Managing Our Lord's Estate

Genesis 39: 1-6

THEME: Biblical Stewardship Is the Key to Overcoming Financial Indebtedness and Bondage.  As Christians we are to faithfully, wisely, and diligently manage our Lord’s affairs and the property He has placed in our managerial care.

INTRODUCTION:

Joseph was sold by his brothers to some Ishmaelite Merchantmen.  These traveling salesmen went down to Egypt and there they sold Joseph to Potipher, Captain of Pharaoh’s Palace Guards.  Joseph started out as a slave in Potipher’s house and was soon advanced to Overseer or Steward of the entire estate of his master.  This story gives us three basic principles about Stewardship.

LESSON:

THE PRINCIPLES OF STEWARDSHIP

Imperative for our day is a stewardship that is not fractional, but which brings the whole life into proper relationship between God and man. Clinging to church membership by having one’s name on the roll does not prove that one belongs to the church.  Proof is living, active participation in the worship and the service of the church. --J. H. Melton

EVERYTHING BELONGS TO GOD

Gen 39:4, And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.

Gen 39:6, And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.

Even though we have many things in our possession none of them really belong to us, they all actually belong to God.  He owns it all.  Therefore, He has the right and authority to tell us how His property is to be used.

Exodus 19:5, Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:

Ps 24:1, The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.            

Hag 2:8, The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.

STEWARDSHIP IS THE MANAGEMENT OF THE AFFAIRS OF ANOTHER

Matthew 25:14-15, For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. ¹⁵And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

A Steward is a Manager of another’s estate or affairs.  Stewardship is the management of the affairs or estate of another.  And from this period in Joseph’s life we find a parallel for the Christian who is to be a steward of God. 

The Lord Jesus Christ taught His disciples the principles of stewardship in Matthew 25:14-31. The word 'stewardship' means the "management of the affairs or estates of another" - Genesis 39:1-6. Christian stewardship involves a great deal more than just money.  It entails the whole of man's relationship to God and man.

EVERY CHRISTIAN IS A STEWARD OF GOD

Gen 39:1, And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of the Ishmeelites, which had brought him down thither.  (Like Joseph we as Christians have been bought and we belong to Christ)

Matt 25:14-15, For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15, And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

Being a Christian means being a steward of God, we belong to Him and He has certain responsibilities to entrust us with. As Believers we ALL are not owners but we ALL are Managers of those things that God has placed in our care.  We are Stewards or in charge of His property (Ge. 15:2; 43:19; 1 Ch. 28:1; Mt. 20:8; Lk. 16:1-8).  Therefore, we cannot simply decide what we will do with His property.  We can only do what He instructs us to do with His property.  We need to consciously transfer all ownership of our possessions to God who rightfully owns them.

            1.  Christians Are Stewards of the Gospel (1 Co. 4:1,2),

            2.  Christians Are Stewards of Spiritual Gifts and Ministries (1 Pe. 4:10,11),

1 Peter 4:10-11, As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold [Multi-colored] grace of God. ¹¹If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

APPLICATION: Think about the Multicolored Grace of God the next time you feel Blue, see Red, or feel Yellow. What about the next time your situation seems Gray and you are indecisive or maybe the future is Black and you are uncertain.  Apply the appropriate color of Grace for whatever the problem may be.

            3.   Christians Are Stewards of  All That They Own (1 Ti. 6:17-19).

1 Tim. 6:17-19 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; ¹⁸That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; ¹⁹Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

            4.  The Steward Is Responsible for His Sphere of Service and Will Give Account to His Master.     (See Luke 19:11-27; Matt. 25:14-30)

GOD REQUIRES HIS STEWARDS TO SERVE FAITHFULLY

Gen 39:6, And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.

1 Cor 4:2, Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

FAITHFUL MEANS: TRUSTWORTHY, RELIABLE, RESPONSIBLE, and DILIGENT!

As Stewards we are to seek to increase the Kingdom of God by faithfully managing whatever the Lord has committed to us.  It does not matter if someone else has a greater or less responsibility then you, you must faithfully manage that which Our Lord committed to YOU!

We are not to be lazy, unfaithful, half-hearted, irresponsible and unwise in our management of our Lord’s estate.

Just Suppose

Just suppose the Lord would begin tomorrow to make people sick as they claim to be On Sunday.

Just suppose the Lord should take away the children whom the parents use as an excuse for Staying away from church.

