5556 stewardship

The careful use, control and management of the possessions of another that have been entrusted to one. The term is also used to refer to the responsible use of wealth and possessions by Christians.

Individuals acting as stewards

Adam in the Garden of Eden Ge 2:15

Joseph in Potiphar’s household Ge 39:4-6

Daniel as administrator in Babylon Da 6:1-3

Groups acting as stewards

The priests serving in the tabernacle See also Lev 22:9; 1Sa 2:15

The seven chosen by the Jerusalem church Ac 6:1-6

Household stewards

Ge 43:16; Ge 44:1-12; 2Sa 16:1; 2Sa 19:17; Est 1:8

Jesus Christ’s teaching on stewardship

Using parables to emphasise accountability Lk 16:1-12 See also Mt 25:14-30; Lk 19:12-27

Emphasising each individual’s responsibility Lk 12:48 See also Mt 12:36

The apostles continued this teaching

Ro 14:12 See also 1Pe 4:4-5

To be a good steward is an honourable thing

1Ti 3:13 See also Pr 27:18

Christians are entrusted with the stewardship of the gospel

1Co 4:1-2 See also 1Co 9:17; 2Co 5:19-21; Gal 1:15-16; Gal 2:7; 1Th 2:4; 1Ti 1:11; 1Ti 4:14; 1Ti 6:20; 2Ti 1:14; Tit 1:3,7

Christians are to be wise stewards of their God-given gifts

1Co 4:7

They are to use their gifts to benefit others 1Pe 4:10-11

They are to develop their gifts See also 1Ti 4:14-15

They are to care for their bodies 1Co 6:18-20

Believers are to be wise stewards of their material possessions

Dt 8:17-18

Jesus Christ’s teaching on sharing possessions Mt 19:21 pp Mk 10:21 pp Lk 18:22 See also Mt 6:1-4,19-21; Lk 6:38; Lk 21:1-4; Ac 20:35

Sharing of possessions among the first Christians Ac 4:32-35 See also 2Co 8:1-5

The apostle Paul’s teaching on sharing possessions Ac 20:35; 2Co 9:6-11

See also