Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Concept Stewardship in the biblical context refers to the responsible management and care of resources, talents, and possessions that God has entrusted to individuals. It encompasses the idea that everything belongs to God, and humans are merely caretakers of His creation. This concept is rooted in the understanding that God is the ultimate owner of all things, as expressed in Psalm 24:1 : "The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein." Biblical Foundations The principle of stewardship is woven throughout Scripture, beginning with the creation narrative. In Genesis 1:28 , God commands Adam and Eve to "fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth." This mandate establishes humanity's role as stewards of God's creation, tasked with its care and management. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 further illustrates the concept of stewardship. In this parable, a master entrusts his servants with varying amounts of money before leaving on a journey. Upon his return, he evaluates their management of these resources. The servants who wisely invested and multiplied their master's wealth are commended, while the one who buried his talent out of fear is rebuked. This parable underscores the expectation that stewards are to actively and wisely manage what has been entrusted to them. Stewardship of Resources Financial stewardship is a significant aspect of biblical teaching. Proverbs 3:9 instructs, "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest." This verse highlights the importance of prioritizing God in the management of one's financial resources. The practice of tithing, as seen in Malachi 3:10 , where God invites His people to "bring the full tithe into the storehouse," is a tangible expression of acknowledging God's ownership and provision. Stewardship of Time and Talents In addition to material resources, stewardship extends to the use of time and talents. Ephesians 5:15-16 advises believers to "be very careful how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." This passage encourages the wise and purposeful use of time, recognizing it as a gift from God. Similarly, 1 Peter 4:10 emphasizes the stewardship of spiritual gifts: "As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another." This directive calls believers to employ their God-given abilities in service to others, reflecting God's grace and furthering His kingdom. Stewardship of Creation The biblical mandate for stewardship also includes the care of the environment. Genesis 2:15 states, "Then the LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it." This verse highlights humanity's responsibility to tend to and preserve the natural world, reflecting God's creative order and sustaining His creation. Accountability and Reward Scripture teaches that stewards are accountable to God for their management of His resources. Romans 14:12 reminds believers, "So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God." This accountability underscores the seriousness of the stewardship role and the expectation of faithfulness. Moreover, faithful stewardship is associated with divine reward. In Luke 16:10 , Jesus states, "Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much." This principle suggests that those who are trustworthy in small matters will be entrusted with greater responsibilities and blessings. Conclusion The biblical concept of stewardship calls believers to recognize God's ownership of all things and to manage His resources with wisdom, faithfulness, and a heart of service. Through stewardship, Christians are invited to participate in God's work, reflecting His character and advancing His purposes in the world. Topical Bible Verses Luke 16:11If therefore you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? Topicalbible.org 1 Peter 4:10 Titus 1:7 Psalm 24:1 2 Timothy 2:15 Luke 14:28 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The office of a steward.Greek 3622. oikonomia -- stewardship, administration ... stewardship, administration. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: oikonomia Phonetic Spelling: (oy-kon-om-ee'-ah) Short Definition: stewardship ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3622.htm - 7k 5362. philandros -- loving men, (of a wife) loving her husband Library Home as a Stewardship. Christian Stewardship. If Anyone, Except the Bishop or the Person Appointed for the ... Questions and Answers--Sorrowful Cases--Testimonies from those who ... Rendering Our Account. Second Great Group of Parables. The Unrighteous Mammon The Unjust Steward. Responsibilities of the Christian Home. And There came unto Him Publicans and Sinners to Hear his Word. .. ... Thesaurus Stewardship (7 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Stewardship (7 Occurrences). ... give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward. (KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT RSV). ... /s/stewardship.htm - 8k Dispensation (8 Occurrences) Concealed (36 Occurrences) Creator (19 Occurrences) Divine (39 Occurrences) Steward (23 Occurrences) Stewards (8 Occurrences) Unwillingly (1 Occurrence) Occupy (25 Occurrences) Labour (119 Occurrences) Resources What is biblical stewardship? | GotQuestions.orgThe Christian and Money ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Should a Christian take a vacation? | GotQuestions.org Stewardship: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Stewardship (7 Occurrences)Luke 16:2 Luke 16:3 Luke 16:4 1 Corinthians 9:17 Ephesians 3:2 Ephesians 3:9 Colossians 1:25 Subtopics Related Terms |