440 and several other 00:12:20.440 --> 00:12:21.220 parables like this. 00:12:21.519 --> 00:12:21.840 We're going to 00:12:21.840 --> 00:12:22.379 give an account 00:12:22.379 --> 00:12:23.419 of what we have 00:12:23.419 --> 00:12:23.820 done, 00:12:24.080 --> 00:12:24.659 how we have 00:12:24.659 --> 00:12:25.320 managed 00:12:25.320 --> 00:12:27.860 the time, 00:12:28.060 --> 00:12:28.580 talents, 00:12:29.200 --> 00:12:29.940 and treasures 00:12:29.940 --> 00:12:31.419 that God has 00:12:31.419 --> 00:12:32.200 entrusted to our 00:12:32.200 --> 00:12:32.519 care. 00:12:32.519 --> 00:12:33.320 Now, 00:12:34.340 --> 00:12:34.919 the first step 00:12:34.919 --> 00:12:35.419 to understanding 00:12:35.419 --> 00:12:36.139 our responsibility 00:12:36.139 --> 00:12:37.419 to wisely manage 00:12:37.419 --> 00:12:38.100 our resources 00:12:38.100 --> 00:12:39.180 is to accept 00:12:39.180 --> 00:12:39.519 the fact 00:12:39.519 --> 00:12:39.980 that God 00:12:39.980 --> 00:12:40.700 owns it all. 00:12:40.820 --> 00:12:41.019 So let's 00:12:41.019 --> 00:12:41.600 look first. 00:12:42.040 --> 00:12:42.500 God is the 00:12:42.500 --> 00:12:43.220 creator and 00:12:43.220 --> 00:12:43.960 owner of 00:12:43.960 --> 00:12:44.340 everything. 00:12:45.560 --> 00:12:46.399 You know 00:12:46.399 --> 00:12:47.240 how the Bible 00:12:47.240 --> 00:12:47.920 begins. 00:12:48.680 --> 00:12:49.240 God created 00:12:49.240 --> 00:12:49.800 the world 00:12:49.800 --> 00:12:50.879 and everything 00:12:50.879 --> 00:12:51.500 in it. 00:12:51.639 --> 00:12:52.240 Just as a 00:12:52.240 --> 00:12:52.720 reminder, 00:12:52.899 --> 00:12:53.440 Genesis 1, 00:12:53.500 --> 00:12:53.720 1, 00:12:53.980 --> 00:12:54.560 in the beginning, 00:12:54.980 --> 00:12:55.840 God created 00:12:55.840 --> 00:12:56.399 the heavens 00:12:56.399 --> 00:12:57.040 and the earth. 00:12:57.040 --> 00:12:57.779 Now, 00:12:57.820 --> 00:12:58.440 the fact that 00:12:58.440 --> 00:12:59.300 God is the 00:12:59.300 --> 00:13:00.000 creator of 00:13:00.000 --> 00:13:01.040 all that is 00:13:01.040 --> 00:13:02.500 means that 00:13:02.500 --> 00:13:03.620 he owns 00:13:03.620 --> 00:13:04.799 all that 00:13:04.799 --> 00:13:05.220 is. 00:13:05.539 --> 00:13:05.879 And this 00:13:05.879 --> 00:13:06.340 is stated 00:13:06.340 --> 00:13:07.000 in numerous 00:13:07.000 --> 00:13:07.960 ways 00:13:07.960 --> 00:13:09.779 throughout the 00:13:09.779 --> 00:13:10.080 Bible. 00:13:10.639 --> 00:13:10.960 I want you 00:13:10.960 --> 00:13:11.200 to look at 00:13:11.200 --> 00:13:11.740 this example 00:13:11.740 --> 00:13:12.419 from Psalm 00:13:12.419 --> 00:13:12.899 24. 00:13:13.159 --> 00:13:13.560 It's familiar 00:13:13.560 --> 00:13:13.980 to a lot 00:13:13.980 --> 00:13:14.340 of people. 00:13:15.259 --> 00:13:15.960 The earth 00:13:15.960 --> 00:13:16.539 is the 00:13:16.539 --> 00:13:17.159 Lord's 00:13:17.159 --> 00:13:18.320 and all 00:13:18.320 --> 00:13:19.220 it contains 00:13:19.220 --> 00:13:20.580 the world, 00:13:20.700 --> 00:13:20.980 look at 00:13:20.980 --> 00:13:21.340 this, 00:13:22.240 --> 00:13:22.820 and those 00:13:22.820 --> 00:13:23.320 who dwell 00:13:23.320 --> 00:13:23.799 in it. 00:13:25.639 --> 00:13:26.340 Don't just 00:13:26.340 --> 00:13:26.860 look out 00:13:26.860 --> 00:13:27.220 at the 00:13:27.220 --> 00:13:27.740 mountains. 00:13:28.940 --> 00:13:29.500 Think about 00:13:29.500 --> 00:13:30.100 God's 00:13:30.100 --> 00:13:30.519 beautiful 00:13:30.519 --> 00:13:31.159 creation. 00:13:31.720 --> 00:13:31.840 You know, 00:13:31.879 --> 00:13:32.460 God made 00:13:32.460 --> 00:13:32.759 this, 00:13:32.840 --> 00:13:33.100 this is 00:13:33.100 --> 00:13:33.480 his, 00:13:33.620 --> 00:13:34.840 look in 00:13:34.840 --> 00:13:35.279 the mirror. 00:13:37.600 --> 00:13:38.340 God made 00:13:38.340 --> 00:13:39.060 all of us 00:13:39.060 --> 00:13:39.679 in his 00:13:39.679 --> 00:13:40.039 images. 00:13:40.139 --> 00:13:40.320 We're going 00:13:40.320 --> 00:13:40.480 to see 00:13:40.480 --> 00:13:40.700 it in a 00:13:40.700 --> 00:13:41.000 moment. 00:13:42.000 --> 00:13:42.379 Just as 00:13:42.379 --> 00:13:43.039 the mountains, 00:13:43.320 --> 00:13:43.879 the world 00:13:43.879 --> 00:13:44.500 belongs to 00:13:44.500 --> 00:13:44.720 him, 00:13:45.019 --> 00:13:45.740 we belong 00:13:45.740 --> 00:13:46.120 to him. 00:13:46.419 --> 00:13:47.200 Paul repeats 00:13:47.200 --> 00:13:47.539 this, 00:13:47.580 --> 00:13:48.120 at least part 00:13:48.120 --> 00:13:48.379 of it, 00:13:48.600 --> 00:13:49.259 in 1 Corinthians 00:13:49.259 --> 00:13:49.600 10. 00:13:49.740 --> 00:13:50.000 Note, 00:13:50.299 --> 00:13:50.679 the earth 00:13:50.679 --> 00:13:51.000 is the 00:13:51.000 --> 00:13:51.399 Lord's 00:13:51.399 --> 00:13:51.740 and everything 00:13:51.740 --> 00:13:52.220 in it. 00:13:54.600 --> 00:13:54.919 Now, 00:13:55.700 --> 00:13:55.980 in the 00:13:55.980 --> 00:13:56.379 story of 00:13:56.379 --> 00:13:56.940 creation, 00:13:58.279 --> 00:13:59.139 it really 00:13:59.139 --> 00:14:00.139 zeroes in 00:14:00.139 --> 00:14:01.560 on God's 00:14:01.560 --> 00:14:02.460 special 00:14:02.460 --> 00:14:03.159 creation, 00:14:03.159 --> 00:14:05.000 which is 00:14:05.000 --> 00:14:05.759 human beings. 00:14:06.100 --> 00:14:06.439 Just look at 00:14:06.439 --> 00:14:06.659 this. 00:14:07.079 --> 00:14:07.699 God created 00:14:07.699 --> 00:14:08.360 human beings 00:14:08.360 --> 00:14:08.899 in his 00:14:08.899 --> 00:14:09.240 image. 00:14:09.620 --> 00:14:10.059 Here's a 00:14:10.059 --> 00:14:10.980 summary statement 00:14:10.980 --> 00:14:11.899 of the 00:14:11.899 --> 00:14:12.639 creation of 00:14:12.639 --> 00:14:12.959 man. 00:14:13.120 --> 00:14:13.480 Look at it 00:14:13.480 --> 00:14:13.740 in verse 00:14:13.740 --> 00:14:14.419 26 and 00:14:14.419 --> 00:14:14.860 27, 00:14:14.980 --> 00:14:15.259 the first 00:14:15.259 --> 00:14:15.579 part of 00:14:15.579 --> 00:14:16.259 verse 26. 00:14:16.259 --> 00:14:17.299 Then God 00:14:17.299 --> 00:14:17.519 said, 00:14:17.659 --> 00:14:17.919 let us make 00:14:17.919 --> 00:14:18.559 man in 00:14:18.559 --> 00:14:19.579 our image 00:14:19.579 --> 00:14:20.779 after our 00:14:20.779 --> 00:14:22.000 likeness. 00:14:22.799 --> 00:14:23.079 And then, 00:14:23.179 --> 00:14:23.539 so God 00:14:23.539 --> 00:14:24.139 created man 00:14:24.139 --> 00:14:24.719 in his own 00:14:24.719 --> 00:14:25.079 image. 