Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life Chapter 8 - Cameron Jungels - Wed, October 22, 2014

Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life

by Donald Whitney

 

Stewardship…for the purpose of godliness: Chapter 8 

The Discipline of Stewardship

 

Stewardship is the management of that which ultimately does not belong to us. It is a disciplined, wise use of limited resources that have been entrusted to our care. Our stewardship of time and money reflects the state of our disciplined life for godliness.

 

The Disciplined Use of Time

Ø  Use time wisely “because the days are evil.”

Ø  Wise use of time is the preparation for eternity.

Ø  Time is short.

Ø  Time is passing.

Ø  The remaining time is uncertain.

Ø  Time lost cannot be regained.

Ø  You are accountable to God for your time.

Ø  Time is so easily lost.

Ø  We value time at death.

Ø  Time’s value in eternity.

 

Questions:

Ø  What aspects of our sinful heart are the greatest enemies of the disciplined use of time?

Ø  What activities or attractions in our culture are the greatest time stealers?

Ø  How do we move from wasting time to redeeming the time?

 

The Disciplined Use of Money

Ø  God owns everything you own.

Ø  Giving is an act of worship.

Ø  Reflects faith in God’s provision

Ø  Should be sacrificial and generous.

Ø  Reflects spiritual trustworthiness.

Ø  Love, not Legalism

Ø  Willingly, thankfully, and cheerfully

Ø  An appropriate response to real needs

Ø  Should be planned and systematic

Ø  Results in bountiful blessings.

 

Questions:

Ø  Why do we put so much value in money and things?

Ø  In our culture what are the greatest enemies to the disciplined use of money?

Ø  How does our use of time and money reflect the state of our spiritual progress in godliness?

 

Final Applications:

Ø  Are you prepared for the end of time?

Ø  Are you using your time as God would have you to use it?

Ø  Are you willing to accept God’s principles for giving?

Ø  Are you giving like you mean it?