SUMMARY OF SERMON PREACHED ON SUNDAY

Scriptural References: Zep. 1:7, 12-18; I Thess. 5:1-11; Matt 25:14-30; 1 Cor. 15:51 
The four important principles of Biblical stewardship 
The Principle of Ownership: Ps 24:1 – God owns everything, we are simply managers or administrators, acting on His behalf. 
The principle of responsibility: Owners have right, stewards have responsibilities. 
The principle of accountability: We are stewards of the resources, abilities and opportunities that God has entrusted to our care and one day each one of us will be called to give an account of how we have managed what the Master has given us. 
The principle of reward – Col 3:23, 24 – Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward and that the Master you serve is Chris. 
The basis of blessing- Malachi 3:7-15 – God charges us with stealing when we do not pay our tithes, give our offerings and honour our pledges. 
The bible teaches that God demands the tithes, whereas He deserves our offerings and pledges 
Giving to God is older than the law – Gen 14:17-15:1. It was enforced by the law - Lev 27; 30-33. Giving was also approved by our Lord – Matt 23:23 and tithe was included in the teaching of the apostles – 1 Cor 16:2. 
How to give according to Scripture 
True Christian stewardship starts with the heart – 2 Cor 8:5 – This is the secret of all giving of material things. When one gives himself/herself to the Lord he/she is willing to do all the other things the gospel teaches. God does not need your money if you have not given yourself to Him. 
Our giving must be purposeful and regular - 2 Cor 16:1-4. It must be every Sunday. On the fourth week we bring our offerings, tithes and any pledges we have made. 
Giving is a personal responsibility - 1 Cor 16:2. No one in membership is excluded. 
Giving must be done freely but cheerfully – Matt 10:8, 2 Cor 7:7 
Giving must be done with a sense of integrity – 2 Cor 8:10 – How easy it is for dishonesty and delay to mar and hinder our Christian stewardship 
Giving must be done without ostentation, but be done with simplicity (Matt 6:3; Rom 12:8) 
It must be done with willing mind – 2 Cor.  8:12.