The work of Christ through His Church is the hope of the world. As such, the church has more in uence, more power, and can make more impact than any other organization on the planet. This can only happen when we see ourselves as stewards of the church and live with a clear understanding that as part of the body of Christ, we hold the keys to unlock the unparalleled work of Christ. - Pastor Dave
Open: Describe a time you had responsibility for something you didn’t own.
Read: Matthew 16:13-20; Romans 12:1-8; 1 Corinthians 12; 1 Corinthians 3; 1 Peter 2, 4:7-11
Discuss:
1. Describe different views people have about the local church: Why do these views exist? In what ways are these views insuf cient or faulty? Do you agree or disagree with any of these views? Why?
2. How have consumerism and personal views of ownership affected the Biblical perspective of the church? In Matthew 16, how does Jesus describe the church? How is this connected to Peter’s confession of Jesus identity? Based upon Jesus’ words, who owns the church?
3. Jesus says that the “keys to the Kingdom of heaven” have been given to His followers. What does this mean? In what ways is this statement a description of Biblical stewardship? How is stewardship different than ownership, yet still about possession? What does binding and loosing mean in the context of the keys of the Kingdom?
4. In what ways are we stewards of the church? How does Peter describe our roles as stewards of the church (1 Peter 4:7-11)? How does a correct view of stewardship open the doors of love, hospitality and service in the church?
5. What hinders our love, hospitality and service? How can living as a steward of God’s church help change the perspective of the church to those outside the church?
Pray: Pray that you would steward the church well in love, hospitality and service.
Memorize/Meditate: Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace. 1 Peter 4:8-10
