LESSON 13March 24-30

The Results of Stewardship

SABBATH AFTERNOON

Read for This Week’s Study: 2 Tim. 3:1-9; Ezek. 14:14; Phil. 4:4-13; Prov. 3:5; 1 Pet. 2:11, 12; Matt. 7:23; 25:21.

Memory Text: “Having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as
evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter
2:12, NKJV).

As stewards, we should live as witnesses of the God we serve, which means that we should exert a powerful
influence on those around us, an influence for good.

Our story, then, is not to be isolated from the world around us. Instead, we are privileged to reflect a better
way of living to those who don’t know the things that we have been given. Stewardship is the act of thriving
while managing God’s call to live godly lives. God gives us the skill to live differently than any other lifestyle on
earth (2 Cor. 6:17), and it is something that others should notice and even ask about. Hence we are told: “But
sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a
reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15).

This final lesson will look at the personal benefits, spiritual outcomes, successful results, our influence, and the
key to contentment in the steward’s life, knowing that it is all about “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col.
1:27, NKJV).

Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, March 31.

SUNDAYMarch 25

Stewardship and Godliness

Godliness is a vast topic. Godly people live a holy lifestyle (Titus 1:1), becoming like Christ with an attitude of
devotion and with actions that are pleasing to Him (Ps. 4:3, Titus 2:12). Godliness is the evidence of true
religion and receives the promise of eternal life. No philosophy, wealth, fame, power, or favored birth offers
such a promise.

Read 2 Timothy 3:1-9. What is Paul warning about here that’s directly related to the life of a faithful
steward?

The book of Job provides a description of Job’s character and actions. It illustrates how a godly life is
revealed, even through suffering. It also shows how much Satan hates that lifestyle. Even God acknowledges
that there were no others like Job in his quality of faith and lifestyle (Job 2:3).

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 “There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one
who feared God and shunned evil” (Job 1:1, NKJV). Thus, we see a man whose faith wasn’t just an expression
of words or religious rituals, though that was part of his life (Job 1:5). His fear of God was manifested in an
entire life of godliness, even amid horrific trials. Being godly doesn’t mean we are perfect, only that we reflect
perfection in our own sphere.

Read Ezekiel 14:14. What does this text say that testifies to the character of these men? What do they have
in common that should be seen in all of us?

Stewardship is, really, an expression of a godly life. Faithful stewards don’t just have a form of godliness.
They are godly, and this godliness is revealed in how they live, in how they handle the things that their God has
entrusted them with. Their faith is expressed not only in what they do but also in what they don’t do.

MONDAYMarch 26

Contentment

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be
content” (Phil. 4:11). If we are to be content in whatever state we are in, where must that contentment
ultimately come from?

While writing to Timothy, Paul describes an unsavory group of people “who think that godliness is a means
to financial gain” (1 Tim. 6:5, NIV). What better description of some of the TV hucksters today could there be
than this? They make a lot of money telling listeners that if they are but faithful (and that “faithfulness”
includes supporting their ministry), then these listeners will be rich, too? The equating of wealth with
faithfulness is just another manifestation of materialism but under the guise of Christianity.

The fact is, godliness has nothing to do with wealth. If so, some of the world’s nastiest people would have to
be deemed godly because they are also some of the wealthiest. Instead, Paul countered that “godliness with
contentment is great gain” (1 Tim. 6:6, NIV). Godliness with contentment in any circumstance is the greatest
type of riches because God’s grace is far more valuable than financial gain. Thus, we should be content with
“food and clothing” (1 Tim. 6:8, NIV). In the end, no matter how much we have, there will always be more to
get if we are inclined to think that way.

“Contentment in every condition is a great art, a spiritual mystery. It is to be learned, and to be learned as a
mystery. . . . Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits
to and delights in God’s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition. . . . It is a box of precious ointment, and
very comforting and useful for troubled hearts, in troubled times and conditions.” - Jeremiah Burroughs, The
Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, pp. 1, 3.

Read Romans 8:28, Hebrews 13:5, and Philippians 4:4-13. What can we find here that can help us live
contented lives?

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TUESDAYMarch 27

Trust

Read Proverbs 3:5. What crucial message is there for us, especially in the last part, about not “leaning” on
our own understanding? (See also Isa. 55:9, 1 Cor. 4:5, 13:12.)

The motto and aim of God’s stewards is to “trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own
understanding” (Prov. 3:5, NKJV).

Of course, that’s often easier said than done. How often might we intellectually believe in God and in His
love and care for us, and yet worry ourselves sick over something that we are facing? Sometimes the future
can appear very scary, at least in our own imaginations.