00:14:25.419 --> 00:14:25.600 In the 00:14:25.600 --> 00:14:25.899 image of 00:14:25.899 --> 00:14:26.139 God, 00:14:26.219 --> 00:14:26.799 he created 00:14:26.799 --> 00:14:27.220 him. 00:14:27.679 --> 00:14:28.259 Male and 00:14:28.259 --> 00:14:28.799 female, 00:14:29.220 --> 00:14:29.939 he created 00:14:29.940 --> 00:14:30.280 them. 00:14:31.280 --> 00:14:31.460 Now, 00:14:32.320 --> 00:14:33.340 this is 00:14:33.340 --> 00:14:33.660 such a 00:14:33.660 --> 00:14:33.940 special 00:14:33.940 --> 00:14:34.460 creation, 00:14:34.720 --> 00:14:35.340 the creation 00:14:35.340 --> 00:14:36.120 of human 00:14:36.120 --> 00:14:36.500 beings in 00:14:36.500 --> 00:14:36.800 God's 00:14:36.800 --> 00:14:37.080 image, 00:14:38.520 --> 00:14:38.880 that God 00:14:38.880 --> 00:14:39.400 goes on 00:14:39.400 --> 00:14:40.460 in the 00:14:40.460 --> 00:14:40.760 second 00:14:40.760 --> 00:14:41.240 chapter of 00:14:41.240 --> 00:14:42.020 Genesis, 00:14:42.260 --> 00:14:42.580 the whole 00:14:42.580 --> 00:14:43.000 chapter, 00:14:43.920 --> 00:14:44.360 to describe 00:14:44.360 --> 00:14:44.960 in detail 00:14:44.960 --> 00:14:45.740 how God 00:14:45.740 --> 00:14:46.800 created the 00:14:46.800 --> 00:14:47.420 man and 00:14:47.420 --> 00:14:47.820 the woman. 00:14:48.880 --> 00:14:49.080 Now, 00:14:49.580 --> 00:14:50.300 the creation 00:14:50.300 --> 00:14:51.080 of human 00:14:51.080 --> 00:14:51.660 beings leads 00:14:51.660 --> 00:14:52.080 us to the 00:14:52.080 --> 00:14:52.860 major point 00:14:52.860 --> 00:14:53.600 about stewardship. 00:14:54.020 --> 00:14:54.260 Look at 00:14:54.260 --> 00:14:54.540 this. 00:14:55.400 --> 00:14:55.960 God made 00:14:55.960 --> 00:14:56.720 human beings 00:14:56.720 --> 00:14:58.399 the managers 00:14:58.399 --> 00:14:59.519 or stewards 00:14:59.519 --> 00:15:00.480 of all 00:15:00.480 --> 00:15:00.920 that he 00:15:00.920 --> 00:15:01.600 created 00:15:01.600 --> 00:15:03.019 and owned. 00:15:03.980 --> 00:15:04.379 And God 00:15:04.379 --> 00:15:04.820 made this 00:15:04.820 --> 00:15:05.759 clear when 00:15:05.759 --> 00:15:06.560 he created 00:15:06.560 --> 00:15:07.340 that first 00:15:07.340 --> 00:15:07.820 man and 00:15:07.820 --> 00:15:08.060 woman. 00:15:08.620 --> 00:15:09.060 Look at 00:15:09.060 --> 00:15:09.220 it. 00:15:09.500 --> 00:15:09.899 It's really 00:15:09.899 --> 00:15:10.500 the climax 00:15:10.500 --> 00:15:11.440 of creation 00:15:11.440 --> 00:15:11.940 in Genesis 00:15:11.940 --> 00:15:12.440 1. 00:15:13.660 --> 00:15:14.320 Then God 00:15:14.320 --> 00:15:14.759 said, 00:15:15.759 --> 00:15:16.200 let us make 00:15:16.200 --> 00:15:16.700 man in 00:15:16.700 --> 00:15:17.259 our image 00:15:17.259 --> 00:15:17.820 after our 00:15:17.820 --> 00:15:18.440 likeness 00:15:18.440 --> 00:15:19.600 and let 00:15:19.600 --> 00:15:20.700 them have 00:15:20.700 --> 00:15:21.820 dominion 00:15:21.820 --> 00:15:23.040 over the 00:15:23.040 --> 00:15:23.480 fish of 00:15:23.480 --> 00:15:23.960 the sea 00:15:23.960 --> 00:15:24.519 and over 00:15:24.519 --> 00:15:25.139 the birds 00:15:25.139 --> 00:15:25.600 of the 00:15:25.600 --> 00:15:25.960 heavens 00:15:25.960 --> 00:15:26.860 and over 00:15:26.860 --> 00:15:27.560 the livestock 00:15:27.560 --> 00:15:28.700 and over 00:15:28.700 --> 00:15:29.240 all the 00:15:29.240 --> 00:15:29.720 earth and 00:15:29.720 --> 00:15:30.360 over every 00:15:30.360 --> 00:15:31.440 creeping thing 00:15:31.440 --> 00:15:32.180 that creeps 00:15:32.180 --> 00:15:32.540 on the 00:15:32.540 --> 00:15:32.900 earth. 00:15:33.759 --> 00:15:34.100 And then 00:15:34.100 --> 00:15:34.800 verse 28, 00:15:35.680 --> 00:15:36.160 and God 00:15:36.160 --> 00:15:37.000 blessed them 00:15:37.000 --> 00:15:37.840 and God 00:15:37.840 --> 00:15:38.259 said to 00:15:38.259 --> 00:15:38.480 them, 00:15:38.920 --> 00:15:39.639 be fruitful 00:15:39.639 --> 00:15:40.759 and multiply 00:15:40.759 --> 00:15:41.660 and fill 00:15:41.660 --> 00:15:42.280 the earth 00:15:42.280 --> 00:15:44.160 and subdue 00:15:44.160 --> 00:15:46.060 it and 00:15:46.060 --> 00:15:47.600 have dominion. 00:15:47.680 --> 00:15:47.980 There's that 00:15:47.980 --> 00:15:48.480 word again. 00:15:48.940 --> 00:15:49.780 Have dominion 00:15:49.780 --> 00:15:50.240 over the 00:15:50.240 --> 00:15:50.840 fish of the 00:15:50.840 --> 00:15:51.519 sea and 00:15:51.519 --> 00:15:51.840 over the 00:15:51.840 --> 00:15:52.379 birds of 00:15:52.379 --> 00:15:52.820 the heavens 00:15:52.820 --> 00:15:53.480 and over 00:15:53.480 --> 00:15:54.340 every living 00:15:54.340 --> 00:15:55.120 thing that 00:15:55.120 --> 00:15:55.800 moves, 00:15:55.960 --> 00:15:56.700 on the 00:15:56.700 --> 00:15:57.000 earth. 00:15:59.340 --> 00:16:00.120 We need 00:16:00.120 --> 00:16:00.540 to understand 00:16:00.540 --> 00:16:01.000 especially in 00:16:01.000 --> 00:16:01.300 this day 00:16:01.300 --> 00:16:01.780 and time, 00:16:03.100 --> 00:16:03.800 God created 00:16:03.800 --> 00:16:04.280 everything. 00:16:05.420 --> 00:16:05.920 He created 00:16:05.920 --> 00:16:07.040 everything good. 00:16:08.000 --> 00:16:08.700 Animals and 00:16:08.700 --> 00:16:09.220 plants, 00:16:09.519 --> 00:16:10.019 the earth, 00:16:10.100 --> 00:16:10.720 the environment. 00:16:10.980 --> 00:16:11.540 It is very 00:16:11.540 --> 00:16:12.120 good because 00:16:12.120 --> 00:16:13.019 it is created, 00:16:13.360 --> 00:16:14.100 it was created 00:16:14.100 --> 00:16:14.620 by God. 00:16:14.700 --> 00:16:15.600 It's God's. 00:16:16.680 --> 00:16:17.240 But God 00:16:17.240 --> 00:16:18.280 created human 00:16:18.280 --> 00:16:19.040 beings. 00:16:19.820 --> 00:16:20.259 Let's be more 00:16:20.259 --> 00:16:20.720 specific. 00:16:21.139 --> 00:16:21.400 Let's think 00:16:21.400 --> 00:16:21.639 about it. 00:16:21.639 --> 00:16:22.500 God created 00:16:22.500 --> 00:16:25.240 us and gave 00:16:25.240 --> 00:16:26.220 us the 00:16:26.220 --> 00:16:27.019 privilege and 00:16:27.019 --> 00:16:27.759 responsibility 00:16:27.759 --> 00:16:29.779 to be in 00:16:29.779 --> 00:16:30.860 charge of 00:16:30.860 --> 00:16:31.700 this creation, 00:16:32.240 --> 00:16:33.179 to get 00:16:33.179 --> 00:16:34.120 dominion, 00:16:34.460 --> 00:16:35.440 to rule. 00:16:37.440 --> 00:16:38.840 There's a lot 00:16:38.840 --> 00:16:40.659 of weird 00:16:40.659 --> 00:16:42.379 environmentalists 00:16:42.379 --> 00:16:44.100 who just don't 00:16:44.100 --> 00:16:44.679 seem to 00:16:44.679 --> 00:16:46.919 understand that 00:16:46.919 --> 00:16:47.659 plants and 00:16:47.659 --> 00:16:48.639 animals and 00:16:48.639 --> 00:16:49.460 humans are not 00:16:49.460 --> 00:16:50.139 all equal. 00:16:51.879 --> 00:16:52.600 Plants and 00:16:52.600 --> 00:16:53.800 animals exist to 00:16:53.800 --> 00:16:54.879 serve our 00:16:54.879 --> 00:16:55.580 purpose. 00:16:56.019 --> 00:16:56.480 Now we've got 00:16:56.480 --> 00:16:56.960 to be good 00:16:56.960 --> 00:16:57.420 stewards, 00:16:57.600 --> 00:16:58.160 no doubt. 00:16:58.500 --> 00:16:58.860 We've got to 00:16:58.860 --> 00:16:59.720 be responsible 00:16:59.720 --> 00:17:01.379 in taking care 00:17:01.379 --> 00:17:02.600 of this earth, 00:17:02.759 --> 00:17:03.560 everything in it. 00:17:03.740 --> 00:17:04.140 And we don't 00:17:04.140 --> 00:17:04.799 always do a good 00:17:04.799 --> 00:17:06.720 job in doing 00:17:06.720 --> 00:17:07.019 that. 00:17:07.140 --> 00:17:07.680 But make no 00:17:07.680 --> 00:17:08.160 mistake, 00:17:09.559 --> 00:17:10.559 your dog, 00:17:12.140 --> 00:17:12.740 and especially 00:17:12.740 --> 00:17:13.519 your cat, 00:17:13.519 --> 00:17:15.139 is not, 00:17:15.139 --> 00:17:18.099 is not on 00:17:18.099 --> 00:17:19.460 equal ground 00:17:19.460 --> 00:17:20.539 with you. 00:17:22.539 --> 00:17:23.359 We've got a 00:17:23.359 --> 00:17:23.859 little dog, 00:17:23.980 --> 00:17:24.299 Molly. 