READ | SERMON NOTES
SUMMARY l Christian stewardship is often associated with money, but the Bible presents a much broader picture. Stewardship is fundamentally about discipleship; living every aspect of our lives under the lordship of Christ. A steward is entrusted to manage what belongs to another. While a steward has authority to manage, ownership always remains with the master. Likewise, our lives, time, relationships, talents, possessions and opportunities all belong to God.
Psalm 24 reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” Like Adam and Eve, who were entrusted to care for the Garden of Eden, we are called to faithfully manage what God has placed in our hands. This privilege also carries accountability. One day, we will give an account of how we have stewarded His gifts. The Parable of the Talents is not primarily about financial investment but about faithful stewardship. God is less concerned with how much we have than with how faithfully we use what He has entrusted to us. At the heart of stewardship is a simple prayer: “Lord, what do You want me to do?”
The heart of a steward is a heart after the Master. David’s victory over Goliath (1 Samuel 17) was not simply the triumph of a courageous shepherd over a giant. It was the result of years of faithfully stewarding what God had already entrusted to him.
What Are We Called to Steward?
- Our Burdens
David’s greatest concern was not defeating Goliath but defending God’s honour. While others saw an unbeatable warrior, David saw a man defying the living God. His burden was for God’s glory, not his own success. God also places burdens on our hearts for people in need, missions, prayer, mentoring, or those who are overlooked. These burdens are often God’s invitation to join Him in His work. Rather than ignoring them, we should prayerfully ask what God is calling us to do and respond in obedience. - Our Abilities
David faithfully stewarded the abilities God had developed in him. Long before facing Goliath, he protected his father’s sheep from lions and bears. Those hidden years prepared him for the public battle. His skill with the sling was the fruit of faithful practice in ordinary circumstances. Likewise, every believer has received gifts from God. Whether leadership, hospitality, teaching, administration, music, craftsmanship or encouragement, these gifts are given not merely for personal advancement but for building God’s Kingdom. When surrendered to Him, our abilities become instruments for His purposes. - Our Circumstances
David’s life as a shepherd seemed ordinary, yet God used those circumstances to prepare him for extraordinary service. Every season of life presents opportunities for stewardship.
Our time changes with each stage of life. A young parent may be called to invest in raising children, while someone in retirement may have greater freedom to mentor or serve. Every season has its own responsibilities.
Our treasure is another trust from God. Stewardship calls us to hold our resources with open hands, trusting God and living generously.
Our testimony is also part of God’s gift. The experiences He brings us through; whether suffering, illness, failure, or restoration, can become powerful encouragement to others. Often our deepest trials become the means through which God ministers to someone else.
God also entrusts us with ties in our families, friends, colleagues, neighbours and church family. These relationships are gifts to be nurtured with love, faithfulness and intentional care.
These areas can be remembered as the ABC of Stewardship: Abilities, Burdens and Circumstances. God has already entrusted these to every believer. The question is whether we are stewarding them faithfully.
How Should We Steward Them?
David not only shows us what to steward but also the attitude with which we should steward God’s gifts.
- Faithful Excellence
David demonstrated remarkable faithfulness even as a shepherd. He risked his life to rescue a single sheep because he took seriously the responsibility entrusted to him. The world measures success by results, recognition and achievement. God measures stewardship by faithfulness. Heaven is not looking for impressive accomplishments but for obedient hearts that remain faithful regardless of visible results. As Mother Teresa wisely said, “We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Faithfulness, not worldly success, is God’s measure of stewardship. - Humble Partnership
Although David struck down Goliath, he did not win the battle alone. Once the giant fell, the army of Israel advanced together and defeated the Philistines. David played his part, but God accomplished the victory through His people working together. The same is true in the Church. Every believer has a different role, and no one serves alone. Stewardship is not about building our own ministry but faithfully contributing to God’s Kingdom alongside others. Like the body of Christ, we depend on one another to accomplish God’s purposes. - Sanctified Surrender
Before confronting Goliath, David declared, “The battle is the Lord’s.” He understood that victory belonged to God, not to his own skill or courage. True stewardship therefore requires surrender; not only offering our work to God but allowing Him to transform us through it. It is possible to ask God to use us without allowing Him to change us. Biblical stewardship calls for both. As we faithfully serve, God shapes our character, purifies our hearts and makes us more like Christ.
Conclusion
Christian stewardship is about faithfully managing everything God has entrusted to us. As we steward our Abilities, Burdens and Circumstances with Faithful Excellence, Humble Partnership and Sanctified Surrender, God shapes us into the disciples He calls us to be. Our greatest reward is hearing our Master say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
(Sermon notes by Alex Choe)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Study Scripture
a. Read 1 Samuel 17 - Recall Sermon
a. Read and reflect on David’s stewardship in 1 Samuel 17. What is impressive and encouraging for you?
b. The sermon shared about the A (Abilities) – B (Burdens) – C (Circumstances) of stewardship. Reflect and share one ability and burden you feel you can better steward.
c. Reflect and share lessons you have learnt from a past experience which you know can be a blessing to someone today.
d. We are called to steward our Time, Treasure, Testimony and Ties. Reflect and share one struggle you have in any of these areas in your life.
e. David is known to be a man after God’s heart. How does a heart for God impact the way we serve as His stewards?
f. Encourage each other and pray for one other. - Relate Personally
a. What about the message that really spoke to you? - Commit to Action
a. In what ways is God calling you to act in response to the message?
