1. God owns everything because He created all thing

The first chapters of Genesis cover the creation of this world and everything in it. 

1. Believers belong to God not only by creation but also by redemption
2. Therefore we must be good stewards or managers of what God has given us.  What does this mean to be a steward?
3. Let me give you a clue, A steward is, one who manages another's property, finances, or other affairs
4. You can see from this definition we do not own anything, which ties in with the idea of last week that all our property is shared because of our tie to God

2. As stewards we have the responsibility to proclaim to the unredeemed about the message of salvation
1. 1 Corinthians 9:16 states “I am compelled to preach, woe is me if I do not preach the Gospel”
2. As Stewards Spiritual gifts and talents are given by God and re to used for His work and the benefits of others
3. All relationships are to be used to 1. Bring people to Christ and 2. to strengthen those that are already believers.
4.  As stewards we are also called upon to take care and conserve Gods creation, i.e. natural resources.  Psalm 8:6-8 is a great call for all of us take care of our planet, Psalm 8:6-8  
3. All we have is to be used for God’s glory, our gifts talents and possessions  
1. We are to give back to God a portion of what we have through tithes offering and such.

                                                              i.      The Old Testament in passages such as Malachi 3:8-10 tell us we are to give back 10 % of what we have, a practice dating back to Abraham. 

                                                            ii.      The New Testament tells us that our giving should be systematic, proportionate, cheerful and generous.  Reading 1 Corinthians 16:2 says, on the first day of the week (Sunday) we should set aside a sum of money to be used for God’s work

2. This tithing is an act of Worship as well as a means of supporting the local church.
3. I Corinthians 9:11 and part of vs. 12 support the idea of taking care of the local church and it’s pastors when it says “ If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you?  If others have this right of support from you, shouldn't we have it all the more?”

4. Good stewards never depart from living their lives in submission to God
1. This life should be used to please God and glorify Him in thought, word and deed.  1 Corinthians 10:31 says that “so whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”.
2. The believer’s body is the Temple of God and must be taken care of physically and mentally.  This means the believer is to get plenty of exercise, rest and make it a point to study God’s word
3. A believer must also posses a clear mind, be self controlled and avoids anything that would contaminate mind, body and spirit.  
4. All these are designed not to take away our fun but to insure that as good stewards we are always taking the best care of God’s property
5. Some verses that show this are 1 Corinthians 6:18 which talks about sexual sin.  Psalm 107:9 which talks of filling ourselves with the good things

5. Also as good stew we are to prepare for what is to come: retirement and impaired health.
1. We need to set aside resources so that we do not become a burden on anybody 
2. Also we should have a will so our assets can be distributed in God Honoring manner which is shown in verses like Proverbs 13:22 which says, A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous

As stewards we are to take care of everything God has given us.  This means we must not squander any resources or use them for ill gotten gain.  In the end we will be accountable to God for the way we have what was entrusted to us.

Read the parable of the talents and decide for yourself.

For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and dug in the earth, and hid his lord's money. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: and I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundantly: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:14­30).