00:17:26.400 --> 00:17:28.099 If fire breaks 00:17:28.099 --> 00:17:28.879 out in my 00:17:28.879 --> 00:17:29.720 house when all 00:17:29.720 --> 00:17:30.440 my family's 00:17:30.440 --> 00:17:32.139 there, I'm 00:17:32.139 --> 00:17:32.579 going to make 00:17:32.579 --> 00:17:33.660 sure that Lisa 00:17:33.660 --> 00:17:34.720 and David and 00:17:34.720 --> 00:17:35.660 Amy and Will 00:17:35.660 --> 00:17:36.500 and Olivia and 00:17:36.500 --> 00:17:37.119 Michael and 00:17:37.119 --> 00:17:37.900 Jennifer get 00:17:37.900 --> 00:17:38.319 out. 00:17:39.660 --> 00:17:41.059 And if I have 00:17:41.059 --> 00:17:41.799 time, I'm going 00:17:41.799 --> 00:17:42.299 to go back and 00:17:42.299 --> 00:17:42.799 get Molly. 00:17:42.799 --> 00:17:45.740 But I'm not 00:17:45.740 --> 00:17:46.579 going, I'll risk 00:17:46.579 --> 00:17:47.879 my life for my 00:17:47.879 --> 00:17:48.379 family. 00:17:49.480 --> 00:17:50.259 But I'm not 00:17:50.259 --> 00:17:50.619 going to risk 00:17:50.619 --> 00:17:51.440 my life for a 00:17:51.440 --> 00:17:51.819 dog. 00:17:53.119 --> 00:17:54.099 Human beings 00:17:54.099 --> 00:17:54.720 are created in 00:17:54.720 --> 00:17:55.359 God's image. 00:17:55.639 --> 00:17:56.180 Human beings 00:17:56.180 --> 00:17:56.879 are special. 00:17:57.419 --> 00:17:57.980 Human beings 00:17:57.980 --> 00:17:59.119 are in charge 00:17:59.119 --> 00:18:00.519 under God to 00:18:00.519 --> 00:18:01.700 take care of, 00:18:01.940 --> 00:18:02.899 to be stewards 00:18:02.899 --> 00:18:03.940 of everything 00:18:03.940 --> 00:18:04.879 that exists. 00:18:05.879 --> 00:18:06.579 We need to do 00:18:06.579 --> 00:18:07.240 it well, 00:18:07.519 --> 00:18:08.359 we need to do 00:18:08.359 --> 00:18:09.059 it wisely. 00:18:09.059 --> 00:18:11.960 But don't listen 00:18:11.960 --> 00:18:12.700 to the liberal 00:18:12.700 --> 00:18:13.860 environmentalists 00:18:13.860 --> 00:18:14.819 who want to 00:18:14.819 --> 00:18:15.720 make us think 00:18:15.720 --> 00:18:16.860 that we're here 00:18:16.860 --> 00:18:17.559 to serve the 00:18:17.559 --> 00:18:17.920 earth. 00:18:18.200 --> 00:18:18.660 The earth is 00:18:18.660 --> 00:18:19.039 not our 00:18:19.039 --> 00:18:19.420 mother. 00:18:19.940 --> 00:18:20.840 Only a fool 00:18:20.840 --> 00:18:21.700 thinks that. 00:18:23.799 --> 00:18:25.420 We are God's 00:18:25.420 --> 00:18:26.100 people created 00:18:26.100 --> 00:18:26.620 in His image 00:18:26.620 --> 00:18:27.740 with the God 00:18:27.740 --> 00:18:28.640 given responsibility 00:18:28.640 --> 00:18:29.640 says right here 00:18:29.640 --> 00:18:32.299 to rule, 00:18:32.440 --> 00:18:32.740 to have 00:18:32.740 --> 00:18:33.519 dominion. 00:18:34.140 --> 00:18:34.539 It's a 00:18:34.539 --> 00:18:35.100 privilege, 00:18:36.100 --> 00:18:36.680 but it's also 00:18:36.680 --> 00:18:37.600 a responsibility. 00:18:38.519 --> 00:18:38.980 Now let's look 00:18:38.980 --> 00:18:39.740 closer at this 00:18:39.740 --> 00:18:40.600 idea of 00:18:40.600 --> 00:18:41.140 stewardship. 00:18:41.140 --> 00:18:42.480 Stewardship is 00:18:42.480 --> 00:18:43.080 really the most 00:18:43.080 --> 00:18:44.180 accurate and 00:18:44.180 --> 00:18:45.720 traditional word 00:18:45.720 --> 00:18:46.360 that describes 00:18:46.360 --> 00:18:47.320 our responsibility 00:18:47.320 --> 00:18:48.480 and privilege 00:18:48.480 --> 00:18:49.840 to care for 00:18:49.840 --> 00:18:50.840 and manage 00:18:50.840 --> 00:18:52.380 God's creation. 00:18:53.759 --> 00:18:54.340 But let's be 00:18:54.340 --> 00:18:54.620 honest, 00:18:54.720 --> 00:18:55.340 how many times 00:18:55.340 --> 00:18:55.960 have you used 00:18:55.960 --> 00:18:56.300 the word 00:18:56.300 --> 00:18:57.020 steward or 00:18:57.020 --> 00:18:57.500 stewardship 00:18:57.500 --> 00:18:59.320 in the last 00:18:59.320 --> 00:19:01.120 year or even 00:19:01.120 --> 00:19:01.780 heard it? 00:19:02.720 --> 00:19:03.880 I don't use it. 00:19:03.880 --> 00:19:05.920 It sort of, 00:19:06.000 --> 00:19:06.680 just sort of 00:19:06.680 --> 00:19:08.580 left my way 00:19:08.579 --> 00:19:09.259 of thinking. 00:19:10.359 --> 00:19:10.679 Well, 00:19:11.279 --> 00:19:11.960 because it's 00:19:11.960 --> 00:19:12.519 no longer a 00:19:12.519 --> 00:19:13.199 commonly used 00:19:13.199 --> 00:19:13.759 word, 00:19:14.759 --> 00:19:15.939 it may be 00:19:15.939 --> 00:19:16.399 sort of hard 00:19:16.399 --> 00:19:17.079 to grasp 00:19:17.079 --> 00:19:18.439 what we're 00:19:18.439 --> 00:19:18.960 talking about 00:19:18.960 --> 00:19:19.179 here. 00:19:20.000 --> 00:19:20.759 Many modern 00:19:20.759 --> 00:19:21.740 Bible translations 00:19:21.740 --> 00:19:23.039 even use 00:19:23.039 --> 00:19:24.439 other words 00:19:24.439 --> 00:19:25.039 to describe 00:19:25.039 --> 00:19:25.740 this responsibility. 00:19:25.980 --> 00:19:26.279 There's nothing 00:19:26.279 --> 00:19:26.960 wrong with that, 00:19:27.480 --> 00:19:28.059 but at the same 00:19:28.059 --> 00:19:28.419 time, 00:19:28.519 --> 00:19:28.859 the word 00:19:28.859 --> 00:19:29.419 steward and 00:19:29.419 --> 00:19:29.720 stewardship, 00:19:29.960 --> 00:19:30.359 these words 00:19:30.359 --> 00:19:30.960 are good, 00:19:31.019 --> 00:19:31.559 they're helpful. 00:19:32.399 --> 00:19:32.639 I want you 00:19:32.639 --> 00:19:32.859 to look at 00:19:32.859 --> 00:19:33.319 some examples 00:19:33.319 --> 00:19:33.799 of how they're 00:19:33.799 --> 00:19:34.859 used in Scripture. 00:19:35.319 --> 00:19:35.960 In 1 Corinthians 00:19:35.960 --> 00:19:37.079 4 verses 1 and 2, 00:19:37.480 --> 00:19:38.019 note that the 00:19:38.019 --> 00:19:38.740 word steward 00:19:38.740 --> 00:19:39.640 refers to a 00:19:39.640 --> 00:19:40.120 person. 00:19:41.240 --> 00:19:41.779 Here's the 00:19:41.779 --> 00:19:42.039 Scripture. 00:19:42.420 --> 00:19:42.840 This is how 00:19:42.840 --> 00:19:43.400 one should 00:19:43.400 --> 00:19:44.220 regard us 00:19:44.220 --> 00:19:44.799 as servants 00:19:44.799 --> 00:19:45.360 of Christ 00:19:45.360 --> 00:19:46.500 and stewards 00:19:46.500 --> 00:19:47.480 of the mysteries 00:19:47.480 --> 00:19:48.019 of God. 00:19:48.840 --> 00:19:49.200 Moreover, 00:19:49.680 --> 00:19:50.539 it is required 00:19:50.539 --> 00:19:51.299 of stewards 00:19:51.299 --> 00:19:52.400 that they be 00:19:52.400 --> 00:19:53.059 found faithful. 00:19:53.559 --> 00:19:54.400 Other translations 00:19:54.400 --> 00:19:55.420 describe a 00:19:55.420 --> 00:19:55.900 steward as 00:19:55.900 --> 00:19:56.380 someone who 00:19:56.380 --> 00:19:56.640 has been 00:19:56.640 --> 00:19:57.440 entrusted with 00:19:57.440 --> 00:19:57.799 something, 00:19:57.920 --> 00:19:58.340 the NIV. 00:19:59.180 --> 00:19:59.900 Someone who 00:19:59.900 --> 00:20:00.539 has been put 00:20:00.539 --> 00:20:01.279 in charge 00:20:01.279 --> 00:20:02.180 as a manager 00:20:02.180 --> 00:20:02.940 of something, 00:20:03.400 --> 00:20:04.000 the New Living 00:20:04.000 --> 00:20:04.600 Translation. 