Altars, Not Platforms - Part 2: Stewards of the Kingdom

ALTARS NOT PLATFORMS Stewards of the Kingdom 8.10.25 We live in a world that craves a platform, but the gospel of Jesus Christ calls us to an altar. Clearing By Martha Postlethwaite Do not try to save the whole world or do anything grandiose. Instead, create a clearing in the dense forest of your life and wait there patiently, until the song that is your life falls into your own cupped hands and you recognize and greet it. Only then will you know how to give yourself to this world so worthy of rescue. Romans 16:3–5 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Greet also the church that meets at their house. 2 Timothy 4:19 Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. The Marks of Kingdom Stewards (from the life of Priscilla and Aquila) Radical hospitality Faithful partnership Quiet influence Sacrificial living Open-handed generosity Kingdom stewardship Kingdom stewardship is living in full submission to King Jesus, faithfully managing everything He has entrusted to us so that His purposes are fulfilled through our lives. Being good stewards in the kingdom of God: Jesus is the King. The King establishes how His people live. We can choose to accept or reject His rule. To follow His way is to live in His kingdom. To reject His way is to live outside His kingdom. As stewards, we carry His rule (kingdom) into every sphere of life. Why did Jesus talk about money and stewardship so much? Because money reveals the heart Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Because the love of money is a major stronghold 1 Timothy 6:6-10 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. Basics of Kingdom Stewardship: Everything belongs to God. I’m a temporary manager of what He’s entrusted to me. One day, I will give an account. Extravagant Generosity: when you become so overcome by grace and undeserved love, you lavishly reorient your life around giving and Kingdom impact