Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5556 stewardship

5556 stewardship

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5200 Human civilisation » 5556 stewardship

The careful use, control and management of the possessions of another that have been entrusted to one. The term is also used to refer to the responsible use of wealth and possessions by Christians.

Individuals acting as stewards

Adam in the Garden of Eden

Genesis 2:15

Joseph in Potiphar's household

Genesis 39:4-6

Daniel as administrator in Babylon

Daniel 6:1-3

Groups acting as stewards

The priests serving in the tabernacle

See also Leviticus 22:9; 1 Samuel 2:15

The seven chosen by the Jerusalem church

Acts 6:1-6

Household stewards

Genesis 43:16; Genesis 44:1-12; 2 Samuel 16:1; Samuel 19:17; Esther 1:8

Jesus Christ's teaching on stewardship

Using parables to emphasise accountability

Luke 16:1-12 See also Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:12-27

Emphasising each individual's responsibility

Luke 12:48 See also Matthew 12:36

The apostles continued this teaching

Romans 14:12 See also 1 Peter 4:4-5

To be a good steward is an honourable thing

1 Timothy 3:13 See also Proverbs 27:18

Christians are entrusted with the stewardship of the gospel

1 Corinthians 4:1-2 See also 1 Corinthians 9:17; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; Galatians 1:15-16; Galatians 2:7; 1 Thessalonians 2:4; 1 Timothy 1:11; Timothy 4:14; Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:14; Titus 1:3,7

Christians are to be wise stewards of their God-given gifts

1 Corinthians 4:7

They are to use their gifts to benefit others

1 Peter 4:10-11

They are to develop their gifts

See also 1 Timothy 4:14-15

They are to care for their bodies

1 Corinthians 6:18-20

Believers are to be wise stewards of their material possessions

Deuteronomy 8:17-18

Jesus Christ's teaching on sharing possessions

Matthew 19:21 pp Mark 10:21 pp Luke 18:22 See also Matthew 6:1-4,19-21; Luke 6:38; Luke 21:1-4; Acts 20:35

Sharing of possessions among the first Christians

Acts 4:32-35 See also 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

The apostle Paul's teaching on sharing possessions

Acts 20:35; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11