SERIES: Ancient Wisdom for a Modern World: Proverbs
TEXT: Proverbs 3:9-18
MESSAGE: Wise Stewardship
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“There is calculation in Proverbs, for there is every encouragement to count the cost or reward of one’s actions, and to study the ways of getting things done; but wisdom as taught here is God-centered, and even when it is most down to earth it consists in the shrewd and sound handling of one’s affairs in God’s world, in submission to His will.” —Derek Kidner
TEXT: Proverbs 3:9-18
Q: How does God’s Word teach us wise stewardship?
“The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, The world, and those who dwell in it.” — Psalm 24:1
Let’s ask these three questions — (1. Who is Lord? 2. Why does it matter? 3. Where does it lead?)
- Who is LORD? (v. 9-10)
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.”
“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. 13 And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.” — 1 Chronicles 29:11-13
- Why does it matter? (v. 11-12)
“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, 12 for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.”
- Where does it lead? (v. 13-18)
“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, 14 for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. 15 She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. 16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.”
TAKEAWAYS: How can we grow to be wise stewards?
- By remembering who owns it all
- By believing what really matters
- By investing in your eternal destination
“When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 23 But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. 24 Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” 27 But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” 28 And Peter said, “See, we have left our homes and followed you.” 29 And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.” — Luke 18:22-30