2015 FEBRUARY WEEK TWO LESSON

STEWARDSHIP, WHAT IS IT?

Main text: Genesis 24:1-9

Memory Verse: Psalm 24:1 “The earth is the LORD’s and everything in it, the world and all who live in it”.

Introduction

Stewardship is the responsible overseeing and protection of something considered worth caring for and preserving. Stewards are persons who take care of another person’s property. They have the full confidence of their masters. All stewards are servants. They serve the purpose of some people. However, good stewards are more than servants. They are no longer slaves but trusted officials of a leader, who manage the household or property of the leader. Many stewards remain servants. Good stewards, however, end up not just serving but leading others even as servants. In the main text, we identify Eliezer, a trusted steward of Abraham. Eliezer was given the responsibility of choosing a wife for Isaac. For Abraham to entrust this task into the hands of Eliezer meant that if Eliezer failed, then Isaac’s marriage would also fail.

Discussion questions

1. How is Eliezer described? Vrs 2

2. What makes Eliezer an extra ordinary servant?

3. How did Eliezer demonstrate his loyalty towards Abraham? Vrs 3

4. How did Eliezer ensure that he does what pleases his master? Vrs 5

5. Why was Eliezer chosen ahead of other servants?

6. How committed was Eliezer to his master?

7. How committed are you to your leaders/employers?

Conclusion

Many Christians are comfortable with being servants. As established above, good stewards do not remain servants. However, they become trusted officials of a leader and may manage the household and property of the leader. As we have learnt today, there were many servants (stewards) in the house of Abraham. Eliezer, however, rose to become a good steward who could be entrusted with a very sensitive issue like the marriage of Isaac. With great commitment and loyalty, he discharged his duties perfectly as his master expected. This is the mark of a good steward.

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