Just suppose the Lord should make the people as poor as they claim to be when asked to help finance His program.

Just suppose the Lord should have everyone stoned to death for covetousness as was Achan.

Just suppose the Lord should let some parents look into the future and see what their example and lax control did for their children.

Just suppose-and then, by the help of the Lord, go forth and live and serve as if eternity was soon coming.

It is! "I come quickly" (Rev. 22:12), says the Lord.

The Worst Kind of Predators

2 Peter 2

If there was ever any question about how early Christian leaders felt about false teachers and their doctrines, the answer is found here.  Just as knowledge of the truth is the friend of spiritual life and growth, error and heresy are the death of the same. God does not call upon believers to embrace these false teachers as brethren, but to identify and point them out as dangerous. Peter tells us something about the punishment, character, and techniques of false teachers and thus he safeguards true believers from their deceptions. Such false ministers are the worst kind of predators. Just as a tiger aggressively hunts its prey, these religious hunters stalk and pursue the souls of the unsuspecting….

First, the false teachers gather among true believers and they place their erroneous teachings right alongside truth trying to pass them off as legitimate.  This they do secretly to avoid exposure.  One of the principle heresies they pander is a denial of the Lordship of Jesus Christ who redeemed all men with His own blood.  They are also very successful in their endeavors because “many shall follow their pernicious ways” and as a result the true way of righteousness has been and will be scandalized and discredited. Yes, they are not only effective hunters of men, but they are extremely successful predators who pollute the souls of those who do not follow them. One consequence is the unsaved individual rejects real Christianity along with these religious fakes. They believe the false churches, false teachers, fake preachers and false books are actual representatives of the real Christian Faith. Beloved, nothing could be farther from the truth! These are wolves and real Christians are sheep.  

What motivates these religious impostors?  Covetousness manifested by an extreme form of greed for money, and inordinate cravings of the fallen nature of men. They use their ‘teaching ministries’ to make a lucrative business of religion.  They constantly appeal to saints and sinners alike for money, offerings, contributions, and support. They are not ashamed of asking others to sacrifice or ‘sow some seeds’ while they live in absolute ridiculous wealth. They seem to attract followers by using high-sounding words filled with no meaning at all. Examine their teachings closely comparing them carefully to the Scriptures and you will see what I mean. They are saying nothing of any real consequence! Much like their claims of spiritual attainment, their messages are without reality—hypocrites. 

The judgment of these error panderers is certain as stated throughout this section of Scripture (2 Peter 2).  In fact, God’s punishment against such liars is “swift destruction.” In addition, God says their punishment will not be delayed nor is it asleep.  He will not spare, but deal with them mercilessly and thoroughly as He did before with the angels who sinned and rebelled against Him. They were cast directly down to the dark dungeons of hell for incarceration until the day they will be belched out into the lake of fire. While God’s judgment of these fakes may not be immediate, it is nevertheless certain. Do not desire nor follow their ways.

Another example of how fiercely and pitilessly Jehovah will penalize the truth offenders can be seen in his total condemnation of the entire world except Noah and his family. Remember, God did indeed judge the whole planet with a worldwide flood! This same righteous judgment of God was echoed in the days of Abraham when Sodom and Gomorrah were roundly condemned in punitive fires of retribution. In this instance God targeted specific cities and dealt with them according to their sins. Beloved, God can judge with flood, fire, and anything else He deems appropriate. God knows how to overthrow the wicked and these past episodes serve as warnings to the ungodly of all ages. These examples also assure real believers that a just and righteous God will deal with these false teachers of our time.  

God is equally skilled in delivering the tempted believer and suffering saint out of the very midst of devastating judgment.  He did so with Noah and with Lot and He will do so for the believer grieved with the sight and pervasive decadence of sin in the world.  Believers will not have to endure always with the general cultural climate of the world, nor be vexed with the lies and lifestyles of false teachers. Righteousness will be vindicated in God’s perfect timing; we do not need to worry about whether He will do this.

But how can a believer identify a false teacher?  What is typical of their errors?  Peter tells us they are carnal, unclean, rebellious, presumptuous, self-willed, and proud. Fake preachers and deceivers make much of prosperity and “blessings” in this life and world. They portray immediate benefits and gratification as the most desirable prospect. They are enslaved to their passions, corrupt to their core, rejecters of officials and authorities, arrogant and slanderous. They promote personal advantage and self-fulfillment as the truly worthwhile endeavors. As such, they are like wild animals fit for the slaughter—godless predators.  They are men and women who will perish in the corruption they orchestrated. They can rightly anticipate “the reward of unrighteousness.”

