Picturing Theology, Revised Edition

Picturing Theology, Revised Edition | 243

3. These signs are the true fruit of repentance (Luke 3:7-14; Luke 19:8-10; James 1:27) D. Stewardship is the foundational truth which governs the way the Church uses resources in order to do “Works of Service.” 1. Our resources (time, money, authority, health, position, etc.) belong not to ourselves but to God. a. We answer to God for our management of the things entrusted to us personally and corporately (Matthew 25:14-30). b. Money should be managed in such as way that treasures are laid up in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 12:32-34; 16:1-15; 1 Timothy 6:17-19). c. Seeking first the Kingdom of God is the standard by which our stewardship is measured and the basis upon which more will be entrusted (Matthew 6:33). 2. Proper stewardship should contribute to equality and mutual sharing (2 Corinthians 8:13-15). 3. Greed is indicative of dishonest stewardship and a repudiation of God as the owner and giver of all things (Luke 12:15; 16:13; Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:5; 1 Peter 5:2). E. Justice is a key goal of the Church as it serves God and others. 1. Doing justice is an essential part of fulfilling our service to God (Deuteronomy 16:20; 27:19; Psalm 33:5; 106:3; Proverbs 28:5; Micah 6:8; Matthew 23:23). 2. Justice characterizes the righteous servant but is absent from the hypocrite and the unrighteous (Proverbs 29:7; Isaiah 1:17; 58:1-14; Matthew 12:18-20; Luke 11:42).