May 1, 2011

Faithful Stewards!
Mike Fritscher

Faithful Stewards! Matthew 25:14-30

1. God Entrusts to You All that You Have!!

Stewardship – all that I have belongs to God, entrusted to me to manage for the glory of God!

2. God Expects a Good Return on What He Gives!

Isaiah 5:1-4 – The Reasonable Expectations of God!

Luke 6:37 "Do not judge, and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned. 38 "Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure — pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return."

• When I Forgive, I am Receiving Forgiveness!

Matthew 6:14 For if you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.

• When I Leave Behind all that is Dear to Follow Jesus, I am Receiving many times as much in this life!

Matthew 19:27-29

• When I Shut my Ear to the Cry of the Poor, then I too Will Not be heard when I myself Cry out!

Proverbs 21:13 He Who shuts His Ear to the Cry of the Poor will also Cry Himself and Not be Answered!

• When I Am Merciful, I am Receiving Mercy!

Matthew 5:7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

• When You Supply the Needs of Others, God will Richly Supply all of Your Needs!

Philippians 4:17-20

2 Corinthians 8:1-8 The Poor of Macedonia!

• Even In Your Affliction and Deep Poverty!
• According to and Beyond Your Ability!
• In Order to Participate in the support of the Saints!
• After You have 1 st given yourself to the Lord!

And Give, whatever you give

• Out of Faith and Obedience!
• To Meet the Need
• To Demonstrate Love
• To Glorify God!

• When You Use The Gifts God Gives, God is Glorified!

1 Peter 4:10-11

3. You Will Give and Account to What You did with God’s Resources – Your Life!

Matthew 6:19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; 21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Psalms 1:1 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither;

And in whatever he does, he prospers.