A steward is someone that serves the interest of another. Entrusted with taking care of another person’s resources. He is a manager. Financial stewardship- it is managing God’s money God’s way. Because the money comes from God He has an expectation Ps 24:1, 1 Cor 4:2- faithfulness IMPORTANT POINTS ON FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP God is our source- John 3:27, James 3:17. We will give an account of how we used everything that was given. We can only handle God’s resources God’s way- Matt 25:14-30, Luke 12:15-17, Matt 6:24 Good stewardship is revealed in scarcity and in abundance- Luke 16:10, Phil 4:11-13 How do you behave when you don't have money? What is the state of your mind during scarcity? What kind of believer will you be if you can afford everything in life? We should not attach our worth to our bank account. Our confidence should be rooted in God as our source. It is what we love that we worship. THE BELIEVER’S COMMON SENSE RULES TO HANDLING FINANCES There are important things to do to build our wealth. We can’t build wealth by being lackadaisical about our finances. We must know our current financial status and acknowledge it. The fact that our money can buy something doesn't mean we can afford it. Learn to delay gratification- Prov 13:7, Luke 12:15. Learn contentment and gratitude. We must not live above our means but rather, below it. Plan and budget- whether we have too much or too little, God expects us to manage our resources wisely. Luke 14:28. A budget is a written financial plan that outlines: expected income, planned expenses (separate needs from want and ensure moderacy), savings, investment, giving (tithing and offering), airtime, financial goals. The budget should be on ground before money is spent. Savings - it is the practice of setting aside a portion of our finances, income or resources for future use rather than spending it immediately. Save consistently, save before spending, save with purpose, trust God while saving, avoid impulsive buying and spending emotionally, we should not let ego push us to spend. Investment- Matt 25:14-30. It is committing money, time and resources into a venture with the expectation of getting income over time. Why should believers invest? To grow resources, to build long term financial stability and to live a godly legacy. Principles- pray for wisdom, seek God’s guidance, research and diversify investments, be patient and avoid greed. Examples- stocks, real estate, agriculture. Approach loans and debts cautiously. We must ensure that we are persons of integrity. Knowledge and mentorship- read books and listen to mature Christian prototypes Supernatural instructions- Gen 26:12. God can direct us regarding when to give, who to give, what to save, who to invest in and how to spend your money CONCLUSION Honour God first in giving Create and follow your budget Live below your means Build an emergency savings fund Avoid unnecessary debt Invest wisely Continue learning about finances Trust God as your ultimate source
