Stewardship in the Bible refers to the responsible management and care of resources, talents, and responsibilities that God has entrusted to individuals. It is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the believer's duty to manage God's creation and gifts wisely and faithfully.

The concept of stewardship is rooted in the creation narrative. In Genesis 1:28 , God commands humanity, "Be fruitful and multiply, and 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 humans as stewards of God's creation, tasked with its care and management.

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently addresses stewardship in His parables. The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) illustrates the importance of using God-given resources wisely. The master entrusts his servants with talents, expecting them to invest and multiply them. The faithful servants are rewarded, while the unfaithful servant, who hides his talent, faces judgment. This parable underscores the expectation that believers should actively use their gifts for God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

The Apostle Paul also speaks to the concept of stewardship in 1 Corinthians 4:2 , stating, "Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful." This highlights the necessity of faithfulness in managing what God has entrusted to each believer, whether it be time, money, abilities, or spiritual gifts.

Stewardship extends beyond material possessions to include the stewardship of the Gospel. In 1 Thessalonians 2:4 , Paul writes, "We speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts." Believers are called to faithfully share and live out the message of Christ, demonstrating integrity and commitment to God's truth.

Sacrifice

Sacrifice is a central theme in the Bible, representing the act of offering something valuable to God as an expression of worship, repentance, or devotion. The concept of sacrifice is woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments, culminating in the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

In the Old Testament, sacrifices were integral to the covenant relationship between God and His people. The sacrificial system, detailed in Leviticus, included offerings such as burnt offerings, grain offerings, and sin offerings. These sacrifices served as a means of atonement, symbolizing the covering of sin and the restoration of fellowship with God. Leviticus 17:11 states, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul."

The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of the sacrificial system in the person of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:10 declares, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Jesus' death on the cross is the ultimate and final sacrifice, providing complete atonement for sin and reconciling humanity to God.

Believers are called to live lives of sacrifice in response to Christ's sacrifice. Romans 12:1 exhorts, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." This call to sacrificial living involves dedicating one's life to God's service, prioritizing His will above personal desires, and serving others selflessly.

Sacrifice also encompasses the giving of resources for the work of the kingdom. In Philippians 4:18 , Paul acknowledges the Philippians' generosity, describing their gifts as "a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God." This reflects the biblical principle that sacrificial giving is an act of worship and devotion to God.

Throughout Scripture, sacrifice is portrayed as a vital aspect of a believer's relationship with God, demonstrating love, obedience, and commitment to His purposes.