00:20:04.599 --> 00:20:06.299 Now look at 00:20:06.299 --> 00:20:06.559 the word 00:20:06.559 --> 00:20:07.079 stewardship 00:20:07.079 --> 00:20:08.279 in Colossians 00:20:08.279 --> 00:20:08.959 1.25. 00:20:10.379 --> 00:20:10.719 The word 00:20:10.719 --> 00:20:11.279 stewardship 00:20:11.279 --> 00:20:12.240 refers to 00:20:12.240 --> 00:20:12.899 a steward's 00:20:12.899 --> 00:20:13.439 responsibility. 00:20:14.699 --> 00:20:15.039 Here's the 00:20:15.039 --> 00:20:15.359 Scripture. 00:20:15.719 --> 00:20:16.240 I became a 00:20:16.240 --> 00:20:16.899 minister according 00:20:16.899 --> 00:20:17.259 to the 00:20:17.259 --> 00:20:18.139 stewardship from 00:20:18.139 --> 00:20:19.099 God that 00:20:19.099 --> 00:20:19.579 was given 00:20:19.579 --> 00:20:20.359 to me for 00:20:20.359 --> 00:20:21.419 you to 00:20:21.419 --> 00:20:21.919 make the 00:20:21.919 --> 00:20:22.399 word of 00:20:22.399 --> 00:20:23.659 God fully 00:20:23.659 --> 00:20:24.259 known. 00:20:24.919 --> 00:20:25.179 The New 00:20:25.179 --> 00:20:25.639 Living 00:20:25.639 --> 00:20:26.139 Translation 00:20:26.139 --> 00:20:26.599 uses the 00:20:26.599 --> 00:20:26.719 word 00:20:26.719 --> 00:20:27.399 responsibility 00:20:27.399 --> 00:20:29.119 to describe 00:20:29.119 --> 00:20:29.740 the idea 00:20:29.740 --> 00:20:30.899 of stewardship. 00:20:31.899 --> 00:20:32.199 Now let's 00:20:32.199 --> 00:20:32.799 try to define 00:20:32.799 --> 00:20:33.199 what the Bible 00:20:33.199 --> 00:20:34.279 means when it 00:20:34.279 --> 00:20:34.879 uses these 00:20:34.879 --> 00:20:35.639 two words. 00:20:35.920 --> 00:20:36.519 Look first 00:20:36.519 --> 00:20:37.539 at a 00:20:37.539 --> 00:20:37.879 steward. 00:20:38.160 --> 00:20:38.779 A steward is 00:20:38.779 --> 00:20:39.319 someone who 00:20:39.319 --> 00:20:40.119 is entrusted 00:20:40.119 --> 00:20:40.799 with what 00:20:40.799 --> 00:20:41.639 belongs to 00:20:41.639 --> 00:20:42.200 another. 00:20:43.039 --> 00:20:43.660 A steward is 00:20:43.660 --> 00:20:44.740 a manager of 00:20:44.740 --> 00:20:45.639 what belongs 00:20:45.639 --> 00:20:46.639 to another. 00:20:48.019 --> 00:20:48.639 Stewardship 00:20:48.639 --> 00:20:49.599 refers to the 00:20:49.599 --> 00:20:50.839 actual responsibility 00:20:50.839 --> 00:20:52.059 of managing 00:20:52.059 --> 00:20:53.579 or taking care 00:20:53.579 --> 00:20:54.700 of what 00:20:54.700 --> 00:20:55.980 belongs to 00:20:55.980 --> 00:20:56.599 another person. 00:20:57.599 --> 00:20:58.339 The idea of 00:20:58.339 --> 00:20:58.980 stewardship really 00:20:58.980 --> 00:20:59.680 has in mind 00:20:59.680 --> 00:21:01.579 we're not just 00:21:01.579 --> 00:21:02.440 managers, 00:21:02.440 --> 00:21:02.740 managers, 00:21:03.100 --> 00:21:04.380 we're managers 00:21:04.380 --> 00:21:05.559 of that which 00:21:05.559 --> 00:21:06.200 has been given 00:21:06.200 --> 00:21:06.960 to us and 00:21:06.960 --> 00:21:07.820 in this case 00:21:07.820 --> 00:21:09.519 we're managers 00:21:09.519 --> 00:21:11.840 of what God 00:21:11.840 --> 00:21:12.519 has entrusted 00:21:12.519 --> 00:21:13.360 to our care. 00:21:14.279 --> 00:21:14.900 Stewardship is 00:21:14.900 --> 00:21:15.900 a God-given 00:21:15.900 --> 00:21:16.720 responsibility 00:21:16.720 --> 00:21:18.279 that we need 00:21:18.279 --> 00:21:18.920 to understand 00:21:18.920 --> 00:21:19.580 and take very 00:21:19.580 --> 00:21:20.200 seriously 00:21:20.200 --> 00:21:22.400 but it's not 00:21:22.400 --> 00:21:23.000 a very popular 00:21:23.000 --> 00:21:23.820 idea today 00:21:23.820 --> 00:21:24.200 is it? 00:21:25.080 --> 00:21:25.900 A lot of 00:21:25.900 --> 00:21:27.059 us grew 00:21:27.059 --> 00:21:29.080 up being 00:21:29.080 --> 00:21:29.779 told we're 00:21:29.779 --> 00:21:30.160 a part of 00:21:30.160 --> 00:21:30.779 the me 00:21:30.779 --> 00:21:31.860 generation. 00:21:32.940 --> 00:21:33.720 Life's about 00:21:33.720 --> 00:21:34.340 me. 00:21:35.600 --> 00:21:36.580 What pleases 00:21:36.580 --> 00:21:37.220 me. 00:21:38.240 --> 00:21:39.019 Spending my 00:21:39.019 --> 00:21:39.740 time, talents 00:21:39.740 --> 00:21:40.160 and money 00:21:40.160 --> 00:21:40.960 on me 00:21:40.960 --> 00:21:41.240 and what 00:21:41.240 --> 00:21:41.900 makes me 00:21:41.900 --> 00:21:42.519 happy. 00:21:43.580 --> 00:21:44.120 We've learned 00:21:44.120 --> 00:21:44.480 that lesson 00:21:44.480 --> 00:21:44.940 very well 00:21:44.940 --> 00:21:45.400 haven't we? 00:21:46.680 --> 00:21:47.440 We have 00:21:47.440 --> 00:21:48.300 become today 00:21:48.300 --> 00:21:49.100 the most 00:21:49.100 --> 00:21:49.800 selfish and 00:21:49.800 --> 00:21:50.340 self-centered 00:21:50.340 --> 00:21:51.180 generation in 00:21:51.180 --> 00:21:51.860 American history. 00:21:52.820 --> 00:21:53.279 We have 00:21:53.279 --> 00:21:54.400 fallen far 00:21:54.400 --> 00:21:56.000 short of the 00:21:56.000 --> 00:21:56.860 example of the 00:21:56.860 --> 00:21:57.400 World War II 00:21:57.400 --> 00:21:57.940 generation, 00:21:57.940 --> 00:21:59.320 generation 00:21:59.320 --> 00:21:59.759 that Tom 00:21:59.759 --> 00:22:00.340 Brokaw 00:22:00.340 --> 00:22:00.880 called the 00:22:00.880 --> 00:22:01.200 greatest 00:22:01.200 --> 00:22:01.840 generation 00:22:01.840 --> 00:22:03.039 and for a 00:22:03.039 --> 00:22:03.400 lot of us 00:22:03.400 --> 00:22:03.660 in this 00:22:03.660 --> 00:22:04.299 room that 00:22:04.299 --> 00:22:04.620 was our 00:22:04.620 --> 00:22:05.279 parents. 00:22:06.400 --> 00:22:06.680 That was 00:22:06.680 --> 00:22:06.860 our 00:22:06.860 --> 00:22:07.600 grandparents 00:22:07.600 --> 00:22:09.620 who understood 00:22:09.620 --> 00:22:10.580 the idea of 00:22:10.580 --> 00:22:11.140 stewardship, 00:22:11.519 --> 00:22:11.960 who understood 00:22:11.960 --> 00:22:12.759 the idea of 00:22:12.759 --> 00:22:13.420 service, 00:22:13.759 --> 00:22:14.200 who understood 00:22:14.200 --> 00:22:14.779 their time, 00:22:14.920 --> 00:22:15.320 talents and 00:22:15.320 --> 00:22:16.519 treasures could 00:22:16.519 --> 00:22:17.960 be used to 00:22:17.960 --> 00:22:18.920 accomplish much 00:22:18.920 --> 00:22:20.059 in this world 00:22:20.059 --> 00:22:21.519 for others 00:22:21.519 --> 00:22:23.420 and they 00:22:23.420 --> 00:22:24.779 willingly gave 00:22:24.779 --> 00:22:26.500 their time, 00:22:26.619 --> 00:22:27.079 their talents, 00:22:27.200 --> 00:22:27.639 their treasures, 00:22:27.759 --> 00:22:28.759 their lives. 00:22:29.379 --> 00:22:30.059 A lot of us 00:22:30.059 --> 00:22:31.099 know they gave 00:22:31.099 --> 00:22:32.200 it for us 00:22:32.200 --> 00:22:33.579 and they also 00:22:33.579 --> 00:22:34.099 gave it to 00:22:34.099 --> 00:22:35.039 many great 00:22:35.039 --> 00:22:35.500 causes. 