This is the first in a series of seven sermons about stewardship which may defined as “the proper management of my life including my time, talents, and possessions, in order to glorify God and advance His work on earth.” The first principle of stewardship is this: God is the owner; I am a steward. All that we have we have received from God. We are stewards of all that God has given us, which is everything we have. And so, we must be ready and willing to part with whatever we have for the glory of God and the good of others. Even what we give as offerings to God was God’s before we gave it (1 Chronicles 29:10-16). Whatever we think we own, we will be slow to give away. When we realize that everything we possess is God’s and that we received it from Him, we will not boast in what we have, but will use it or give it away for His glory.

“Who has given to Me that I should repay him? Whatever is under the whole heaven is Mine.” (Job 41:11)

For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? (1 Corinthians 4:7)

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (1 Peter 4:10)