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.
GROUPS ACTING AS STEWARDS
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The priests serving in the tabernacle See also LEV 22:9; 1Sa 2:15
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The seven chosen by the Jerusalem church Ac 6:1-6
INDIVIDUALS ACTING AS STEWARDS
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Adam in the Garden of Eden. Ge 2:15
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Joseph in Potiphar’s household. Ge 39:4-6
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Daniel as administrator in Babylon. Da 6:1-3
Household stewards
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Ge 43:16; 44:1-12; 2Sa 16:1; 19:17; Est 1:8
Jesus Christ’s teaching on stewardship
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Using parables to emphasise accountability Lk 16:1-12 See also Mt 25:14-30; Lk 19:12-27
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Emphasising each individual’s responsibility Lk 12:48 See also Mt 12:36
The apostles continued this teaching
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Ro 14:12 See also 1Pe 4:4-5
To be a good steward is an honourable thing
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1Ti 3:13 See also Pr 27:18
Christians are entrusted with the stewardship of the gospel
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1Co 4:1-2 See also 1Co 9:17; 2Co 5:19-21; Gal 1:15-16; 2:7; 1Th 2:4; 1Ti 1:11; 4:14; 6:20; 2Ti 1:14; Tit 1:3,7
Christians are to be wise stewards of their God-given gifts
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1Co 4:7
They are to use their gifts to benefit others
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1Pe 4:10-11
They are to develop their gifts
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See also 1Ti 4:14-15
They are to care for their bodies
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1Co 6:18-20
Believers are to be wise stewards of their material possessions
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Dt 8:17-18
Jesus Christ’s teaching on sharing possessions
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Mt 19:21 pp Mk 10:21 pp Lk 18:22 See also Mt 6:1-4,19-21; Lk 6:38; 21:1-4; Ac 20:35
Sharing of possessions among the first Christians
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Ac 4:32-35 See also 2Co 8:1-5
The apostle Paul’s teaching on sharing possessions
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Ac 20:35; 2Co 9:6-11