Stewardship 1

The aim of this devotional study is to reflect on the Biblical principle of ownership and evaluate one’s heart towards material possessions.

Scripture

Hebrews 13:5-6

5  Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

6  So we may boldly say: “the Lord is my Helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

Observations and reflections

Note: the letter to the Hebrews was written during a period of mounting persecution (probably that of Nero), which lead to the Christian’s loss of jobs and plundering of their possessions, even imprisonment at that stage.

1. In the first half of verse 5 the author opposes two issues of the heart; what words does he use? Explain your understanding of these two words.
2. From verse 5, what does the author say the persecuted church should be content with?
   1. Why do you think the author should say that is enough?
   2. How do you feel about that? Or, what would you feel like when your pastor says that to you today?
3. What promises for provision do you read in these verses?
4. What do you understand the author means by inserting verse 6 (a quotation from Psalm 118:6)? What does he try to say to the persecuted, impoverished church?
   1. How do you feel about this attitude of the writer about people wronging us, leaving us suffering?

Application and Prayer

1. Considering material possessions, do you recognize a longing for more things (i.e. covetousness)? Or are you discontent about your current salary, house, clothing, car, holidays etc?  Then confess you feelings to God and repent of a heart that is covetousness for earthly things.  [Take your time here, and don’t justify anything – just bring your heart attitude to God in light of the truth].
2. Is your heart content with Christ only? Is He your greatest “Treasure”, your “Pearl of great price” (Matthew 13:44-46)? Like the recipients of the Letter to the Hebrews, are you content to lose all that you may keep Jesus only?  Honestly search your heart and confess your heart attitude to Jesus, asking Him for grace.
3. On a day-to-day pace, how much are you concerned with temporal things and concerns, and how much with eternal things and spiritual concerns? Give a rough percentage of each.  Pray about this, and ask God to help you “set your heart… and mind on things above” (Colossians 3:1-2)
4. What one thing you can do today to indicate Jesus is more important that worldly things?