00:22:36.720 --> 00:22:37.359 We've also 00:22:37.359 --> 00:22:38.900 fallen far 00:22:38.900 --> 00:22:39.259 from the 00:22:39.259 --> 00:22:39.779 commitment of 00:22:39.779 --> 00:22:40.700 earlier generations 00:22:40.700 --> 00:22:42.139 of Christians. 00:22:42.819 --> 00:22:42.960 You know, 00:22:43.019 --> 00:22:43.639 Baptists have 00:22:43.639 --> 00:22:44.440 historically 00:22:44.440 --> 00:22:45.700 emphasized the 00:22:45.700 --> 00:22:46.319 importance of 00:22:46.319 --> 00:22:46.700 stewardship. 00:22:47.139 --> 00:22:47.500 Let me say, 00:22:47.559 --> 00:22:47.879 when we talk 00:22:47.879 --> 00:22:48.359 about stewardship, 00:22:48.639 --> 00:22:49.059 it's a lot 00:22:49.059 --> 00:22:49.740 more than money. 00:22:49.740 --> 00:22:52.400 Southern 00:22:52.400 --> 00:22:53.160 Baptists 00:22:53.160 --> 00:22:54.420 developed 00:22:54.420 --> 00:22:55.779 their own 00:22:55.779 --> 00:22:57.460 statement of 00:22:57.460 --> 00:22:58.200 their faith, 00:22:58.279 --> 00:22:58.500 what they 00:22:58.500 --> 00:22:58.920 believe, 00:22:59.539 --> 00:23:00.440 in 1925 00:23:00.440 --> 00:23:01.000 called the 00:23:01.000 --> 00:23:01.519 Baptist Faith 00:23:01.519 --> 00:23:01.960 and Message. 00:23:03.420 --> 00:23:04.019 The Baptist 00:23:04.019 --> 00:23:04.680 Faith and Message 00:23:04.680 --> 00:23:05.359 has been revised 00:23:05.359 --> 00:23:05.940 twice, 00:23:06.220 --> 00:23:06.759 updated, 00:23:07.599 --> 00:23:08.440 emphasized some 00:23:08.440 --> 00:23:08.940 things that need 00:23:08.940 --> 00:23:09.339 to be more 00:23:09.339 --> 00:23:10.299 emphasized today 00:23:10.299 --> 00:23:10.759 in light of 00:23:10.759 --> 00:23:11.559 today's culture, 00:23:12.120 --> 00:23:12.859 clarifies some 00:23:12.859 --> 00:23:13.380 things. 00:23:14.380 --> 00:23:14.920 In both 00:23:14.920 --> 00:23:15.400 updates, 00:23:15.519 --> 00:23:16.480 1963 and 00:23:16.480 --> 00:23:16.720 the year 00:23:16.720 --> 00:23:17.440 2000, 00:23:18.519 --> 00:23:19.019 stewardship 00:23:19.019 --> 00:23:21.160 remained in 00:23:21.160 --> 00:23:21.639 the statement 00:23:21.639 --> 00:23:22.019 of faith. 00:23:22.079 --> 00:23:22.339 And I want 00:23:22.339 --> 00:23:22.660 you to look 00:23:22.660 --> 00:23:22.920 at it. 00:23:23.139 --> 00:23:23.720 This is our 00:23:23.720 --> 00:23:24.420 church and 00:23:24.420 --> 00:23:25.160 denomination's 00:23:25.160 --> 00:23:26.220 official statement 00:23:26.220 --> 00:23:26.680 of faith. 00:23:27.279 --> 00:23:27.940 God is the 00:23:27.940 --> 00:23:28.759 source of all 00:23:28.759 --> 00:23:29.359 blessings, 00:23:29.879 --> 00:23:30.759 temporal and 00:23:30.759 --> 00:23:31.279 spiritual. 00:23:31.960 --> 00:23:32.680 All that we 00:23:32.680 --> 00:23:34.559 have and are 00:23:34.559 --> 00:23:36.099 we owe to 00:23:36.099 --> 00:23:36.579 him. 00:23:37.500 --> 00:23:38.079 Christians are 00:23:38.079 --> 00:23:38.819 therefore under 00:23:38.819 --> 00:23:39.960 obligation to 00:23:39.960 --> 00:23:40.639 serve him with 00:23:40.639 --> 00:23:41.200 their time, 00:23:41.359 --> 00:23:41.700 talents, 00:23:41.779 --> 00:23:42.259 and material 00:23:42.259 --> 00:23:42.779 possessions, 00:23:43.279 --> 00:23:44.019 and should 00:23:44.019 --> 00:23:45.220 recognize all 00:23:45.220 --> 00:23:45.940 these as 00:23:45.940 --> 00:23:46.900 entrusted to 00:23:46.900 --> 00:23:48.099 them to use 00:23:48.099 --> 00:23:48.899 for the glory 00:23:48.899 --> 00:23:50.259 of God and 00:23:50.259 --> 00:23:51.179 for helping 00:23:51.179 --> 00:23:52.119 others. 00:23:53.259 --> 00:23:53.459 Now, 00:23:54.559 --> 00:23:55.259 Baptists have 00:23:55.259 --> 00:23:55.919 never had a 00:23:55.919 --> 00:23:56.519 monopoly on 00:23:56.519 --> 00:23:56.919 truth. 00:23:58.139 --> 00:23:58.619 Don't ever 00:23:58.619 --> 00:23:59.919 think that 00:23:59.919 --> 00:24:00.299 you're something 00:24:00.299 --> 00:24:01.059 special because 00:24:01.059 --> 00:24:01.519 you're a 00:24:01.519 --> 00:24:01.799 Baptist. 00:24:02.240 --> 00:24:02.839 You're not. 00:24:03.919 --> 00:24:04.859 Christians for 00:24:04.859 --> 00:24:05.799 all generations 00:24:05.799 --> 00:24:07.159 have understood, 00:24:07.899 --> 00:24:09.139 wrote about the 00:24:09.139 --> 00:24:11.119 importance of 00:24:11.119 --> 00:24:11.740 being good 00:24:11.740 --> 00:24:12.439 stewards. 00:24:13.699 --> 00:24:14.139 The English 00:24:14.139 --> 00:24:15.740 Standards Version 00:24:15.740 --> 00:24:16.359 Study Bible, 00:24:16.459 --> 00:24:17.519 ESV Study Bible, 00:24:17.519 --> 00:24:18.000 Bible. 00:24:18.259 --> 00:24:19.019 In the back of 00:24:19.019 --> 00:24:19.720 that Study Bible 00:24:19.720 --> 00:24:20.579 are some great 00:24:20.579 --> 00:24:21.119 articles. 00:24:22.740 --> 00:24:23.740 I used to say 00:24:23.740 --> 00:24:24.259 it a lot and I 00:24:24.259 --> 00:24:24.839 got tired of 00:24:24.839 --> 00:24:25.660 saying it, but 00:24:25.660 --> 00:24:26.200 everybody in this 00:24:26.200 --> 00:24:26.779 church, you ought 00:24:26.779 --> 00:24:27.639 to have an ESV 00:24:27.639 --> 00:24:28.480 Study Bible. 00:24:29.519 --> 00:24:30.019 Even if you 00:24:30.019 --> 00:24:30.319 don't want to 00:24:30.319 --> 00:24:31.119 have notes at 00:24:31.119 --> 00:24:31.619 the bottom to 00:24:31.619 --> 00:24:32.519 help you understand 00:24:32.519 --> 00:24:32.920 the different 00:24:32.920 --> 00:24:34.039 passages, it's 00:24:34.039 --> 00:24:34.980 worth buying for 00:24:34.980 --> 00:24:36.599 the articles in 00:24:36.599 --> 00:24:37.240 the back. 00:24:37.420 --> 00:24:38.139 They'll help you 00:24:38.139 --> 00:24:39.019 to understand more 00:24:39.019 --> 00:24:39.799 about who God 00:24:39.799 --> 00:24:40.980 is, understand 00:24:40.980 --> 00:24:41.900 more about what 00:24:41.900 --> 00:24:42.920 we believe as 00:24:42.920 --> 00:24:43.379 Christians. 00:24:44.139 --> 00:24:44.859 It even has a 00:24:44.859 --> 00:24:45.240 lot of things 00:24:45.240 --> 00:24:47.079 related to ethics, 00:24:47.519 --> 00:24:49.220 things like 00:24:49.220 --> 00:24:49.879 taking care of 00:24:49.879 --> 00:24:50.460 the environment 00:24:50.460 --> 00:24:51.579 the right kind 00:24:51.579 --> 00:24:51.940 of way. 00:24:52.200 --> 00:24:52.700 Things like 00:24:52.700 --> 00:24:53.680 divorce and 00:24:53.680 --> 00:24:54.480 remarriage. 00:24:56.099 --> 00:24:56.980 But there's also 00:24:56.980 --> 00:24:57.500 an article on 00:24:57.500 --> 00:24:57.920 stewardship. 00:24:58.319 --> 00:24:58.720 That's what I 00:24:58.720 --> 00:24:59.119 want to call your 00:24:59.119 --> 00:24:59.639 attention to. 00:25:00.139 --> 00:25:00.759 Stewardship in 00:25:00.759 --> 00:25:01.619 all of life. 00:25:03.000 --> 00:25:03.420 It says, 00:25:03.680 --> 00:25:04.299 whatever a person 00:25:04.299 --> 00:25:06.400 owns, he or she 00:25:06.400 --> 00:25:07.940 is to manage as a 00:25:07.940 --> 00:25:09.279 steward who is 00:25:09.279 --> 00:25:10.619 responsible to God. 00:25:11.619 --> 00:25:12.200 Stewardship 00:25:12.200 --> 00:25:13.059 responsibilities 00:25:13.059 --> 00:25:14.420 extend not only to 00:25:14.420 --> 00:25:15.180 the creation, 00:25:15.840 --> 00:25:16.940 material possessions, 00:25:17.460 --> 00:25:18.060 and natural 00:25:18.060 --> 00:25:19.700 resources, but also 00:25:19.700 --> 00:25:20.500 to other things 00:25:20.500 --> 00:25:22.259 such as talents or 00:25:22.259 --> 00:25:23.200 skills that have 00:25:23.200 --> 00:25:24.259 been given by God, 00:25:25.120 --> 00:25:25.960 as explained in 00:25:25.960 --> 00:25:27.100 1 Corinthians 4-7. 