Peter tells us again of these error teachers intimate associations with the churches of the Lord. They have not only invaded good churches, but they have started their own religious organizations. Either way they are still considered “Christian” by the public and non-discerning believers. These living contradictions appeared at the fellowships and feasts of the believers.  Perhaps even at the communion table of our Lord Jesus.  Yet, they were entrenched habitual sinners whose hearts were highly trained in the craft of covetousness. These greedy deceivers along with those who follow them wish to “use” the Christian Faith to advance their businesses, secure material wealth, achieve fame and success, or sell their poisons and snake oil to the unsuspecting and naive.  They are fit to be cursed and separated from God forever.

Like Balaam money, fame and sex compelled them in their madness.  This affords us insight into their tricks of the trade or their techniques for gathering a following. Money, prosperity, wealth, extravagance, power, and success are terms and ideas they value highly. Sexual perversions of all kinds tend to characterize these assemblies and organizations. Anything from multiple wives, adulteries-wife sharing, preying on children--pedophiles, sex outside of marriage, homosexual behaviors to forbidding marriage for their priests are practiced, endorsed and encouraged. Some groups emphasize unharnessed self-indulgence and others on the opposite end of the spectrum promote extreme asceticism. While they made enticing promises, they themselves are completely void of any real hope. They take ‘giving people what they want’ to an entirely new level. In other movements abstinence from certain foods, days, and even marriage are regarded as keys to devotion or salvation itself. When they appealed to people’s fallen lower cravings with the guarantee of liberty, they themselves were enslaved in hard bondage to vices. They were and are altogether overcome with damning corruptions.

Their followers eventually experienced great disappointment, frustration, greater bondage, and disillusionment. Even though they use the Bible to support their teachings and claims, the “promises” they propagate do not come true. These false teachers seemed to prey on the ‘seekers’—those inquiring of Christ and beginning to investigate the gospel.  Some of these victims have made some decent reforms under the influence of Christianity, but have not yet trusted Christ as Lord and Savior.  But, they became entangled and overcome by the lies of the false teachers.  As a result, their end is far worst then their beginning.  They now are aware of the gospel, but have fallen prey to deceptions. Their guilt before God is compounded.  These people who had ‘cleaned up their acts’ have returned to the same lifestyle the sin nature dominates.  Much like wild dogs and hogs.  They simply follow their natural inclinations—devouring and wallowing in filth and sin. 

As you can see God says nothing good about these religious predators! I personally believe a special miracle from God is required to deliver people from these poisons and movements. Beloved, do not be fooled by these smooth talking tale tellers. What they promise always sounds too good to be true. This is because their teachings are not true. Just because they are popular, are selling books, appear on television, and have a spot on the Christian radio station does not mean they are God’s servants. Do not be fooled by their ‘success’, the size of their churches, their impressive material wealth, the number of academic degrees they possess, incredible worship centers, beauty of their cathedrals, or mega-church status! The size of a church's or a movement's following does not in anyway serve as an indication that God is involved in that movement. The New Testament is still reliable as the primary source for guidance on the Christian Faith. Also, there are still very good churches and pastors who seek to honor God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit above all else. Typically, they rely on the Scriptures, preach Christ crucified, buried, risen and coming again.  The Bible is their final authority and their mission is to take the Gospel of Peace to the entire world. True Bible teachers and preachers believe that salvation is by grace and through faith without any human efforts to earn acceptance by God. Like the Lord Jesus, they willingly sacrifice greatly to share Christ and the Gospel with the world who needs Him. Beloved, please take this warning to heart to stay away from the worst kind of predators.

Who Is Targeting America's Youth?

