Stewardship: A Study for Men
Men & Stewardship - A Brief Study
I. Introduction
Our life is a gift, a beautiful masterpiece – painted from a blank canvas by our Creator. Our Lord continues to paint on that canvas today. The fundamental problem is that human beings want to be the painter, while in fact, we are the brush that God uses to paint his masterpiece. Among the vast array of colors the Lord uses, stewardship ranks among the brightest.
Stewardship is a grace – a gift given to men that, when used as God intended, will bless you and your household. As Micah 3:10 states, being a good steward will “open up the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.”
One is blessed for being a faithful steward, while unfaithfulness results in judgment (Luke 12:42–44).
As men, we are called to be good stewards. But what does a good steward look like as a man…as a husband…as a follower of Christ?
Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible defines steward as the following:
One designated by a master to oversee family, household, or state matters. Responsibilities might include the palace (1 Kgs. 16:9; 2 Kgs. 10:5), business affairs (Matt. 20:8), or the city treasury (Rom. 16:23). The steward might also be responsible for the entire household, as with Joseph’s steward. It is with the steward that Joseph’s brothers cast their fears and in turn receive assurance (Gen. 43:19–25; cf. 44:1; Isa. 22:15). At the wedding feast at Cana, it is the steward who tastes the water turned into wine by Jesus (John 2:8–9).
The Apostle Paul refer to bishops and elders as stewards of God. They are responsible to live lives that reflect this relationship with God. An elder or bishop is not to be arrogant, quick-tempered, violent, greedy, or an alcoholic, but rather must be hospitable, a lover of goodness, be prudent, upright, have self-control, and be devout (Titus 1:5–9). In general, every Christian is a steward, entrusted with gifts from God (1 Pet. 4:10). The parable of the talents spells out in detail the importance of investing well the gifts received from God; those who do not invest their gifts well, will lose them (Matt. 25:14–30).
Theologically, stewardship represents responsibility and accountability within a covenant framework, with Old Testament stewards serving as vassals of God, while New Testament stewardship is redefined through discipleship within God’s kingdom1.
Stewardship becomes “partnership with Christ, through the Holy Spirit, in fulfilling the purpose of God in the world,” supporting God’s purposes revealed in Jesus Christ1.
Faithfulness brings blessing and reward, while unfaithfulness results in judgment3. Stewardship demands active engagement rather than passivity; avoiding risk and inaction leads to loss of existence itself1.
Big Idea: The management of entrusted resources and the spiritual responsibility of living faithfully within God’s purposes, i.e. our Time, Talents, Treasure, and Testimony.
Point 1: Stewardship of Time (Leadership & Focus)
Men often struggle with balancing the demands of career, family, and personal growth. This week focuses on intentionality.
Core Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-16 – "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity..."
Key Concept: Time is a non-renewable resource given by God; how we schedule our lives reveals our true priorities.
Men's Application: Auditing the calendar to ensure family and faith aren't getting the "leftover" hours.
Discussion Question: What is the biggest "time-thief" in your life right now, and how can you reclaim that time for what matters most?
Point 2: Stewardship of Talents (Strength & Service)
Every man has been given specific strengths, skills, and spiritual gifts. This week covers using those abilities for a purpose greater than yourself.
Core Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10 – "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace..."
Key Concept: Personal talents are not for self-glorification or pure entertainment; they are tools to build up others.
Men's Application: Moving from a spectator mentality to an active server in the home, church, and community.
Discussion Question: What is a specific skill or strength you possess that you could use more effectively to build up the people around you?
Point 3: Stewardship of Treasure (Provision & Freedom)
This addresses the financial aspect of stewardship, focusing on the heart posture behind earning, saving, and giving.
Core Scripture: Matthew 6:21 – "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Key Concept: God owns it all; we are simply asset managers. Financial stewardship breaks the power of materialism.
Men's Application: Redefining "provision" not just as accumulating wealth, but as managing wealth with an eternal perspective.
Discussion Question: If someone looked strictly at your bank statement from the last month, what would they say you value most?
Point 4: Stewardship of Testimony (Legacy & Influence)
How men steward their influence, their story, and the spiritual leadership of their families.
Core Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:2 – "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others."
Key Concept: A man’s legacy is determined by the truth and character he passes down to the next generation.
Men's Application: Being intentional about mentorship, fatherhood, and being open about personal faith journeys.
Discussion Question: Who is watching your life right now (kids, coworkers, younger men), and what kind of spiritual legacy are you actively leaving them?
Close in Prayer
Review and Expositor (1973), 70:1:98, 70:2:142.
Paul J. Achtemeier, Harper & Row and Society of Biblical Literature, in Harper’s Bible Dictionary (San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1985), 993.
Hemchand Gossai, “Steward,” in Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible, ed. David Noel Freedman, Allen C. Myers, and Astrid B. Beck (Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans, 2000), 1252.
Douglas John Hall, “Stewardship,” in Encyclopedia of the Reformed Faith (Louisville, KY; Edinburgh: Westminster/John Knox Press; Saint Andrew Press, 1992), 358.