00:25:27.500 --> 00:25:28.160 Time and 00:25:28.160 --> 00:25:28.820 opportunities, 00:25:29.380 --> 00:25:30.240 Ephesians 5. 00:25:30.759 --> 00:25:31.580 The wonderful 00:25:31.580 --> 00:25:32.800 responsibility of 00:25:32.800 --> 00:25:34.240 bearing and raising 00:25:34.240 --> 00:25:35.360 children, Ephesians 00:25:35.360 --> 00:25:36.060 6-4. 00:25:36.640 --> 00:25:37.920 And spiritual gifts 00:25:37.920 --> 00:25:39.759 and ministries found 00:25:39.759 --> 00:25:40.640 there in 1 Corinthians, 00:25:41.259 --> 00:25:42.660 Ephesians, and 1 Peter. 00:25:42.660 --> 00:25:43.620 Now let me say here, 00:25:44.279 --> 00:25:44.779 we're going to talk 00:25:44.779 --> 00:25:45.320 about a lot of 00:25:45.320 --> 00:25:48.320 things in this course 00:25:48.320 --> 00:25:49.200 of studies on 00:25:49.200 --> 00:25:51.220 stewardship, but I'm 00:25:51.220 --> 00:25:51.920 not going to get into 00:25:51.920 --> 00:25:52.680 who should have more 00:25:52.680 --> 00:25:53.060 children. 00:25:54.060 --> 00:25:54.220 Okay? 00:25:55.019 --> 00:25:55.900 I'm not going to 00:25:55.900 --> 00:25:56.700 emphasize anything 00:25:56.700 --> 00:25:57.900 about producing and 00:25:57.900 --> 00:25:58.920 bearing children. 00:25:59.320 --> 00:26:00.180 But some of you need 00:26:00.180 --> 00:26:01.160 to have more. 00:26:01.300 --> 00:26:02.380 I will tell you that. 00:26:03.259 --> 00:26:03.560 Okay? 00:26:04.900 --> 00:26:05.860 Those articles 00:26:05.860 --> 00:26:07.860 reveal that Christians 00:26:07.860 --> 00:26:08.900 have historically 00:26:08.900 --> 00:26:12.000 understood their 00:26:12.000 --> 00:26:13.779 responsibility to 00:26:13.779 --> 00:26:15.299 practice wise 00:26:15.299 --> 00:26:16.240 stewardship. 00:26:18.299 --> 00:26:19.319 But that was a day 00:26:19.319 --> 00:26:19.759 gone by. 00:26:20.700 --> 00:26:21.759 That's other people. 00:26:22.680 --> 00:26:23.779 What about us? 00:26:24.680 --> 00:26:25.460 What about you? 00:26:25.460 --> 00:26:27.880 Do you understand 00:26:27.880 --> 00:26:29.180 that God has given 00:26:29.180 --> 00:26:30.000 you the responsibility 00:26:30.000 --> 00:26:32.460 to wisely use all 00:26:33.200 --> 00:26:35.119 the resources that He 00:26:35.119 --> 00:26:36.019 has entrusted to your 00:26:36.019 --> 00:26:36.380 care? 00:26:36.380 --> 00:26:39.200 And then think, 00:26:39.720 --> 00:26:42.540 how well am I really 00:26:42.540 --> 00:26:45.100 practicing God-honoring 00:26:45.100 --> 00:26:47.440 stewardship or management 00:26:47.440 --> 00:26:49.500 of my time, 00:26:50.500 --> 00:26:52.520 of my talents, 00:26:53.840 --> 00:26:56.140 of my treasures? 00:26:57.600 --> 00:26:58.700 As we begin this series 00:26:58.700 --> 00:26:59.580 on stewardship, 00:26:59.780 --> 00:27:00.760 I want to make it clear 00:27:00.760 --> 00:27:02.960 that we will not be just 00:27:02.960 --> 00:27:04.520 looking at our resources 00:27:04.519 --> 00:27:06.119 or using our resources 00:27:06.119 --> 00:27:07.139 in the ministry of the 00:27:07.139 --> 00:27:07.619 church. 00:27:08.779 --> 00:27:09.720 Here's what I mean. 00:27:10.500 --> 00:27:11.500 You may come to church 00:27:11.500 --> 00:27:12.920 every single Sunday 00:27:12.920 --> 00:27:13.619 of the year. 00:27:13.819 --> 00:27:14.599 And that's great. 00:27:16.220 --> 00:27:17.279 But what about the other 00:27:17.279 --> 00:27:18.299 days of the week? 00:27:19.920 --> 00:27:21.839 How do you use your time 00:27:21.839 --> 00:27:23.299 Monday through Saturday 00:27:23.299 --> 00:27:26.019 as well as spend time 00:27:26.019 --> 00:27:26.920 in church on Sunday? 00:27:27.599 --> 00:27:29.039 You may give a tithe 00:27:29.039 --> 00:27:30.099 or more. 00:27:30.740 --> 00:27:31.720 But you may give a tithe, 00:27:31.720 --> 00:27:33.120 10% of every dollar 00:27:33.120 --> 00:27:34.740 you earn to the Lord 00:27:34.740 --> 00:27:35.600 through this church 00:27:35.600 --> 00:27:36.259 without fail, 00:27:36.500 --> 00:27:37.579 and I commend you 00:27:37.579 --> 00:27:38.120 for that. 00:27:39.500 --> 00:27:40.279 But what about 00:27:40.279 --> 00:27:41.420 the other 90%? 00:27:42.420 --> 00:27:44.019 Are you wisely 00:27:44.019 --> 00:27:45.579 using all the money 00:27:45.579 --> 00:27:46.400 and material things 00:27:46.400 --> 00:27:47.700 that God has entrusted 00:27:47.700 --> 00:27:48.640 to you? 00:27:50.220 --> 00:27:50.700 Now, 00:27:51.500 --> 00:27:53.660 I also want to make it 00:27:53.660 --> 00:27:55.360 clear that when we seek 00:27:55.360 --> 00:27:56.700 to be wise and faithful 00:27:56.700 --> 00:27:57.240 stewards, 00:27:57.240 --> 00:28:01.200 we won't just work 00:28:01.200 --> 00:28:03.559 and give it all away. 00:28:05.500 --> 00:28:06.339 That's what some people 00:28:06.339 --> 00:28:07.000 will get in mind 00:28:07.000 --> 00:28:07.759 to start talking about 00:28:07.759 --> 00:28:08.500 things like stewardship. 00:28:09.099 --> 00:28:09.880 He's going to try to 00:28:09.880 --> 00:28:11.539 inflict a guilt trip on me 00:28:11.539 --> 00:28:12.759 that I need to work hard 00:28:12.759 --> 00:28:13.579 and make a lot 00:28:13.579 --> 00:28:14.920 and give it all away. 00:28:15.059 --> 00:28:15.380 No, 00:28:15.480 --> 00:28:16.039 not at all. 00:28:17.039 --> 00:28:18.299 The Bible talks about 00:28:18.299 --> 00:28:19.880 working, 00:28:20.819 --> 00:28:21.200 giving, 00:28:22.120 --> 00:28:23.220 enjoying even, 00:28:24.079 --> 00:28:24.339 having, 00:28:24.700 --> 00:28:26.120 taking pleasure from 00:28:26.119 --> 00:28:27.879 the fruits of our labor. 00:28:28.699 --> 00:28:29.479 Look at how Paul 00:28:29.479 --> 00:28:30.299 points this out. 00:28:30.479 --> 00:28:31.639 It's in 1 Timothy 00:28:31.639 --> 00:28:32.899 chapter 6, 00:28:33.039 --> 00:28:34.599 verse 17. 00:28:35.759 --> 00:28:37.019 As for the rich 00:28:37.019 --> 00:28:38.259 in this present age, 00:28:38.899 --> 00:28:40.079 charge them not 00:28:40.079 --> 00:28:41.279 to be haughty, 00:28:41.679 --> 00:28:43.299 nor to set their hopes 00:28:43.299 --> 00:28:44.379 on the uncertainty 00:28:44.379 --> 00:28:45.459 of riches, 00:28:45.939 --> 00:28:47.299 but on God 00:28:47.299 --> 00:28:49.779 who richly provides us 00:28:49.779 --> 00:28:50.519 with everything 00:28:50.519 --> 00:28:52.579 to enjoy. 00:28:52.579 --> 00:28:57.099 God created joy 00:28:57.099 --> 00:28:57.799 and pleasure. 00:28:58.879 --> 00:29:00.119 It's a part of the makeup 00:29:00.119 --> 00:29:00.960 of a human being 00:29:00.960 --> 00:29:02.079 made in His image. 