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What Is the Connection Between Stewardship and Discipleship? – Viral Believer
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What Is the Connection Between Stewardship and Discipleship?

As devoted followers of Christ, we embark on a transformative journey of discipleship – a lifelong process of learning, growing, and living out our faith on a daily basis.

A crucial aspect of this journey is the understanding and application of stewardship, which serves as a bridge connecting our spiritual and earthly responsibilities.

So, what exactly is the connection between stewardship and discipleship? As we read from the New King James Version of the Bible, we glean invaluable insights on how these two concepts intertwine and complement each other in our daily walk with God.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells the Parable of the Talents, where a master entrusts his servants with his possessions before leaving on a journey (Matthew 25:14-30).

Upon his return, he evaluates their efforts in managing his resources, praising those who invest and multiply their talents, while rebuking the one who fails to do so.

This parable shines a light on the fundamental essence of stewardship – the responsibility of using, preserving, and expanding the gifts God has entrusted to us – and illustrates its significance for our growth as disciples.

Through exploring the numerous facets of stewardship – including time, talents, resources, and the environment – we discover how vital it is to apply Godly principles in every area of our lives.

This article will delve deeper into the connection between stewardship and discipleship, highlighting the scriptural foundations and practical applications that can empower us to become faithful stewards and committed disciples of the Lord.

Together, let us embark on this journey of understanding, embracing, and living out the stewardship-discipleship nexus, so that we may bear fruit in abundance and glorify the One who has called us into His marvelous light.

I. Exploring the Concept of Stewardship in a Christian Context

In the Bible, stewardship is a theme that recurs frequently, with the underlying message that everything we have – our time, talents, resources, and even the Earth – is a gift from God. As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of these gifts, using them to serve God and to promote His Kingdom.

The idea of stewardship can be seen in several key passages throughout Scripture. In Genesis 1:28, we see God’s commandment to humanity to have dominion over the Earth and all its creatures. Later, in Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus emphasized the importance of using our talents wisely through the Parable of the Talents.

Within the Christian concept of stewardship, there are four main principles at work: ownership, responsibility, accountability, and reward. As stewards of God’s creation, we must first acknowledge and understand that everything we have is not truly our own, but rather belongs to God.

As it says in 1 Chronicles 29:14, “For all things come from You, and of Your own we have given You.” Recognizing this, we are then called upon to take responsibility for the things entrusted to us, using our resources, abilities, and time for the glory of God and advancement of His Kingdom.

To help break down the concept of Christian stewardship, let’s consider three key areas where we can apply the principles of stewardship:

  • Financial Stewardship: As believers, we are called to manage our finances in a way that honors God, putting Him first in our financial decisions. This includes giving generously to the work of the Church, being responsible with our spending and saving, and avoiding debt that could hinder our ability to serve God.
  • Environmental Stewardship: Taking care of the planet that we inhabit means using natural resources wisely, conserving energy, reducing pollution, and advocating for policies that protect the environment. As Christians, we follow God’s command in Genesis 2:15 to “tend and keep” the Earth He has created.
  • Personal Stewardship: Each of us has unique gifts, talents, and time given to us by God. By using these resources for His Kingdom, we honor God, serve others, and participate in His work. This can involve volunteering in a local ministry, sharing our faith with others, or participating in other acts of service.

By nurturing a heart of stewardship in each of these areas, we grow as faithful servants of God, honoring the One who has entrusted us with so much.

The ultimate reward for good stewardship comes from the Master Himself, who will say to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant; […] enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:23).

II. Discipleship: Understanding Our Spiritual Journey

Our spiritual journey consists of various stages, and as disciples of Christ, it is essential to recognize and comprehend these stages to grow spiritually and to deepen our relationship with God.

A vital turning point in every disciple’s life is when we learn to move from merely knowing about Jesus to truly knowing Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

The Bible outlines several areas that are significant for understanding and growing in discipleship:

  • Repentance and Faith: Essential to beginning our spiritual journey is acknowledging our sins and turning towards God. In Acts 20:21, the Apostle Paul summarizes the message he preached as “repentance towards God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” As we grow, our ongoing repentance from sin and faith in Jesus continue to be central to our walk with Him.
  • Baptism and the Holy Spirit: Upon faith in Jesus, we are called to follow Him in baptism as a public declaration of our commitment to Him (Matthew 28:19). Additionally, the Holy Spirit indwells us, empowering us to live a life that is pleasing to God and to bear witness to Jesus (Acts 1:8).
  • Prayer and Scripture: As disciples, we continually dedicate ourselves to prayer and to the reading and studying of the Scriptures. Prayer is an essential aspect of our communication with God (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and serves as a vital foundation for our walk with Jesus. Additionally, the Word of God equips us, enlightens us, and helps us grow in discernment and maturity (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
  • Fellowship and Service: As members of the Body of Christ, it’s necessary to cultivate meaningful relationships and fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 10:24-25). This implies participating in mutual encouragement, accountability, and corporate worship. We are also called to serve one another in love, humility, and self-sacrifice as Jesus modeled for us (Philippians 2:3-8).

As we reflect on these aspects of our spiritual journey, it is paramount to remember that discipleship is a lifelong endeavor, marked by perseverance and ongoing growth.

Our sanctification is a process, and we are called to pursue Christlikeness daily, relying on God’s grace and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit within us.

As Paul encourages us in Philippians 2:12-13, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”

Let us embrace our call to discipleship as we grow in understanding and experience the richness of our spiritual journey with the Lord.