How, then, do we as stewards learn to trust in God? By stepping out in faith and obeying the Lord in all that
we do now. Trust is an action of the mind that is not depleted with use; on the contrary, the more we trust the
Lord the more our trust will grow. Living as faithful stewards is a way to express our trust in God. This trust is
the foundation and driving force of the steward, and it becomes visible by what we do.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” The phrase “your heart” is always used figuratively in Scripture. It
means that our decisions come from an inner moral self that makes up who we are (Matt. 22:37). This includes
our character, motives, and intentions - the very core of our being.

It’s easier to trust God with the things that you can’t control. In that sense we have no choice but to trust in
Him. Instead, real trust “from the heart” comes when we have to make a choice regarding something that we
can control, and when our trust in God will cause us to choose one way or the other.

The apostles illustrate trusting God with all their hearts: “They were by nature as weak and helpless as any
of those now engaged in the work, but they put their whole trust in the Lord. Wealth they had, but it consisted
of mind and soul culture; and this every one may have who will make God first and last and best in
everything.” - Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers, p. 25.

It is true that it’s easier to trust in God concerning the things that you cannot control. But what about things
you can control? What choices might you need to make in which your trust in God will determine which way
you do choose?

WEDNESDAYMarch 28

Our Influence

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord” (Eph. 5:8, NKJV). Paul describes the
transformation of the heart as being what is publicly seen: As we “walk in the light” (1 John 1:7, NKJV; Isa.
30:21), our daily witness of managed stewardship will be an influential light in a dark world.

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 Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12, NKJV). We reflect the light of God through a stable
character in our everyday public behavior.

How is our stewardship on display in ways that bring glory to God? What influence do our actions have on
others? Matt. 5:16, Titus 2:7, 1 Pet. 2:11, 12.

Stewardship is about the management of God’s possessions, but it goes beyond this responsibility. Our
stewardship is on display in front of our families, communities, the world, and the universe (1 Cor.
4:9). Stewardship lived out in our occupations as well demonstrates the effect that the principles of the
kingdom have on our lives. And thus, we can influence others. We reveal Christ by kindness and morality,
which carry the approval of the Creator.

Our work ethic also must agree with our stewardship values. Our occupation is one stage in which the
stewardship of a righteous person is seen. “He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your
justice as the noonday” (Ps. 37:6, NKJV). A steward’s influence even at work or at his or her vocation is not put
“in a secret place or under a basket” (Luke 11:33, NKJV), but is seen like a city on a hill (Matt. 5:14). As you
purposefully live this way at home and at work, you will influence the minds and hearts of those around you.

“Everything in nature has its appointed work and murmurs not at its position. In spiritual things every man
and woman has his or her own peculiar sphere and vocation. The interest God requires will be proportionate
to the amount of entrusted capital according to the measure of the gift of Christ. . . . Now is your time and
privilege to . . . show a stability of character that will make you of real moral worth. Christ has a right to your
service. Yield to Him heartily.” - Ellen G. White, This Day With God, p. 243.

What kind of influence does your work ethic reveal to those with whom you work or to those who see you
at home? What kind of message do you send to them about your faith?

THURSDAYMarch 29

The Words We Want (and Don’t Want) to Hear

We are strangers and pilgrims on earth, with heaven - perfect, beautiful, and peaceful - as our ultimate
destination (Heb. 11:13, 14). Until then, we have to live our existence here. The Christian worldview, especially
as revealed in the great controversy, allows for no neutral parties now. We either live for God or for the
enemy. “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad” (Matt.
12:30). Whose side we’re on will be revealed, clearly and unambiguously, when He returns.

At some point after Christ returns, those who claimed to follow Him will hear one of two phrases. What are
those phrases and what does each one mean?

Matt. 25:21

Matt. 7:23

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 Christ’s words “well done” are the most pleasing and satisfying words a steward will ever hear. To have
divine, unqualified approval expressed over our attempts to manage His possessions would bring unspeakable
joy for doing our best according to our abilities, for knowing all along that our salvation is rooted, not in our
works for Christ but in His works for us (see Rom. 3:21, Rom. 4:6).

A faithful steward’s life is a reflection of the faith he or she already has. The attempt at salvation by works is
seen in the words of those who sought to justify themselves before God by their works (see Matt.
7:21, 22). Matthew 7:23 shows how futile that self-justification really is.

