Christian Stewardship In New Covenant Context

by Sands, A. P. | Category: General | Jan 1996

A dispensational setting is contemplated in this study, for as we shall see, stewardship and dispensation are allied terms. The subject is considered under various headings as follows:

1. Definitions of 'Steward' and 'Stewardship'

'A steward is a person entrusted with the management of estates 0 affairs of another', hence stewardship is the duty of one so entrusted. In the New Testament the Greek word oikonomos is translated 'steward' and usually carries the above meaning. For example, 'There was a certain rid man, which had a steward' (Luke 16:1). Vine explains that such a person was often a slave (very significant in our context!) The Greek word oikonomia is translated 'stewardship' and ii some cases 'dispensation'. These words have been taken up in Scripture and applied to Christian service. For example 'as each hath received a gift ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God' (1 Pet. 4:10).

2. Dispensational Setting

The Scriptures reveal God's overall plan, and within that plan His arrangements (His dispensations) for the execution of His will. As mentioned oikonomia is sometimes translated 'dispensation'; for example Paul says 'the dispensation of that grace of God was given me' (Eph. 3:2). This is with regard to the imparted truth of the Church, Christ's Body. Of his ministry be says, 'according to the dispensation of God which was given me ... to fulfil the Word of God' (Col. 1:25,26). Again, regarding the preaching of the gospel he writes, 'I have a stewardship (dispensation, A.V.) intrusted to me (1 Cor. 9:17). Thus in the administration of a divine arrangement the apostle is entrusted with the Word of God. 'Dispensation' emphasizes the great divine administration itself, whilst 'stewardship' stresses the necessary human responsibility within that administration. This involvement of sinful man necessitates a divine appointment, and an established relationship. These are secured by covenant. Today, in virtue of the New Covenant, men are purchased for God's service, and a people can be sanctified in obedience to Him. So it was under the Old Covenant, slaves were redeemed for divine service by God Himself. Agreement with His will (His covenant) was required of them, not to preserve their redemption, but to enable the covenant-Maker to secure His objective - He desired a people for Himself, who could be greatly privileged and entrusted with divine affairs.

3. Some Illustrations of Old Covenant Stewardship for Comparison and Contrast

(a) Precepts: The Jews were 'intrusted with the oracles of God' (Rom. 3:2). This involved a people retaining God's Law in their hearts, putting it into practice in their private and corporate lives, and communicating it to successive generations. Likewise under the New Covenant the responsibilities of stewardship are related to 'the Faith which was once for all delivered (entrusted) unto the saints' (Jude 3).

(b) Production: Of all that the people's labours produced, a tenth belonged to the Lord (Lev. 27:30-32). This tithe made provision, amongst other things, for the Levites who were not free to be employed like the rest, being more fully engaged in the Lord's service. Some tithes also provided for the needy such as the fatherless and widows (0eut. 14:28-29). The tithe pertained throughout the dispensation, though the people sometimes failed in their response (Mal. 3:

8-10), and some leaders exacted tithes in the wrong spirit (Mat. 23:23).

In contrast the New Covenant is one of grace and not of law; hence there are no such stipulations, but similar needs still have to be met! Circumstances of need, however, may vary considerably from time to time, as we see later, but always the word of grace is, 'Let each man do according as he bath purposed in his heart; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver' (2 Cor. 9:7).

(c) Possessions: The tithe was the minimum legal requirement; provision was also made for free-will offerings, and special occasions for giving also arose. For example, in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Solomonic Temple the people were privileged to give liberally. In the latter instance David said, 'Who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee' (1 Chron. 29:14). This compares with the outlook in the early days of God's present house, 'not one of them said that aught of the things which he possessed was his own' (Acts 4:32).

4. New Covenant Stewardship -Some Examples

(a) Personal: A redeemed person belongs to Jesus Christ, and as His disciple, has entrusted his life to Him. His Master, however, in return, entrusts the disciple with the management of that life for Himself. Stewardship then, is all-embracing for the Christian, and he will be exercised accordingly regarding the following: himself (1 Cor. 6:19,20; 2 Cor. 8:5); his body (Rom. 12:1); his mind (Rom. 12:2); his talents (Rom. 12:7, 8; 1 Cor. 12:1-31; 1 Pet. 4:9, 10); his time Eph. 5:16); his money (2 Cor. 9:7); his possessions (1 Tim. 6:7); and God's Word (2 Tim. 1:13).

Then there are those who are stewards in special capacities, for example, the apostles (Col. 1:25); the preachers of the gospel (1 Cor. 9:16,17); and the ministers of God's Word (1 Cor. 4:1).

(b) Collective: This is a very important aspect, for it is evident from the New Testament that Christian stewardship can be fully performed only in the sphere of churches of God. In this community, entrusted with 'the Faith', a divine administration is served by overseers who in this respect are termed God's stewards (Tit. 1:7). The following examples also illustrate the need, as well as the pattern, for corporate action.

5. Christian Stewardship in Action - The Response to Changing Conditions in New Testament Times

When poverty and persecution created need amongst the saints in the early days of the Acts, those with possessions sold and distributed, so they 'had all things common' (Acts 2:44, 45; 4:32). However, such extreme conditions did not apparently prevail in all subsequent situations, but certainly when need arose those who had, exercised their stewardship towards those who had not. For example, due to a famine the disciples sent relief 'every man according to his ability' to the brethren in Judea (Acts 11:27-30). Also, the Macedonians and Achaians made a certain contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem (Rom. 15:26).

6. Some Guiding Principles for our Time

Circumstances may change, but there are unchanging principles governing Christian stewardship. Space permits only a very brief indication of some of them, and these are commended for fuller consideration.

(a)Remember Him who became poor (2 Cor. 8:9).

(b)Give ourselves to Him (2 Cor. 8:5).

(c)Be ready with what we have (2 Cor. 8:12).

(d)Be faithful in our stewardship (1 Cor. 4:2).

(e)Give priority to church collections as we prosper (1 Cor. 16:2).

(f) Give purposefully and cheerfully (2 Cor. 9:7).

(g)Do not be obsessed with one's possessions, but be ready to distribute (1 Tim. 6:17-19).

(h)Aim for contentment rather than affluence (Heb. 13:5).

(i)Give in love (1 Cor. 13:3)

(j)Guard the good deposit of God's Word (2 Tim. 1:13,14)

(k)Render... unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's (Mat. 22:21).

Sands, A. P. | Jan 1996
General