III. The Interwoven Relationship Between Stewardship and Discipleship

In examining the intersection of stewardship and discipleship, we discover a profound truth: to be a good disciple is to be a good steward. Every aspect of our Christian life, from the way we handle our resources to the manner in which we seek to follow Jesus, revolves around stewardship.

As believers, we are called to cultivate the talents, time, and possessions God has entrusted to our care (Matthew 25:14-30). In our journey as disciples, we recognize that stewardship fuels our discipleship and that the way we manage our resources resonates with our walk with the Lord.

This reality is evident in numerous biblical passages:

  • In Luke 12:48, Jesus says, “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” This verse emphasizes the responsibility entrusted to every disciple to be a good steward of their God-given resources and talents.
  • In Matthew 6:24, Jesus states, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” As disciples, we must choose to serve God wholeheartedly and prioritize stewardship of His resources over worldly concerns.
  • In 1 Corinthians 4:2, Paul instructs, “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” This passage highlights that stewardship is not just a matter of exercising authority over our resources, but also a demonstration of our faithfulness as disciples.

As we grow in our relationship with God, we also grow in our ability to manage our resources effectively. Our willingness to surrender to God’s leading in the area of stewardship means giving up our desires and preconceptions and accepting His guidance and wisdom.

In doing so, we come to understand the true scope and impact of stewardship on our spiritual journey. We recognize that our possessions are not our own, but rather God’s, and we must use them according to His will (1 Chronicles 29:14).

The interwoven relationship between stewardship and discipleship reminds us that we are accountable to God for everything He has given to us.

As disciples, we seek to honor God in every area of our lives, including how we invest our resources. By embracing faithful stewardship, we are better equipped to grow as disciples and impact the world for Christ.

IV. Becoming Faithful Stewards: Practical Steps on the Path of Discipleship

Pray Daily and Listen to God’s Voice

Consistent communication with our Heavenly Father is crucial in becoming faithful stewards of His grace. This process allows us to grow in understanding of His will for us. Make it a habit to spend time in prayer each day, inviting the Holy Spirit to influence your thoughts, actions, and decisions.

Jesus taught His disciples to always pray and not lose heart (Luke 18:1). Your prayers don’t have to be lengthy or formal; simply talk to God as you would a dear friend. Remember to devote time to listening, too. In the stillness of your heart, invite the Holy Spirit to speak and guide you.

Study God’s Word

Delving deeply into the Scriptures is an essential part of the spiritual growth process. It is through the Word that we discover God’s character, promises, and expectations. As we seek to become the best possible stewards, we must make an intentional effort to study the Bible regularly.

2 Timothy 2:15 states, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Consider the following approaches to help you immerse yourself in God’s Word:

  • Follow a Bible reading plan
  • Join a Bible study group
  • Use Bible study resources, such as commentaries and devotionals
  • Memorize key Scriptures

Apply Biblical Principles to Your Daily Life

Practical application of Scripture to our daily lives is vital in developing as faithful stewards. James 1:22 reminds us to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

As you grow in your knowledge of the Bible, actively look for ways to put God’s principles into action in your relationships, finances, career, and ministry opportunities. Embrace opportunities to serve others, forgive those who have wronged you, and exercise generosity.

Seek Accountability and Fellowship with Other Believers

A vital part of growing as a disciple involves surrounding yourself with a strong support system of fellow believers.

Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to “consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another.”

Joining a local church, participating in small group studies, and seeking out accountability partners are all practical ways to nurture this essential aspect of discipleship.

V. Striving for a Deeper Connection: Building a Life of Service, Sacrifice, and Spiritual Growth

The journey towards a deeper connection with God involves a life marked by service, sacrifice, and spiritual growth.

It is essential to remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 20:26-28 NKJV: “whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant; and whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

To grow in our relationship with Christ, we must focus on becoming more like Him, embodying a life of humility and selflessness.

In practice, this means we should actively seek to serve and love others in word and deed. Extending a helping hand to those in need, sharing the gospel, and expressing empathy towards others are all acts of service aligned with God’s heart. Here, we can look to some ways to serve:

  • Volunteering at a local church or community organization
  • Becoming a mentor to someone in need of guidance
  • Offering emotional and spiritual support to a struggling friend
  • Dedicating time in prayer for others, our community, and our world

Living a life of service also requires sacrifice. The Apostle Paul exhorted the believers in Rome by saying, “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1 NKJV).

This means we, as Christians, must walk in obedience to God’s Word and His will, often putting our personal desires and conveniences aside in order to follow Jesus wholeheartedly.

Finally, engaging in consistent spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, Bible study, and worship, are crucial in fostering spiritual growth. 2 Peter 3:18 NKJV encourages us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

As we consciously invest time and energy into deepening our relationship with God, we allow the Holy Spirit to shape and transform our lives to align with His heart.

In conclusion, by intentionally pursuing a life marked by service, sacrifice, and spiritual growth, we are taking active steps towards developing a stronger bond with our Creator. In turn, this helps to prepare us to be more effective witnesses for Christ, shining His light and love to a world in need of hope and healing.

Conclusion

It is clear that there is an undeniable connection between stewardship and discipleship.

This connection helps us to understand the importance of cultivating an attitude of generosity, service, and faith in our Christian life and to understand better how to be faithful, humble, and giving stewards of all that God has entrusted to us.

May these insights equip you to be better disciples and better stewards of the world God has created.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.