Ever wondered why American youth behave as they do? Could there be a link between their behavior and the advertising industry? According to the article “The Influence of Advertising,” some marketing professionals psychologically manipulate children to increase product appeal and bolster sales (http://www.squidoo.com). In the intensely competitive capitalistic society of America, advertising is a multi-billion dollar (http://www.apa.org) industry and an essential element of business and consumerism. Through various media outlets—television, magazines, the Internet, radio, movies, textbooks, and smartphones—youths are bombarded with slick and powerful appeals (http://www.wakingtimes.com). Children’s natural trust, gullibility, curiosity, absence of objectivity, and lack of critical thinking skills, renders them dangerously vulnerable to marketing manipulations and exploitations. Resultantly, advertising negatively sways American youths encouraging choices detrimental to their nutritional, behavioral, and moral well being. Yes, American youths are not only the targets of many advertising schemes, but also the unwitting casualties in the battles for product sales, and lifelong patronage.

Consider firstly the fast food industry and the negative impact of advertising on the nutritional choices of America’s young people. Obesity and relative inactivity among youths are serious and growing concerns according to the American Psychological Association (http://www.apa.org). They directly attribute these developments to children’s excessive exposure to fast food advertising by stating,

The childhood obesity epidemic is a serious public health problem that increases morbidity, mortality, and has substantial long term economic and social costs. The rates of obesity in America’s children and youth have almost tripled in the last quarter century. Approximately 20% of our youth are now overweight with obesity rates in preschool age children increasing at alarming speed.... Research has found strong associations between increases in advertising for non-nutritious foods and rates of childhood obesity (http://www.apa.org).

Accordingly an article entitled, “The Influence of Advertising” reported, “Some experts indicate that the average American child views over 40,000 television commercials each year” (http://www.squidoo.com). Because America’s young people, “ages 8 to 18,” are being bombarded by fast food commercials from many media outlets and spend more than 44 hours a week engaging the media, obesity has become a national concern (http://www.squidoo.com). 

Figure 1
Source: Covington, W.

Secondly, advertising that glamorizes alcohol has detrimentally influenced lifestyle choices among American youths. The pervasive nature of advertising literally inundates young people with unhealthy ads promoting the use of beer, distilled spirits, and wines (http://pediatrics.aappublications.org). Such exposure likely stimulates and drives early teenagers’ infatuation with alcohol. According to John’s Hopkins Bloomberg School of Health, about 4,700 young people die annually from “excessive alcohol consumption” (http://www.camy.org).  In an article entitled, “Exposure of African American Youth to Alcohol Advertising,” the same university reported, “Alcohol is the most widely used drug among African-American youth and contributes to many health and social problems, including violence, motor vehicle crashes, and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases” (http://www.camy.org). Another critical point they highlighted was the link between African-American youth drinking and advertisements that target them. They write,

At least 14 longitudinal studies have found a significant association between youth exposure to alcohol marketing and underage drinking, even after controlling for other factors that could potentially influence this relationship (e.g., socioeconomic status and parenting style). Specifically, these studies have found that youth exposure to alcohol marketing can increase the likelihood that young people will start drinking at younger ages, and, if they already consume alcohol, that they will drink more, increasing the risk of alcohol-attributable harms (http://www.camy.org).

Research demonstrates that African-Americans are targeted, subjected to, and overexposed to alcohol advertisements considerably more than other ethnic groups. In fact, the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth observed that there is excessive exposure to alcohol through various media outlets within these same communities through radio, billboards, and in magazines (http://www.camy.org). Non-discerning young people take what they see in the media as portrayals of reality. Consequently, they are violently misled by the marketing exploits of the alcohol industry.

Figure 2
Source: Zastrow, C.

Thirdly, advertising unfavorably effects morality, social values, and the culture of American youth. The power of the media and advertising cannot be over stated. Commercials address every facet of life promoting products and creating a perception of value for the potential child customer.  Appealing to the natural desire for significance, they present their toys, games, cars, clothing brands, athletic footwear, accessories, sexy bodies, and soft drinks promising they will make the consumer most special. Appealing to the basic desire to belong and feel love, they parade a seductive concoction of cosmetics, perfumes, jewelry, colognes, spirits, beers, fashion products, and sex (http://www.studymode.com) before their audience virtually guaranteeing universal acceptance if one buys their product. This is done in the hope of lifelong patronage. Their marketing strategies include frequent appeals, product popularity, celebrity endorsement, sensuality, narcissistic indulgence, product placement, and peer pressure. Such ploys are launched anticipating an industry return of nearly one trillion dollars in sales (http://www.aef.com). They appeal directly to children and indirectly through children to parents. Everything from toys, food, magazines, and video games to recreational sex (http://wiki.answers.com) are pandered to non-suspecting youths. Many advertisements invent value for the customer through subtle exaggerations or entire fabrications. Consequently, these morale and social values are projected into the culture shaping and fashioning young consciences. Often this transpires daily; preoccupied parents are disengaged while the advertising industry weaves the fabric of their children’s morals. The saddest truth in all of this is the ‘reality’ marketed to young people is an empty lie and will prove to be disillusioning and frustrating throughout their lives.

