Two Masters: What Prevents Biblical Stewardship?

Stewardship is not ownership—it is management under authority.

The recognition and faithful management of God’s gifts to advance God’s Kingdom and serve others.

The management of God’s possessions, in accordance with God’s values, in pursuit of God’s agenda.

 

In the scripture of Matthew 6, Jesus mentions two masters. He states, “No one can serve two masters.”  We may not struggle with stewardship because we lack knowledge, but because something else is competing for mastery. In practicing stewardship, there is often a Stewardship Gap. Stewardship is not a mystery, it’s a struggle.  Stewardship is not primarily a money issue but a mastery issue.

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HOW SERVING TWO MASTERS PREVENTS YOU FROM PRACTICING BIBLICAL STEWARDSHIP

Biblical Stewardship Requires Properly Placed Treasures (Determines Your HEART)

Matthew 6:19–21 (ESV)

 

“Your treasures don’t follow your heart; your heart follows your treasures.” – Pastor Billy Johnson 

 

If your primary treasures are on earth, that is problematic.

Earthly treasures are corruptible, while heavenly treasures are incorruptible.

Place your treasures in the things of God, as it will begin to direct your heart.

Invest in the things of God.

 

“Your giving reveals your governing affection.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

 

 Biblical Stewardship Requires Properly Placed Eyes (Determines Your FOCUS)

Matthew 6:22–23 (ESV)

The eye represents your inner perspective: how you see life, money, and purpose.  If it is clear and generous, you will see through that perspective.  If it is distorted and selfish, that will be the perspective of your eye.  “When your vision is clear, your life is filled with light.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

You cannot manage God’s resources properly if you see life improperly.

Without a clear perspective we manage resources as if they are ours.

Seeing from a natural perspective as opposed to seeing from a Kingdom perspective.

A distorted financial lens will make it difficult to embrace stewardship.

 

Biblical Stewardship Requires Properly Placed Devotion (Determines Your ALLEGIANCE)

Matthew 6:24 (ESV)

 “Your devotion determines your allegiance.” – Pastor Billy Johnson

  No one has the power to live in submission to TWO rulers or authorities.  They will either deject of detest one, there is no in between.

If God is your master, money becomes a tool.

If money is your master, God becomes secondary.

Your master is revealed by who you obey.

Do your consult God before major financial decisions? Are you more anxious about money than you are trusting in God? Do you give God leftovers, or first fruits?

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Resolving The Master Issue

Stewardship begins when mastery is settled.

Look within your heart and examine your focus.

Be honest about your allegiance.

After honest examination, make the adjustments.

Until God is truly Lord…

Your treasure will be misplaced

Your vision will be distorted

Your devotion will be divided

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Closing Declaration

 When God is my Master…

My heart aligns,

My vision clears,

And my stewardship flows.