2. Class Description & Outline
Christian Stewardship is about more than the
money we drop into the collection plate—
stewardship is everything we do after we say we
believe. In Effective Stewardship, you will learn
how to think critically and biblically about the
areas of responsibility that have been entrusted
to you by God.
1. Session One: Our Talents and Skills
2. Session Two: The Environment
3. Session Three: Loving Our Neighbor
4. Session Four: Church and Family
5. Session Five: Finances and Giving
Session
Three
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3. Loving Our Neighbor
How to effectively care for those in need and
ensure that our attempts to help do not cause
more harm than good.
Matthew 7:12 So whatever you wish that
others would do to you, do also to them, for
this is the Law and the Prophets.
Luke 10:33-34 But a Samaritan, as he
journeyed, came to where he was, and when
he saw him, he had compassion. He went to
him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil
and wine. Then he set him on his own animal
and brought him to an inn and took care of
him.
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Three
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4. Key Issue
We cannot ignore the reality of human suffering. We
must respond with discernment and compassion,
looking for effective ways to help those in need. We
are called to responsibly care for our neighbors,
loving them as we love ourselves.
God is merciful to the wayward and the spiritual losers
(Lk 15:1-7, 11-32). Charity isn’t just for “decent folks.”
We need to be careful that our well-intentioned efforts
don’t do more harm than good. Encouraging
dependency is easier than training up a dependable
provider.
We need to apply biblical principles to real-life problems
in ways that can help those in developing countries,
promoting solutions to global poverty that actually help
poor countries move from poverty to prosperity.
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Three
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5. Key Quotes
2 Thessalonians 3:10-13 For even when we were with
you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not
willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some
among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but
busybodies. Now such persons we command and
encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work
quietly and to earn their own living. As for you,
brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.
“Some Christians seem to wish to assume away certain
economic laws when developing policies in areas such
as the minimum wage or the provision of foreign aid.
This is as sensible as assuming away the laws of gravity
when considering the moral case for punishment by
hanging” ~ Phillip Booth
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Three
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6. Video Highlights
The Good Samaritan
A heart and mind for the poor
Always do that which ennobles
people
Subsidiary
What causes wealth?
Session
Three
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8. Video Discussion
1. “Christians aren’t called to random acts of kindness;
we’re called to truly help.” What does this mean?
Can you think of a situation where a person’s
random, charitable action might actually end up
hurting a person, rather than helping them?
2. To address a problem effectively, we need to be
familiar with it by being close to it. How have you
seen this principle of subsidiarity at work in your
own life? What does it mean for us as we consider
God’s call to love those in need?
3. Causes of poverty vs. wealth. What is the different
between these two perspectives and how might they
lead to different solutions to the problem of poverty?
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Three
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9. Bible Exploration
1. Summarize what these biblical passages
teach about the poor (Ps 140:12; Pro 14:31;
19:17; Gal 6:9-10).
2. There is a priority of caring for the needs of
those in our church family (Gal 6:10;
12:13). What are some ways that churches
can practice care for their own members?
How have you seen this practiced in your
church?
3. How does the message of 2 Corinthians 8:9
and the example of Jesus inspire you to
serve the poor?
Session
Three
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10. Living the Truth
1. Some Christians think their church should focus
more on addressing the physical needs of the
sick and poor. Others worry that undue stress
on the “social gospel” may crowd out the gospel
message. Where is the biblical balance between
addressing people’s physical needs and making
disciples of all nations?
2. When James encouraged Christians to look after
orphans and widows (Jas 1:27), he was calling
attention to two groups who faced not only
financial hardships but also loneliness. Who are
the “orphans and widows” of your community?
What does your church do to help such people?
How can you get personally involved in helping?
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11. Living the Truth
Proverbs 21:13 Whoever closes his ear to the
cry of the poor will himself call out and not
be answered.
3. God takes our lack of concern for the poor
very seriously. Reflect on this verse. Do
you close your ears to the poor? If so,
why? What is the one step you can take
this week to become more aware of the
needs of the poor and hurting in your
community?
Session
Three
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12. Final Thought
“The gospel speaks to you of a Redeemer who, although he
was rich, became poor for your sake so he might make you
rich. The gospel leads you to kneel down in worship before a
child born to us, but born in a stable, laid down in a manger,
and wrapped in swaddling clothes. It points you to God’s
Son, but one who became the Son of Man and went through
the country, from wealthy Judea to the poorer, despised
Galilee, addressing himself to those who were in need or
oppressed by sorrow. Yes, it tells you that this singular
Savior, before he left this earth, stooped before his disciples in
the clothes of a slave, washed their feet one by one, and then
stood and said, ‘For I have given you an example, that ye
should do as I have done to you’ (Jn 13:15).”
~ Abraham Kuyper
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