Philippians 2:5-10 (KJV)
The steward’s mentality is recognizing that God is the Creator of all things, and He is the Owner of all things. When He created all things, He said it was good.
The word good in the Hebrew here means “Best.”
Genesis 1:4,10, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31
God created all things and the earth for the benefit of man whom He created.
Genesis 1:26 (KJV)
We don’t own ourselves. We are bought with a price.
Because we are spirit, soul, and body, the stewardship mentality will keep us from compartmentalizing our stewardship. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (KJV), 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV), 1 Peter 2:25 (KJV), Matthew 26:39 (KJV), Hebrews 10:22 (KJV)
To be a good steward, we must first give ourselves to the Lord.
2 Corinthians 8:5 (KJV), 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (KJV)
God is the Source of all things:
As soon as we see God, the Father, as our Source, and the creator of all things, we will understand that He is the provider of all our needs. 1 Peter 4:19 (KJV), Philippians 4:19 (KJV), James 1:17 (KJV)
An ownership mentality puts the onus or responsibility on you. A stewardship mentality puts the onus on the Father. With the stewardship mentality we will begin to depend on what the Father God has provided for us or given to us as our Source by Christ Jesus.
The things we are to steward
- Our life – The Life God has given us which includes spirit, soul and body.
Colossians 3:3-4 (KJV), John 14:6 (KJV), 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (KJV)
- Our bodies – The temple of the Holy Spirit
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (KJV), Galatians 2:20 (KJV)
- Our time
Ephesians 5:15-16 (AMPC), Hosea 10:12 (KJV), Matthew 25:2-13
- Talents and Gifts
1 Peter 4:10 (KJV)
- Possessions and Finances
1 Chronicles 29:14 (KJV)
One of the greatest enemies to our stewardship is to have a personal ownership mentality. We want to totally depend on our Heavenly Father just like Jesus depended on the Father as a Son, as a Servant, and as a Steward.
Jesus, Our Example:
Jesus did not seek His own glory or to do His own will.
1 Peter 2:21 (KJV), Acts 10:38 (KJV), Read John chapter 5, John 5:22 (KJV)