Church stewardship in the new testament

Church stewardship in the New Testament is a vital aspect of Christian living, emphasizing the importance of managing one's resources (time, talent, and treasure) as a responsible steward of God's blessings. Here are some key passages and principles:

  1. Giving as an act of worship (2 Corinthians 9:7-8): Paul writes that God loves a cheerful giver, and that our giving should be done with a willing heart, not under compulsion.
  2. The widow's mite (Mark 12:41-44): Jesus commends the widow who gave her last two coins to the temple treasury, demonstrating that even small offerings can be significant when given with a generous heart.
  3. The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30): Jesus teaches that God expects us to use our resources wisely and productively, just as a master expects his servants to increase their talents.
  4. The importance of tithing (Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42): Jesus emphasizes the importance of giving a tenth of one's income to support the work of God's kingdom.
  5. The principle of proportionate giving (1 Corinthians 16:2): Paul encourages the Corinthians to set aside a portion of their income regularly, demonstrating a commitment to giving.
  6. The example of the early church (Acts 2:44-47; 4:32-37): The early Christian community shared their resources, demonstrating a sense of community and generosity.
  7. The importance of giving to support the ministry (Philippians 4:15-16; 1 Corinthians 9:3-14): Paul emphasizes the importance of supporting the ministry and its leaders, recognizing that they are dependent on the generosity of others.
  8. The principle of sacrificial giving (2 Corinthians 8:1-15): Paul encourages the Corinthians to give generously, even sacrificially, to support the needs of others.
  9. The importance of giving with a right motive (Matthew 6:1-4): Jesus teaches that our giving should be done in secret, without seeking recognition or reward, and that our motivation should be to honor God.
  10. The promise of God's blessing (Malachi 3:10; Luke 12:15): God promises to bless those who give generously and sacrificially, and to curse those who withhold their resources.

Some key principles of church stewardship in the New Testament include:

  1. Generosity: Giving should be done with a willing heart, not under compulsion.
  2. Proportionate giving: Setting aside a portion of one's income regularly.
  3. Sacrificial giving: Giving generously, even sacrificially, to support the needs of others.
  4. Right motive: Giving should be done to honor God, not to seek recognition or reward.
  5. Faithfulness: Managing one's resources wisely and productively, just as a master expects his servants to increase their talents.
  6. Community: Sharing resources and supporting one another in the body of Christ.

These principles and passages emphasize the importance of responsible stewardship in the New Testament, encouraging believers to manage their resources in a way that honors God and supports the work of His kingdom.