Stewardship is defined as taking care of another’s possessions and making them the way they want them to be.
Question is, how do we keep a balance so the things we possess don’t take possession of us.
1. The other sister
Luke 10: 38 – 42
Martha turned an opportunity to serve Jesus into a complaining session.
Mary on the other hand is sitting at the feet of Jesus and listening to Him. Jesus calls this the one thing worth being concerned about.
Paul defined this “One Thing” for us in Philippians
2. Paul’s One Thing
Philippians 3: 8 for his sake, I have discarded everything else counting all as garbage so That I could gain Christ and become one with him.
Paul is writing this in prison so everything was taken away from him and he has nothing left, yet he has no regrets.
Looking back at life he is saying it is worth it all even though I am now in prison for my belief.
Vs 12 Not that I am already there. (There are still times of struggle in his life, but he is pushing on)
Vs 12 b. I press on (Lay hold of and bring down. Like a football tackle)
Vs 13 forgetting the past and focusing on the future.
Word here for forgetting the past is distractions.
Vs 14 Called by God.
I am going to strain with every muscle because the prize is in the calling
Galatians 4: 9 now that you know God or rather are known by God.
The one thing that is important to me is that Jesus knows your name and has called you by name to come on up by Him. I am striving to bring it into existence.
3. distractions.
Martha was distracted by the meal, and soon was going to be distracted by the death of her brother and the fact, in her eyes, that Jesus did nothing about it
Mary is one who has chosen the one thing and there is a strong responsibility when you are known by God in this way.
- Martha John 11: 21 If you had been here my brother would not have died. Jesus went into a dissertation of who he was.
- Martha goes to Mary and says, He wants to see you. John 11: 28 (Calling by name)
- Vs 32 If only you had been here, my brother would not have died. (Same Question as Martha)
- Different reaction. Deeply troubled (Snorted like a horse) ANGER AND INDIGNATION.
LUKE 12: 41 – 48 Who is a faithful and wise servant whom his master will make ruler over his household…. Servant says My master is delaying his coming… For everyone to whom much is given from him much will be required.
Key point: BETTER NOT TO COME AND HEAR THE TRUTH THAN TO HEAR IT AND NOT CHANGE.
John 11: 34 Jesus wept. He wasn’t crying because they were all sad over Lazarus and he was too. Jesus doesn’t cry at funerals. (Luke 8: 52 Jairus daughter “Stop weeping She isn’t dead; she’s only asleep)
He was crying at their unbelief.
Philippians 3: 18 I say it now with tears in my eyes.
No tears for prison, beatings, ship wrecks but for their failure as a people.
Vs 19
- Mind on earthly things not on the worship of God
- we only think of life here on this earth.
4. Poured out life
OLD TESTAMENT DRINK OFFERINGS AS A SIGN OF DEVOTION AND SACRIFICE (They were called to pour them out with their sacrifices because there was no way to get it back)
- David did it to water that his men fought to get for him
- Paul said his whole life was being poured out like a drink offering 2 Timothy 4: 6
Saw Martha last week now willing to serve Jesus and not complain.
John 12: 3 perfume worth 300 denairi which is a days wage.
i know who you are you are going to die and I am here to anoint you in worship.
Judas = What a waste. (10 cents would be a waste to those who are living for this world)
Is a life poured out in devotion to Jesus a waste?
Judas kept some of it himself for he stole from the account.
EXAMPLE: Satan stole what belonged to God (Worship) and was cast out of heaven.
5. God will give you wisdom in what to do.
Philippians 3: 15, 16 God will make it plain what you should do.
2 Timothy 4: 6 – 8 Crown that God will give to him and all who eagerly look forward to his return.
Questions for Life Groups