00:29:03.799 --> 00:29:04.159 So, 00:29:04.439 --> 00:29:05.579 some of the money 00:29:05.579 --> 00:29:06.480 that we make, 00:29:06.559 --> 00:29:07.220 some of the things 00:29:07.220 --> 00:29:07.919 that we have, 00:29:08.720 --> 00:29:10.079 we ought to just enjoy them. 00:29:11.079 --> 00:29:12.039 We ought to use them 00:29:12.039 --> 00:29:12.419 in such a way 00:29:12.419 --> 00:29:13.579 that brings us pleasure. 00:29:14.619 --> 00:29:15.659 But at the same time, 00:29:15.699 --> 00:29:16.099 we need to look 00:29:16.099 --> 00:29:16.879 at the warning here. 00:29:17.720 --> 00:29:18.339 Paul tells us 00:29:18.339 --> 00:29:19.159 in that passage there, 00:29:19.220 --> 00:29:19.599 and by the way, 00:29:19.639 --> 00:29:20.220 I put it wrong 00:29:20.220 --> 00:29:20.759 in the notes. 00:29:20.940 --> 00:29:22.740 It's 1 Timothy chapter 6. 00:29:22.900 --> 00:29:24.720 There is no 2 Timothy chapter 6. 00:29:25.180 --> 00:29:26.220 1 Timothy 6. 00:29:27.140 --> 00:29:28.400 We must always guard 00:29:28.400 --> 00:29:30.160 against pride 00:29:30.160 --> 00:29:31.480 of possessions 00:29:31.480 --> 00:29:33.940 or thinking 00:29:33.940 --> 00:29:35.039 they're going to last forever 00:29:35.039 --> 00:29:37.079 or thinking 00:29:37.079 --> 00:29:38.740 we're going to last forever 00:29:38.740 --> 00:29:39.380 to be able 00:29:39.380 --> 00:29:40.440 to enjoy them. 00:29:42.240 --> 00:29:42.519 You know, 00:29:42.559 --> 00:29:43.440 there's nothing wrong 00:29:43.440 --> 00:29:46.420 with having nice things, 00:29:47.019 --> 00:29:49.059 but there's a whole lot wrong 00:29:49.059 --> 00:29:50.899 with being prideful 00:29:50.899 --> 00:29:51.740 and arrogant 00:29:51.740 --> 00:29:53.659 and acting like 00:29:53.659 --> 00:29:54.960 you're so great 00:29:54.960 --> 00:29:55.879 that you're able 00:29:55.879 --> 00:29:57.159 to acquire them 00:29:57.159 --> 00:29:58.919 with nobody else's help. 00:30:00.339 --> 00:30:01.019 And we'll look at 00:30:01.019 --> 00:30:02.179 in other messages. 00:30:02.899 --> 00:30:03.639 God made you 00:30:03.639 --> 00:30:04.440 the way you are. 00:30:05.019 --> 00:30:06.119 If you've had the ability 00:30:06.119 --> 00:30:07.559 to make money, 00:30:07.839 --> 00:30:08.799 if you've had the ability 00:30:08.799 --> 00:30:10.079 to invest money 00:30:10.079 --> 00:30:11.059 and you've done well, 00:30:11.200 --> 00:30:11.879 thank God 00:30:11.879 --> 00:30:12.700 for the wisdom. 00:30:13.119 --> 00:30:13.500 Thank Him 00:30:13.500 --> 00:30:14.460 for the opportunity. 00:30:15.599 --> 00:30:15.940 Thank Him 00:30:15.940 --> 00:30:16.779 for the health. 00:30:16.779 --> 00:30:19.579 We have nothing 00:30:19.579 --> 00:30:20.920 that He has not given us. 00:30:22.099 --> 00:30:22.680 We've got to guard 00:30:22.680 --> 00:30:23.319 against the pride 00:30:23.319 --> 00:30:23.920 of possessions 00:30:23.920 --> 00:30:25.519 thinking they'll always last 00:30:25.519 --> 00:30:26.319 or that we'll always 00:30:26.319 --> 00:30:27.539 be around to enjoy them. 00:30:28.220 --> 00:30:29.279 But God also wants 00:30:29.279 --> 00:30:30.559 us to enjoy our resources. 00:30:32.619 --> 00:30:34.220 He gives them to us 00:30:34.220 --> 00:30:36.019 to enjoy. 00:30:36.819 --> 00:30:37.899 The key to experiencing 00:30:37.899 --> 00:30:38.680 this joy though, 00:30:39.819 --> 00:30:40.599 look at it. 00:30:41.740 --> 00:30:43.700 Keep our hope on God. 00:30:44.299 --> 00:30:45.099 God's the giver. 00:30:45.099 --> 00:30:48.119 See, what God 00:30:48.119 --> 00:30:48.859 wants us to do 00:30:48.859 --> 00:30:49.699 is we enjoy 00:30:49.699 --> 00:30:50.339 what we've got. 00:30:51.699 --> 00:30:52.679 Enjoy the gifts 00:30:52.679 --> 00:30:53.659 He gives us. 00:30:54.919 --> 00:30:56.219 But always remember 00:30:56.219 --> 00:30:57.279 the gifts come 00:30:57.279 --> 00:30:58.079 from Him, 00:30:58.419 --> 00:30:59.119 the giver. 00:30:59.939 --> 00:31:01.039 And enjoy the gifts 00:31:01.039 --> 00:31:02.399 but enjoy the giver 00:31:02.399 --> 00:31:03.419 more 00:31:03.419 --> 00:31:04.559 and thank Him. 00:31:05.379 --> 00:31:06.339 And as we're talking about, 00:31:06.619 --> 00:31:07.119 use them 00:31:07.119 --> 00:31:08.419 in a way that you know 00:31:08.419 --> 00:31:09.179 will please Him. 00:31:10.319 --> 00:31:10.599 Now, 00:31:11.599 --> 00:31:13.399 we're going to wind this up 00:31:13.399 --> 00:31:13.980 and I want you to think 00:31:13.980 --> 00:31:14.400 with me. 00:31:15.500 --> 00:31:16.759 How do you think 00:31:16.759 --> 00:31:18.559 of all the resources 00:31:18.559 --> 00:31:19.539 at your disposal? 00:31:21.579 --> 00:31:22.860 I'm talking about everything. 00:31:24.180 --> 00:31:24.579 You, 00:31:24.740 --> 00:31:25.319 your mind, 00:31:26.180 --> 00:31:26.680 your energy, 00:31:26.839 --> 00:31:27.400 your abilities, 00:31:27.940 --> 00:31:29.480 all the stuff you own. 00:31:30.480 --> 00:31:31.819 How do you think 00:31:31.819 --> 00:31:33.279 of all the resources 00:31:33.279 --> 00:31:34.620 at your disposal? 00:31:34.620 --> 00:31:36.620 Do you really 00:31:36.620 --> 00:31:36.960 and truly 00:31:36.960 --> 00:31:38.140 acknowledge 00:31:38.140 --> 00:31:40.759 that God owns 00:31:40.759 --> 00:31:41.200 it all? 00:31:41.759 --> 00:31:42.140 Do you really 00:31:42.140 --> 00:31:43.080 and truly believe that? 00:31:44.080 --> 00:31:44.960 Are you seeking 00:31:44.960 --> 00:31:46.100 to be a faithful 00:31:46.100 --> 00:31:47.040 steward 00:31:47.040 --> 00:31:49.140 of all 00:31:49.140 --> 00:31:49.560 that God 00:31:49.560 --> 00:31:50.180 has given you? 00:31:50.960 --> 00:31:51.380 Time, 00:31:51.520 --> 00:31:51.980 talents, 00:31:52.300 --> 00:31:52.720 treasures. 00:31:54.500 --> 00:31:54.980 Here's something 00:31:54.980 --> 00:31:55.580 all of us need 00:31:55.580 --> 00:31:56.140 to understand. 00:31:57.420 --> 00:31:58.020 We're going to give 00:31:58.020 --> 00:31:58.460 an accounting 00:31:58.460 --> 00:31:59.200 for what we've done 00:31:59.200 --> 00:31:59.500 with it, 00:31:59.580 --> 00:32:01.140 so are you prepared 00:32:01.140 --> 00:32:01.720 right now 00:32:01.720 --> 00:32:03.600 to give an accounting 00:32:03.600 --> 00:32:04.180 to God 00:32:04.180 --> 00:32:05.640 for what you have done 00:32:05.640 --> 00:32:07.780 with all that He has put 00:32:07.780 --> 00:32:09.000 in your hands 00:32:09.000 --> 00:32:10.160 or in your body 00:32:10.160 --> 00:32:11.640 or around you. 00:32:13.980 --> 00:32:14.840 I want us 00:32:14.840 --> 00:32:15.720 in the next few minutes 00:32:15.720 --> 00:32:16.700 just to ask God 00:32:16.700 --> 00:32:17.400 to help us 00:32:17.400 --> 00:32:17.940 to see 00:32:17.940 --> 00:32:20.400 what kind of steward 00:32:20.400 --> 00:32:22.759 we are 00:32:22.759 --> 00:32:24.000 in His eyes. 00:32:25.640 --> 00:32:26.540 And then we need 00:32:26.540 --> 00:32:27.400 to respond 00:32:27.400 --> 00:32:28.640 accordingly. 