The Owner

The Owner

INTRODUCTION
--Quotes (Family, College, Serious)
--Jesus said some startling things

Stewardship-
The process of submitting to the fact
that God is the owner of our lives
and everything attached to them

Many Christians don't grasp this concept
--They think a couple hours a week will suffice
--They think a good dead a day will do
--They think a tenth of their income is enough

So let's look at what jesus said about God's Ownership & our Stewardship

A. DOES GOD OWN YOUR TIME?

Luke 9:57-62 (startling statements)

1. Foxes have holes
--The man wanted to follow Jesus
--Jesus was saying 'are you sure?'
--Jesus was saying 'it won't be easy'
--This was a very unique method of evangelism!
--Jesus was basically seeing if he could talk the man out of it!
--Decisions to follow Christ shouldn't be made in a flippant manner

2. Let the dead bury their own dead
--The father, most likely, wasn't on the verge of death
--The man was saying 'when my life settles down, i'll follow'
--Matthew 10:34-38, Jesus didn't come to bring peace, but a sword

3. If you look back, you aren't fit
--If it's not a full commitment to Christ, is it real?
--There aren't supposed to be 'kinda Christians'

Does God own your time? Can He wake you up in the middle of the night to pray? Can He trust you to take advantage of teachable moments with your children instead of watching another sitcom? Etc.

B. DOES GOD OWN YOUR TALENTS?

Luke 5:1-11 (startling statement)

1. They were expert fishermen
--What must Peter have been thinking in his mind?!?

2. All humans have talents

3. All Christians have spiritual gifts

Will we use them for self or for God

Are you good with your hands? Kids? Food? Teaching? Serving? Creativity? Organizing?

4. God wants to use the talents He has given you
--He wants to turn fishermen into fishers of men
--He wants to turn tent-makers into church planters
--He wants to turn net-menders into problem solvers

C. DOES GOD OWN YOUR TREASURE

Matthew 19:16-29 (startling statement)

1. Jesus knew the 1 thing this rich man was holding back
--Monkey illustration (Jar, fruit, fist, trapped)
--What are you holding back from God?
--Whatever you value most, is your master

2. What do you value most?
--Money/possessions?
--Popularity/family-relations
--Count the cost (Luke 14:25-33)

3. Does Jesus own your treasure
--You can't answer successfully until Jesus IS your treasure
--Matthew 13:44-46
--Juan Carlos Ortiz illustration (from 'Disciple')

CONCLUSION
We must realize that our time, talent & treasure aren't really ours
We are truly His
We must hold, only him, tightly
Gratefully serving our Lord & Savior
We emphasize 'Savior' (sometimes at the expense of 'Lord')
God is our owner