IT ALL BELONGS TO GOD
Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning, Feb. 21, 1999, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia:
IT ALL BELONGS TO GOD
By Michael D. O’Neal……Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church……Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: Psalms 50:1-15
Text: Psalms 50:12
Psalms 50:12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.
Introduction: It is true that “the tithe is the Lord’s.” God has ordained that His work be supported through the tithes (the regular giving on one-tenth of one’s income each week) and offerings. However, let us not think that only one-tenth of what we possess belongs to God. Actually, it ALL belongs to God. We are merely STEWARDS, overseeing what God has placed in our care.
A mature Christian realizes that nothing he has is his own. He is merely taking care of it until He meets his Master, at which time he will give an account of how well he handled that which was given to him.
I. OUR TIME BELONGS TO HIM; WE ARE JUST STEWARDS
Ephesians 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
A. The time for deliverance
* 2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation)
* You have no promise of tomorrow.
* A “convenient” time may never come:
* Acts 24:25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
B. The time for duty
* Baptism is a duty after you are saved.
* Church membership is a duty.
* Faithful attendance at church is a duty.
* Tithing is a duty.
* Prayer, Bible reading, soul-winning, are among our Christian duties.
* Many Christians think they do not have time to do these things. They are all wrapped up in making a living.
* YOUR time is really GOD’S time. You only have what He gives you.
C. The time for death
* Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 2. We don’t know how much time we have. We need to do God’s will TODAY.
II. OUR TALENT BELONGS TO HIM; WE ARE JUST STEWARDS
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
1 Corinthians 4:7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
A. Our talent for generating wealth
* Deuteronomy 8:18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
* God gave you the ability to make money. If you abuse it, He could also just as easily take your income away.
B. Our talent for good toward the weak
C. Our talent for God’s work 1. God has given you an ability to serve Him as a member of His body, if you are saved.
D. Our talent for giving a witness
III. OUR TREASURE BELONGS TO HIM; WE ARE JUST STEWARDS
Haggai 2:8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.
Psalms 24:1 The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
A. Let us be careful about seeking money
* Remember 1 Tim. 6:10.
B. Let us be careful about spending money
* Watch our priorities. Do we rob God to please ourselves?
* Do we buy first-rate for pleasure (TV, boats, etc.) and second-rate for worship (Bibles, church clothes, etc.)?
C. Let us be careful about saving money
* Don’t hoard money for yourself.
* Don’t spend everything so that you have to depend on someone else’s surplus
If we DON’T recognize God’s ownership and behave ourselves accordingly, God could take away EVERYTHING He has given us:
Luke 16:1-2 And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. 2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.
Let’s be good stewards of our time, talent, and treasure, realizing that, truthfully, they are not OURS, but HIS. Will you commit yourselves today to be a good steward?