Saturday Scripture Study with Bibi: Leave It In My Good Hands

Hello, everyone! Thank you for joining me again for Saturday Scripture Study. During this particular study series we will be discussing the parables of Jesus. He used parables as part of his teaching lessons. These parables contain powerful messages that are just beneath the surface of the story; which in turn motivate us to dig deeper, and learn how to better walk with Christ, Our Lord.

We are now at Week Twelve of our series. This week, we will discuss our importance as stewards of God. We must be careful as we spread the Gospel, as the tools we have been given to use are only borrowed. The grace belongs solely to God who gives it. Therefore, we must be faithful in the way we distribute the truth of Christ

Before we begin our study, let's pray together: God, you have made the heavens and the earth. You have revealed your beauty in creation and inspired the book that we are now about to study. Please help us now as we read together. Take us deeper into understanding more about you and your love for us. Amen.

We begin this study with a quote from scripture, 1 Corinthians 4:1-2. The apostle Paul composed this after a lengthy dissertation on the somewhat smaller role played by men in the the salvation of others. He argued that "we are only servants, not masters" to the Corinthians who had been attempting to denominationalize their young church after artificial followings.

For the best example of a steward, let's look at Joseph in the Book of Genesis. He went from being a slave to overseeing the house of Potiphar in quick time; bringing great blessings to the Egyptian captain's household. And though his master's wife attempted to seduce him many times, Joseph always remained a faithful steward; totally refusing her advances. Later, Pothiphar, trusting in his wife's version of the story, had Joseph imprisoned.

While serving his sentence, he became the prison trustee. Because Joseph was faithful to honor and duty, the Lord allowed him to flourish and prosper there. In time, his forewarnings freed him from imprisonment. He became Pharaoh's governor in Egypt, and the nation was blessed with prosperity even as a great famine raged all around them. Being a faithful servant, blessing seemed to follow Joseph wherever he went.

In Matthew 25:14-30 (the parable of the ten talents), Jesus teaches his disciples about stewardship. In spite of moving to a distant country, he will one day return and summon his servants to explain how they have handled God's blessings. He will reward those who were good and faithful servants by admitting them into the joy of their Lord. Those who, because of their laziness and wickedness, bore no fruit, can look forward to a punishment in outer darkness where there is much weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Luke 12:42-48 contains the parable of the faithful and wise stewards. Here, Jesus compares two stewards with different viewpoints on their master's absence. One understands his master's absence is only temporary and may end suddenly. The other sees the master's absence as an opportunity to conduct himself maliciously. However, Jesus will return unexpectedly to the faithless steward and punish his lack of success with many stripes. Thus, we are cautioned: "For everyone to whom much is given, from him much is required."

The parable of the unjust steward (Luke 16:1-13) teaches us the true value of physical resources in this life: sharing our blessings in order to bless those who are less fortunate. Certainly, every physical blessing we have is from God (James 1:17; Matthew 6:25-34). If we are faithful in our stewardship of earthly blessings, we can demonstrate that we are fit to steward eternal blessings.

In response to his disciples' plea to increase their faith, Christ alludes to the unprofitable servant (Luke 17: 7-10) who understands that full obedience to God's commands is merely his duty and no labor about which he should boast.

Finally, the parable of the minas (Luke 19:11-27) is similar to the parable of the ten talents. This lesson is meant to undeceive them of false ideas regarding the kingdom's appearance and nature. The end of it has special warning to everyone who doesn't know Christ, or who do not obey his gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:8).

Here's one final word before closing. Remember, we are stewards of the riches of the knowledge of Christ, and must share with all.

Questions:

1. What does Paul say is a requirement of a steward? What did he mean concerning his own stewardship? What were the Corinthians trying to do with Apollos, Peter and Paul?
2. Who is the great Old Testament steward? What made him so trustworthy and prosperous?
3. What did each of the stewards do with the talents his master gave him before leaving?
4. Was the effort of the third man sufficient? What excuse did he give (Matthew 25:25)?
5. What became of the first two servants?
6. What was the servant's reason for beating others and getting drunk (Luke 12:45)?
7. How does this passage compare to 2 Peter 3:9-11?
8. What is the standard given in Luke 12:48?
9. How can handling "unrighteous mammon" help lead us to an "everlasting home?"
10. What does Luke 16:14 say about the Pharisees' reaction to this parable? Is this idolatrous affection still alive today (Colossians 3:5)?
11. According to the parable given in Luke 17:7-10, can a Christian ever do so much for God that the Lord actually owes him? What should the Christian be diligent to do?
12. Is salvation then a debt God owes us, or a gift of grace we receive when we accept and obey Him?
13. What did the citizens of the parable in Luke 19 (the parable of the ten minas) think of the nobleman? What becomes of them?

Until next time...

May your week be blessed!

Bibi