00:32:29.640 --> 00:32:31.259 If God convicts you 00:32:31.259 --> 00:32:32.519 of selfishness, 00:32:33.519 --> 00:32:35.019 of hoarding, 00:32:36.019 --> 00:32:37.299 of wasting time, 00:32:37.440 --> 00:32:38.039 confess it 00:32:38.039 --> 00:32:38.720 as the sin 00:32:38.720 --> 00:32:39.559 that it is. 00:32:40.920 --> 00:32:41.900 Change your mind. 00:32:42.259 --> 00:32:43.039 Turn from it. 00:32:43.660 --> 00:32:44.400 Ask His forgiveness. 00:32:46.400 --> 00:32:47.779 If God does that, 00:32:47.900 --> 00:32:50.180 then ask Him 00:32:50.180 --> 00:32:50.759 to show you 00:32:50.759 --> 00:32:52.200 what needs to change, 00:32:53.640 --> 00:32:54.140 how you need 00:32:54.140 --> 00:32:55.740 to change your schedule, 00:32:55.980 --> 00:32:57.200 change your priorities, 00:32:57.460 --> 00:32:58.480 change your emphasis, 00:32:58.480 --> 00:33:00.599 and ask Him 00:33:00.599 --> 00:33:01.079 to help you 00:33:01.079 --> 00:33:02.519 to be able 00:33:02.519 --> 00:33:02.900 to do that, 00:33:02.960 --> 00:33:03.660 to follow through 00:33:03.660 --> 00:33:04.099 with that. 00:33:05.940 --> 00:33:07.099 It may be, though, 00:33:07.819 --> 00:33:09.120 that God affirms you. 00:33:10.420 --> 00:33:11.900 Or maybe He affirms you 00:33:11.900 --> 00:33:13.380 in your giving 00:33:13.380 --> 00:33:14.440 but not in your use 00:33:14.440 --> 00:33:15.019 of time. 00:33:15.680 --> 00:33:16.299 Or in the way 00:33:16.299 --> 00:33:17.720 you use your talents 00:33:17.720 --> 00:33:18.480 for His glory 00:33:18.480 --> 00:33:19.319 and people's good 00:33:19.319 --> 00:33:21.259 but not the way 00:33:21.259 --> 00:33:21.680 you give. 00:33:23.299 --> 00:33:23.940 Ask God 00:33:23.940 --> 00:33:24.279 to help you 00:33:24.279 --> 00:33:24.759 to see what kind 00:33:24.759 --> 00:33:25.200 of steward 00:33:25.200 --> 00:33:25.799 you are 00:33:25.799 --> 00:33:26.599 right now. 00:33:26.599 --> 00:33:29.319 And in the areas 00:33:29.319 --> 00:33:30.779 He affirms you, 00:33:31.379 --> 00:33:32.259 just give thanks 00:33:32.259 --> 00:33:32.619 to Him 00:33:32.619 --> 00:33:33.019 and ask Him 00:33:33.019 --> 00:33:33.279 to help you 00:33:33.279 --> 00:33:34.199 to remain faithful. 00:33:35.939 --> 00:33:36.799 But I want us 00:33:36.799 --> 00:33:38.039 this moment, 00:33:39.500 --> 00:33:39.919 I want you 00:33:39.919 --> 00:33:40.399 to make 00:33:40.399 --> 00:33:41.719 a commitment 00:33:41.719 --> 00:33:43.759 to be present 00:33:43.759 --> 00:33:45.579 the next few Sundays 00:33:45.579 --> 00:33:46.599 as we look at 00:33:46.599 --> 00:33:48.519 how God wants 00:33:48.519 --> 00:33:49.500 all of us 00:33:49.500 --> 00:33:50.439 to practice 00:33:50.439 --> 00:33:52.619 faithful stewardship 00:33:52.619 --> 00:33:54.399 with all of our time, 00:33:54.579 --> 00:33:54.879 talents, 00:33:55.000 --> 00:33:55.659 and treasures 00:33:55.660 --> 00:33:57.220 in a way 00:33:57.220 --> 00:33:57.940 that does 00:33:57.940 --> 00:33:58.700 bring glory 00:33:58.700 --> 00:33:59.259 to Him, 00:34:00.200 --> 00:34:02.140 good to others, 00:34:02.300 --> 00:34:04.360 and joy 00:34:04.360 --> 00:34:05.380 to ourselves. 00:34:06.340 --> 00:34:07.400 Let's pray together. 00:34:08.800 --> 00:34:09.300 Dear God, 00:34:10.380 --> 00:34:13.440 we all have time, 00:34:13.579 --> 00:34:13.840 talents, 00:34:13.960 --> 00:34:14.460 and treasures. 00:34:16.860 --> 00:34:17.820 Show us 00:34:17.820 --> 00:34:20.780 from your perspective, 00:34:20.920 --> 00:34:21.480 which is the 00:34:21.480 --> 00:34:22.840 true perspective, 00:34:22.840 --> 00:34:25.380 what kind of stewards 00:34:25.380 --> 00:34:27.140 we really are 00:34:27.140 --> 00:34:29.900 with the way 00:34:29.900 --> 00:34:30.920 we spend our time, 00:34:32.440 --> 00:34:33.700 the way we spend 00:34:33.700 --> 00:34:34.440 our talents 00:34:34.440 --> 00:34:35.140 and abilities, 00:34:36.140 --> 00:34:37.120 the way we spend 00:34:37.120 --> 00:34:37.760 our money. 00:34:41.760 --> 00:34:42.620 Help us, 00:34:42.820 --> 00:34:42.860 Father, 00:34:42.920 --> 00:34:43.980 to respond to you 00:34:43.980 --> 00:34:44.700 right now 00:34:44.700 --> 00:34:46.820 accordingly. 00:34:46.820 --> 00:34:47.960 Father, 00:34:47.960 --> 00:34:50.440 if there are 00:34:50.440 --> 00:34:51.220 people in this room 00:34:51.220 --> 00:34:53.280 who do not 00:34:53.280 --> 00:34:53.980 have a relationship 00:34:53.980 --> 00:34:54.519 with you, 00:34:56.200 --> 00:34:57.180 help them to 00:34:57.180 --> 00:34:58.140 understand that 00:34:58.140 --> 00:35:00.380 they have been 00:35:00.380 --> 00:35:00.880 created 00:35:00.880 --> 00:35:03.160 in your image, 00:35:03.820 --> 00:35:05.600 that Jesus died 00:35:05.600 --> 00:35:06.680 to pay the penalty 00:35:06.680 --> 00:35:07.620 for their sins. 00:35:09.000 --> 00:35:09.680 Overwhelm them 00:35:09.680 --> 00:35:10.059 right now, 00:35:10.100 --> 00:35:10.260 Father, 00:35:10.320 --> 00:35:11.380 with your grace. 00:35:13.500 --> 00:35:14.039 Enable them 00:35:14.039 --> 00:35:15.280 to trust Jesus 00:35:15.280 --> 00:35:16.260 and call upon him 00:35:16.260 --> 00:35:17.280 to save them. 00:35:20.820 --> 00:35:21.800 Help any Christian 00:35:21.800 --> 00:35:22.340 in this room, 00:35:22.420 --> 00:35:22.860 dear God, 00:35:22.940 --> 00:35:24.960 who walking in 00:35:24.960 --> 00:35:26.040 the idea of being 00:35:26.040 --> 00:35:27.320 a steward of anything 00:35:27.320 --> 00:35:29.260 was foreign to them 00:35:29.260 --> 00:35:31.160 because everything 00:35:31.160 --> 00:35:32.740 in life is about them. 00:35:32.920 --> 00:35:33.560 It's theirs 00:35:33.560 --> 00:35:34.000 and they do what 00:35:34.000 --> 00:35:34.800 they want to do with it. 00:35:35.560 --> 00:35:36.440 Convict whoever 00:35:36.440 --> 00:35:37.320 of such an attitude. 00:35:39.200 --> 00:35:39.920 Help us all, 00:35:40.019 --> 00:35:40.480 dear God, 00:35:41.620 --> 00:35:42.840 to grasp hold of, 00:35:42.920 --> 00:35:44.320 to truly embrace 00:35:44.320 --> 00:35:46.720 that you own it all 00:35:46.720 --> 00:35:48.539 and we are stewards, 00:35:48.780 --> 00:35:49.320 managers, 00:35:50.200 --> 00:35:51.460 that one day 00:35:51.460 --> 00:35:53.200 we will give 00:35:53.200 --> 00:35:54.260 an account to you 00:35:54.260 --> 00:35:56.039 for how faithful 00:35:56.039 --> 00:35:57.780 we have been 00:35:57.780 --> 00:35:59.760 with what we had. 00:36:01.140 --> 00:36:01.960 And just in an attitude 00:36:01.960 --> 00:36:02.360 of prayer, 00:36:02.460 --> 00:36:03.340 you respond to the Lord 00:36:03.340 --> 00:36:05.180 as he wants you to. 00:36:06.260 --> 00:36:06.960 I'd be happy 00:36:06.960 --> 00:36:07.640 to pray with you 00:36:07.640 --> 00:36:08.180 during this time 00:36:08.180 --> 00:36:08.760 here at the front 00:36:08.760 --> 00:36:09.260 if you would like 00:36:09.260 --> 00:36:09.800 to do that. 00:36:10.420 --> 00:36:11.100 But the important thing 00:36:11.100 --> 00:36:11.980 is listen to the Lord 00:36:11.980 --> 00:36:12.920 and respond to him, 00:36:13.079 --> 00:36:13.960 obey him. 00:36:13.960 --> 00:36:43.940 Thank you.