Made For These Days: Steward our Finances

In this episode of the Real Life Overtime Podcast, the teaching team dives deeper into the biblical principles of stewardship and generosity, exploring how these concepts connect to our calling in Christ. Anchored in Acts 17 and Matthew 25, the discussion focuses on how we, as individuals and as the body of Christ, are called to manage our resources—time, energy, and finances—for God’s purposes. The conversation highlights the spiritual discipline of tithing, the role of obedience, and the eternal impact of giving.

Whether you're wrestling with how to start tithing or seeking to deepen your understanding of biblical generosity, this episode is a practical and inspiring guide to aligning your heart with God's mission.

Key Topics Covered:

God’s Intentional Design for Our Time and Place:

• Acts 17 affirms that God placed us in this exact moment in history with specific purposes.
• Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we were created for good works, individually and corporately, to reveal God’s wisdom and love to the world.
  Stewardship and Accountability:
• From Matthew 25, we learn that we are stewards, not owners, of everything we have.

Stewardship is about investing our God-given resources (time, talents, finances) in ways that honor Him and advance His kingdom.

Why God Speaks So Often About Money:

• Scripture addresses finances over 2,000 times because money is closely tied to our hearts (Exodus 20:3, Malachi 3).
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  The danger of idolizing wealth and possessions can lead us away from trusting God.

Tithing as a Discipline and a Test of Faith:

• Tithing is introduced before the Mosaic Law and affirmed throughout Scripture as a foundational act of obedience.
• Malachi 3 invites believers to “test” God in tithing, promising His provision and blessings.
• Tithing shifts our mindset from ownership to stewardship and cultivates a heart of generosity.

The Practical and Eternal Impact of Generosity:

• Generosity supports the church’s mission: feeding the hungry, equipping leaders, supporting global missions, and meeting community needs.
• Obedience in giving impacts not only our spiritual growth but also the lives of countless others through the body of Christ.

Reflection & Discussion Questions:

1. How does understanding that God placed you in this specific time and place shape your view of your role in His mission?
2. In what ways can tithing or practicing generosity help you grow in trust and obedience to God?
3. How can you identify and address areas where money or possessions may have become an idol in your life?
4. What is one practical step you can take this week to invest your resources (time, talents, or finances) for God’s kingdom?
5. How can you encourage your group or family to embrace a heart of generosity together?

This episode challenges us to live with eternity in mind, seeing our resources as tools to invest in God’s kingdom. Generosity isn’t just a command; it’s an invitation to experience God’s faithfulness and transform lives. As you reflect on today’s message, consider how your obedience in stewardship can impact your spiritual growth and the world around you.

Stay tuned for next week’s episode as we continue the series, Made for These Days!