Figure 3
Source: Zastrow, C.

Though the intention of the American advertising industry is to sell products in a completely saturated and competitive market, American youth are the unwitting casualties. As the industry strategizes to secure lifelong patrons, youths are daily blasted with advertisements influencing them to choose against their nutritional health. The unintended consequence is escalating childhood obesity. Alluring ads and commercials aimed at teens glamorize the use of alcohol and launch young people into lifestyles plagued with social problems, irresponsibility, and violence. The impact of advertising on the moral values and cultural attitudes of young people is not to be down-played. A culture of materialism, greed, selfishness, consumerism, and sex saturation has been spawned and the forecast for the future is woeful if the trend continues unchallenged. Parents must take charge of their young people’s interaction with much of the advertising industry. One key to restoring perspective, wholesome values, critical thinking, and equilibrium to the lives of young people is their parents shielding them from the barrage of advertisements in many media outlets.

References

Advertising to children (2005). Retrieved March 12, 2013 from the Advertising Educational Foundation website: http://www.aef.com/on_campus/classroom/speaker_pres/data/3005

Committee on Communications (2006, December). Children, adolescence, and advertising. Pediatrics: Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics 118(6), 2563 -2569. doi:10.1542/peds.2006-2698  

Covington, W. (2012, November). [Magazine cover] Stone cold marketing to young African Americans. The Sacramento Observer/ The SacOberserver.com. Retrieved March 15, 2013 from: http://sacobserver.com/2012/11/stone-cold-marketing-selling-alcohol-to-young-african-americans/ (Figure 1)

Dayanahmz (2012, March). Morality and ethicality of using sexual advertising: “effects on teens segment”. Retrieved March 14, 2013 from StudyMode website: http://www.studymode.com/ essays/Morality-And-Ethicality-Of-Using-Sexual-945276.html      

Dittmann, M. (2004, June). Protecting children from advertising. Monitor on Psychology, 35(6). (Print version: p. 58). Retrieved March 14, 2013 from the American Psychological Association website: http://www.apa.org/monitor/jun04/protecting.aspx

Gottesdiener, L. (2013, March). 7 highly disturbing trends in junk food advertising to children. AlterNet.   Retrieved March 15, 2013 from http://www.wakingtimes.com/2013/03/15/7

Impact of food advertising on childhood obesity. Retrieved March 13, 2013 from the American Association of Psychology website: http://www.apa.org/topics/kids-media/food.aspx?item=2

Musemeche , C. (2012, July). Ban on advertising to children linked to lower obesity rates. The New York Times. Retrieved March 16, 2013 from: http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com /2012/07/13/ban-on-advertising-to-children-linked-to-lower-obesity-rates/

The Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth (2010). Exposure of African-American youth to alcohol advertising, 2008 and 2009. Retrieved March 13, 2013 from: John’s Hopkins University website: http://www.camy.org/research/ Exposure_of_African_American_Youth_to_Alc_Advertising_08_09/

The Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth (2010). Youth exposure to alcohol advertising on television, 2001-2009. (Special report). Retrieved March 13, 2013 from The John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health website: http://www.camy.org/research/  Youth_Exposure_to_Alcohol_Ads_on_TV_Growing_Faster_Than_Adults/index.html

The influence of advertising. (2012, April). Retrieved March 13, 2013 from: http://www.squidoo.com

What is the impact of television advertisement on youth?  Retrieved March 12, 2013 from: Answers.com: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_impact_of_television_ advertisement_on_youth  

Zastrow, C. (2009, July). Paris Hilton: Cosmogirl [magazine cover] A long-pent-up rant against youth marketing. Retrieved March 16, 2013 from http://www.learningfirst.org/long-pent-rant-against-youth-marketing (Figure 2)

Zastrow, C. (2009, July). Paris Hilton: Seventeen [magazine cover] A long-pent-up rant against youth marketing. Retrieved March 16, 2013 from http://www.learningfirst.org/long-pent-rant-against-youth-marketing (Figure 3)