Notes

MATURING INTO CHRIST
VII. LIVING SACRIFICES - 2
Matthew 21:33-46 February 22, 2009

INTRODUCTION
As we discussed last week, we are all stewards of our lives. Because everything we do in life is an act of worship, we are to be good stewards of that which has been entrusted to us by the Lord. A steward in Scripture is a manager of someone else’s resources. As Living Sacrifices, our responsibility is to manage everything well. Stewardship has become associated with our giving rather than with managing our assets for God’s Kingdom. When we understand stewardship as management of God’s resources, rather than permanent personal ownership, we begin to look at our giving in a new light. As you mature into Christ, what kind of steward are you becoming?

MANAGING YOUR TREASURES
In this parable, the Lord Jesus reminds the religious and political leaders of His day of several important principles of worship through stewardship.
1) We are to use everything He has given us to His Glory as an act of worship.
Everything that the tenant farmers needed tio produces a good crop was given to them. Is the worship of our lives reflected in our stewardship of His gifts?
2) Because the owner of the vineyard was away so long, the workers began to think of themselves as the owner. There is always a crisis of stewardship when we think that we own something.
3) God expects a good return on the resources He has placed under our control.
4) We will give an account one day. If we understand that the Lord owns everything, there is no problem giving back to Him that which rightfully belongs to Him. We eventually lose that which we keep selfishly. Oswald Smith once said, it’s “not how much of MY money will I give to the Lord, but how much of God’s money will I keep for myself.”