Renewing Your Mind: How to Be a Good Steward

Release Date: March 29, 2025
Host: Nathan W. Bingham
Featuring: R.C. Sproul

Introduction to Stewardship

In the March 29, 2025 episode of Renewing Your Mind, hosted by Nathan W. Bingham, R.C. Sproul delivers a compelling message on the biblical concept of stewardship. This episode, titled "How to Be a Good Steward," delves deep into understanding stewardship from a scriptural perspective, its significance in the Christian life, and practical applications for believers today.

Biblical Perspective on Stewardship

Creation and Ownership

Sproul begins by emphasizing that stewardship is fundamentally rooted in the creation narrative. He states:

"God is the author of all things, the Creator of all things. And because he is the creator and the author of all things, he is at the same time the owner of all things." (00:45)

This foundational belief asserts that everything we possess ultimately belongs to God, and our role is to manage these gifts responsibly to honor Him.

Definition and Etymology

Exploring the Greek term for stewardship, Sproul explains:

"The word oikonomia, which is translated stewardship, literally means house law or house rule." (02:10)

He breaks down the term into its components—oiko (house) and nomos (law)—highlighting that a steward manages the affairs of the household, analogous to how Christians should manage God's resources.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son and Stewardship

Sproul employs Jesus' Parable of the Prodigal Son to illustrate poor stewardship:

"The worst sin against stewardship is to waste your life...until he receives a new life and is brought to his senses." (15:50)

He contrasts the son's reckless squandering of his inheritance with the disciplined management expected of believers, underscoring the tragedy of a life wasted away from God's purposes.

Tithing in the Old and New Testament

Old Testament Tithe Principles

Sproul outlines the Old Testament framework for tithing:

"Every person in Israel was required to give 10% of his gain each year to God." (22:30)

He highlights the fairness of a flat percentage, ensuring both the wealthy and the poor contributed proportionally, thereby preventing economic disparities and fostering communal support.

Application to New Testament Christians

Addressing contemporary relevance, Sproul asserts:

"I am convinced that the Old Testament principle of the tithe still applies to the New Testament Christian." (30:45)

He acknowledges debates surrounding the tithe's applicability but maintains that the foundational principle of giving a percentage to God remains pertinent for Christians today.

Challenges in Financing the Kingdom

Modern Christian Ministry Financing Issues

Sproul discusses the difficulties faced by Christian ministries in securing adequate funding:

"The lowest single paid group of professional people in the United States of America today are pastors." (35:10)

He points out the widespread undercompensation of ministers, leading to high resignation rates and discouragement among those dedicated to serving God faithfully.

Low Tithing Rates among Evangelicals

Citing a poll, Sproul reveals a concerning trend:

"4% said that they tithed their income to the work of Christ." (38:00)

He emphasizes that if accurate, a staggering majority of evangelical Christians are not fulfilling their obligation to financially support God's work, effectively "robbing God" as referenced in Malachi.

God's Call for Stewardship (Malachi)

Sproul references the Book of Malachi to illustrate God's displeasure with neglectful stewardship:

"Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed me...Bring all the tithes into the storehouse that there may be food in my house." (42:15)

He interprets this as a divine mandate for Christians to honor God with their resources, assuring that obedience will result in abundant blessings.

Practical Advice on Tithing

Overcoming Financial Hesitations

Sproul offers practical guidance for those struggling to tithe:

"I really believe that you invest in the kingdom of God. You're not going to lose anything in the final analysis." (45:30)

He encourages believers to prioritize giving from the top of their income, ensuring that their commitment to God precedes other financial obligations.

Teaching the Next Generation

Highlighting the importance of instilling the principle of giving early, Sproul advises:

"Let them learn that even if the government's going to come and tax your income, your obligation to God takes precedence over your obligation to government." (48:50)

He advocates for teaching children the value of stewardship, ensuring the continuity of faithful giving in future generations.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wrapping up his message, Sproul reiterates the eternal significance of investing in God's kingdom:

"The most important investment we can ever make is in the kingdom of God because it has eternal returns." (55:10)

He challenges listeners to examine their checkbooks as evidence of their stewardship and to align their financial practices with God's commandments.

Host's Final Remarks

Nathan W. Bingham concludes the episode by acknowledging the convicting nature of Sproul's message and encouraging listeners to engage with the "5 Things Every Christian Needs to Grow" series for a comprehensive approach to spiritual growth.

Key Takeaways

• Stewardship is managing God's resources: Recognizing that all possessions belong to God and are entrusted to us for His glory.

• Biblical foundation: Understanding stewardship through creation, oikonomia, and scriptural mandates.

• Tithing remains relevant: The Old Testament principles of tithing apply to New Testament Christians, fostering fairness and support for ministry.

• Challenges in modern stewardship: Addressing the undercompensation of pastors and low tithing rates among believers.

• Practical application: Prioritizing giving, teaching the next generation, and aligning financial practices with biblical teachings.

Notable Quotes

• R.C. Sproul (00:24): "The worst sin against stewardship is to waste your life."

• R.C. Sproul (02:10): "Oikonomia is one of those words in the Greek language where two different distinct words... are joined together to create a new word."

• R.C. Sproul (15:50): "A wasted life is a horrible, horrible tragedy."

• R.C. Sproul (30:45): "I am convinced that the Old Testament principle of the tithe still applies to the New Testament Christian."

• R.C. Sproul (42:15): "Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed me."

• R.C. Sproul (55:10): "The most important investment we can ever make is in the kingdom of God because it has eternal returns."

This episode of Renewing Your Mind offers a thorough examination of stewardship from a biblical standpoint, urging Christians to honor God with their resources and live lives that reflect faithful stewardship. Whether you're new to the concept or seeking to deepen your understanding, Sproul's insights provide a robust framework for living out this essential aspect of the Christian faith.