“When Christ’s followers give back to the Lord His own, they are accumulating treasure which will be given
to them when they shall hear the words, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; . . . enter thou into the joy of
thy Lord.” - Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 523.

In the end, stewardship is a life lived in which the two greatest commandments, love for God and love for
our neighbors, are the motivation and driving force in all that one does.

How well does your own life, and the stewardship revealed in your life, reflect these two greatest
commandments?

FRIDAYMarch 30

Further Thought: “Christ came to this world to reveal the love of God. His followers are to continue the work
which He began. Let us strive to help and strengthen one another. Seeking the good of others is the way in
which true happiness can be found. Man does not work against his own interest by loving God and his fellow
men. The more unselfish his spirit, the happier he is, because he is fulfilling God’s purpose for him.” - Ellen G.
White, Counsels on Stewardship, pp. 24, 25.

“Wherever there is life in a church, there is increase and growth. There is also a constant interchange, taking
and giving out, receiving and returning to the Lord His own. To every true believer God imparts light and
blessing, and this the believer imparts to others in the work that he does for the Lord. As he gives of that which
he receives, his capacity for receiving is increased. Room is made for fresh supplies of grace and truth. Clearer
light, increased knowledge, are his. On this giving and receiving depend the life and growth of the church. He
who receives, but never gives, soon ceases to receive. If the truth does not flow from him to others, he loses
his capacity to receive. We must impart the goods of heaven, if we would receive fresh blessing.” - Ellen G.
White, Counsels on Stewardship, p. 36.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does trusting in the Lord lead to contentment? What does it take to trust God with all your
heart on an intellectual level? 2 Cor. 10:5. Why is it so easy to say “that all things work together for
good” (Rom. 8:28, NKJV) but so hard to believe it? That is, why do we say that we trust God, and
really do trust Him on an intellectual level, and yet be so fearful of the future?
2. In class, ask this question and then compare answers: “In 25 words or less, what is your definition
of stewardship?” Then ask the question: “In 25 words or less, why is stewardship an important part
of the Christian’s life?”

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 3. Read again Matthew 7:21-23. What is going on here? Why do these people say the things that they
do? What do their words reveal about themselves? How can we make sure that - even as we seek
to be good stewards, even as we seek to live a life of faith and obedience, even as we seek to do
good works in God’s name - we do not fall into the same kind of self-deception?
4. We tend to think of Christian influence only on an individual level. But what about at the level of
your local church? What kind of influence does your church as a whole have in the community?

INSIDE STORY~

Seeking 3 Signs

By Andrew McChesney, Adventist Mission

Starlene Peters felt convicted to sign up for a two-week mission trip to South America as she listened to a
veteran U.S. missionary speak at a youth conference in her native country of Trinidad and Tobago.

But the desire confused her. She had just returned to the Seventh-day Adventist Church after seven years of
wild partying, and she did not feel qualified to serve as a missionary.

“To me, I was not missionary material”, said Peters, who was 25 at the time. “So I decided to pray.”

She asked God for a sign: that random people at the youth conference would tell her to become a
missionary. No one knew her, so she thought no one would approach her.

“But several people that same day came up to me and told me, ‘Have you ever thought about being a
missionary?’” she said.

Peters rationalized that people were thinking about mission service after the U.S. missionary’s presentation,
so she asked God for a second sign: that her father would tell her to become a missionary. “My father is not a
church-going person, and I am his only daughter”, Peters said. “So to me the chances were slim to none. I
thought I had gotten God into a corner.”

The next day, her father called her and said, “Maybe you should go where God leads you.” He said was
pleased with the recent changes in her life.

Peters prayed angrily that night. She didn’t want to risk her job for the mission trip to Guyana. She asked for
a third sign: that God provide the U.S. $450 needed for the trip.

The next day, the last day of the conference, a stranger handed Peters a white envelope and walked off.
“When I looked inside, it was a check for $450, the exact amount I needed for the trip”, she said.

Peters ended up staying in Guyana for 1 ½ years, teaching at a mission school. Since then, Peters has been
going on short- and long-term mission trips nonstop, pausing only to raise funds for the next trip. In 2014,
Adventist Church president Ted N.C. Wilson presented her with an award for her work with the church’s One
Year in Mission program.

Peters, now 32, said it is never too late - or too soon - to share Jesus.

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 “Before my first mission trip, I had just come back to church, so I didn’t feel Christian enough to go on a
mission trip”, she said. “Now I do all trips all the time. God provides for all my needs.”

Read more about Starlene Peters (pictured with Adventist Church president Ted N.C. Wilson) last week.

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