Stewardship
Managing God's resources faithfully for His glory
Overview
Stewardship recognizes a fundamental reality: everything belongs to God. "The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein" (Psalms 24:1). Humans are not owners but stewards—managers entrusted with resources that ultimately belong to Another. This truth transforms how we view possessions, time, abilities, and even our very lives.
Biblical stewardship extends beyond finances (though it certainly includes them). We are stewards of time—"redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:16). We are stewards of talents—spiritual gifts given for building up Christ's body. We are stewards of truth—the gospel entrusted to us for proclamation. We are stewards of treasure—material resources to be used for God's kingdom purposes.
The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) teaches crucial principles. God distributes resources according to His wisdom, not equally but appropriately. He expects multiplication, not mere preservation. He will call us to account for how we used what He provided. Faithful stewardship leads to increased responsibility and reward; unfaithfulness leads to loss and condemnation.
Generous giving demonstrates trust in God's provision and reflects His own generous character. "God loveth a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). Yet stewardship involves not just giving but wise management of what we retain. Christians should work diligently, spend thoughtfully, save prudently, and give liberally—all as acts of worship to the Owner of all things.
Subtopics
God Owns Everything
Divine ownership
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Psalms 24:1
— The earth is the LORD's
The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
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Haggai 2:8
— Silver and gold are mine
The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.
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1 Chronicles 29:14
— All things come of thee
But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.
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Deuteronomy 8:18
— He giveth thee power to get wealth
But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
Faithful Management
Using resources wisely
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Luke 16:10
— Faithful in that which is least
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
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Matthew 25:21
— Well done, good and faithful servant
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
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1 Corinthians 4:2
— Required in stewards to be faithful
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
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1 Peter 4:10
— Good stewards of the grace of God
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Generous Giving
The joy of liberality
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2 Corinthians 9:7
— God loveth a cheerful giver
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
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Proverbs 11:25
— Liberal soul shall be made fat
The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
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Luke 6:38
— Give, and it shall be given
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
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Malachi 3:10
— Bring ye all the tithes
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Study Guidance
Topical study benefits from reading verses in their broader context. Click any reference above to view the complete passage and surrounding verses. Consider comparing how different biblical authors address the same theme across various contexts and time periods.
Cross-reference study deepens understanding. Many verses listed here connect to other passages—use the cross-references provided on individual verse pages to trace theological themes throughout Scripture.