The Steward’s Relationships
Life In The Family
October 6, 2019
Rev. Gabe Sylvia
Paul calls Christians to imitate God as beloved children by stewarding relationships—walking in love and light, exposing unfruitful darkness, and living wisely in the Spirit so our lives advance God's kingdom.
Summary
The sermon frames October–November as a season on stewardship, rooted in Matthew 25, and centers this morning on Ephesians 5:1,21 where Paul commands believers to be imitators of God as beloved children. Stewardship of relationships means taking responsibility for others by modeling the Father: walking in love like Christ, living as children of light (not joining in unholy pursuits), exposing works of darkness carefully, and conducting ourselves with wisdom because these are the evil days between Christs' comings. Holiness gives our witness credibility, and practicing this stewardship especially within our covenant families requires the filling and power of the Holy Spirit—so the congregation is urged to pray for strength, zeal for God's Word, and Spirit-filled living now and in the weeks ahead.
Key Points
- Theme: Stewardship in October–November, properly managing what God gives (rooted in Matthew 25)
- Text focus: Ephesians 5:1,21—"Be imitators of God as beloved children"
- Main idea: Steward relationships by imitating God
- Principle 1: Imitate the Father—take responsibility for others, practice this in family and covenant relationships
- Principle 2: Walk as children of light—avoid joining unbelievers in unholy pursuits and expose unfruitful works of darkness carefully
- Principle 3: Walk wisely—be prudent because the days are evil (the present age between Christ’s comings)
- Holiness matters: holy living gives credibility to our witness; exposing sin must be handled with care
- Means: Walk in love like Christ, keep holy associations, and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit
- Response: Pray now and over the coming weeks for the Spirit’s filling, zeal for Scripture, and strength to steward relationships for God’s glory
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