“The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” — Psalm 24:1
Lesson
What You Will Learn
- Define stewardship and contrast it with ownership
- Explain the parable of the talents
- Identify what you steward: time, money, gifts, relationships, reputation
- Apply stewardship to a small business
Lesson Notes
Owner or Manager?
Psalm 24:1 settles ownership: everything belongs to God. We are stewards, managers with real authority and real responsibility who will one day give an account. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful (1 Corinthians 4:2). Not famous, rich, or perfect: faithful.
The Parable of the Talents
In Matthew 25:14–30, a master gives servants five, two, and one talent (a large sum of money). Two put the money to work; the third buried his out of fear.
- Faithfulness, not size, was the measure.
- Both faithful servants heard Well done, thou good and faithful servant.
- Fear and a wrong view of the master led to the buried talent.
Fear of failure can bury a business idea too. Stewardship means wise, prayerful action with what you have.
What You Steward
- Time, money, and your body (health and energy).
- Gifts and skills: what God built into you and what you have learned (1 Peter 4:10).
- Relationships: customers, family, mentors.
- Reputation: your name and your word (Proverbs 22:1).
Stewardship in Business
A steward-owner keeps business and personal money separate, keeps honest records, cares for equipment and inventory, and plans before spending. Ask: If God audited this business today, what would He find? CBE 212 and 213 teach the tools; this course builds the heart behind them.
Key Terms
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Steward | A manager entrusted with another's property who gives an account |
| Talent | In the parable, a large sum of money; today, a gift or ability |
| Accountability | Being answerable for how we used what we were given |
| Commingling | Mixing business and personal money |
In-Class Activities
Talent Inventory
List what God has entrusted to you in each area: time, money, gifts and skills, relationships, reputation, body. Include skills from any job, caregiving, or hard season. Star two you want to grow.
The Buried Talent
In groups, read Matthew 25:24–25. What fears lead people to bury their gifts? What small, wise step would put a buried talent to work?
Assignment: Stewardship Audit
Choose three areas from the lesson.
- Describe honestly how you are stewarding each now.
- Name one faithful step for each in the next 30 days.
- Write one sentence on how each area matters in running a business.
Graded with the Module Assignment Rubric.
Reflection Journal
Psalm 24:1 says everything belongs to the Lord. Does being a steward rather than an owner bring you relief or discomfort? Which ‘talent’ have you been tempted to bury, and why?
Prayer focus: Ask God to make you a faithful steward of every gift and to replace fear with wise courage.
Weekly Reading & Devotions
Managing What Belongs to God
There is freedom in realizing you are not the owner. The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof (Psalm 24:1). An owner carries every burden alone. A steward manages faithfully and trusts the Owner with the results.
In the parable of the talents, the servants received different amounts. The master did not compare them to each other; he asked whether each had been faithful with what he was given. The servant with two talents heard the very same Well done as the servant with five.
The servant who buried his talent was not lazy so much as afraid. Fear tells us our gift is too small, our past too heavy, or the risk too great. Faithfulness looks like taking the next wise step anyway.
Gloria thought she had nothing to steward. (Gloria is a composite example.) Then she listed her time, her cooking, her ability to calm a room, and the women who trusted her. Her list ran to a full page. Stewardship begins by seeing what God has already placed in your hands.
Think About It
- What has God placed in your hands right now? ______________________
- What fear tempts you to bury a gift? ______________________
- How would your spending change if you saw it as God's money? ______________________
Daily Devotions for Week 2
It All Belongs to Him
The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.— Psalm 24:1 (KJV)
Everything, including you, belongs to God. That is security, not loss.
Reflect: What are you holding too tightly?
Pray: Lord, all I have is Yours.
Do: Open your hands in prayer and surrender one worry.
Found Faithful
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.— 1 Corinthians 4:2 (KJV)
God asks for faithfulness, not perfection or fame.
Reflect: Where can you be faithful today?
Pray: Lord, make me faithful.
Do: Finish one task you have been putting off.
Good Stewards of Grace
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.— 1 Peter 4:10 (KJV)
Your gifts are meant to serve others.
Reflect: Who could your gift serve this week?
Pray: Lord, use my gifts for others.
Do: Use one skill to help someone today.
The Silver Is Mine
The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.— Haggai 2:8 (KJV)
God is never short. We can trust Him with our needs and our plans.
Reflect: Where do you feel money anxiety?
Pray: Lord, You own it all; I trust You.
Do: Write down one need and give it to God in prayer.
Of Thine Own
For all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.— 1 Chronicles 29:14 (KJV)
Even our giving is giving back what God first gave.
Reflect: How does this change how you see giving?
Pray: Lord, everything I give came from You.
Do: Thank God for three things He has provided.
Module Quiz
- 1.
A steward is best described as:
- 2.
In the parable of the talents, what did the master praise?
- 3.
Mixing business and personal money is called:
- 4.
According to 1 Corinthians 4:2, stewards are required to be found faithful.
- 5.
List four things a person stewards besides money.