Stewardship Honor

Missionary Activities - Bible Studies

Requirements

1. Based on Psalm 24:1 and 1 Corinthians 6:20, who is the rightful owner of this world and of the people who dwell in it?

   Answer: According to Psalm 24:1 ('the earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof') and 1 Corinthians 6:20 ('ye are bought with a price'), GOD is the RIGHTFUL OWNER of this world and of people. He created everything (Gen 1:1) and bought us with the blood of Christ. We are administrators (stewards) — not owners. This is the biblical foundation of Christian stewardship: everything we have belongs to God. — Stewardship (from the Greek oikonomos = administrator) is a central Adventist principle — we are caretakers of something that belongs to God. Psalm 24:1 establishes ownership through creation. 1 Cor 6:20 adds redemption: He bought us with the blood of Jesus. Hence the tithe (10%) is a RETURN (not a donation) — God accepts a portion as an acknowledgment that everything is His and still entrusts us with the rest to administer.

2. According to Deuteronomy 8:18 and James 1:17, who enables us to acquire the financial resources we need to live well?

   Answer: According to Deuteronomy 8:18 ('it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth') and James 1:17 ('every good gift and every perfect gift is from above'), it is GOD who ENABLES us to acquire financial resources — health, intelligence, opportunities, strength to work. Without His blessing, human effort is not enough. Recognizing the source is the basis of stewardship: gratitude and return in the form of the tithe. — Dt 8:18 reminds Israel after decades in the desert that EVERYTHING came from God — nothing by their own merit. Jas 1:17 expands: every gift descends from the Father of lights. Wealth is not immoral, but acknowledging the source separates the faithful Christian from the proud one. Prov 10:22: 'the blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it'. Work is important (2 Thes 3:10), but God gives the ability.

3. According to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, why do we need to take good care of our body?

   Answer: According to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, we should care for the body because it is the TEMPLE/SANCTUARY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. The body is NOT OURS — we were bought by Christ. We should GLORIFY God in the body. Hence the 8 Adventist natural remedies (water, pure air, sun, exercise, healthy diet, rest, temperance, trust in God) and health principles (vegetarianism, abstention from tobacco/alcohol). — 1 Cor 6:19-20: 'What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost... which ye have of God... therefore glorify God in your body'. Adventists have one of the highest life expectancies in the world (Loma Linda, California — a Blue Zone) thanks to health principles. Vegetarianism, abstention from alcohol/tobacco, exercise, and weekly rest (the Sabbath) explain this longevity.

4. What does Ephesians 5:15-16 teach about care for our way of living and the use of our time?

   Answer: Ephesians 5:15-16 teaches living with PRUDENCE and WISDOM, REDEEMING the time (making good use of every moment) because THE DAYS ARE EVIL. Lessons: 1) live intentionally, not aimlessly; 2) use time for what has eternal value (Bible study, prayer, mission); 3) do not waste opportunities (life is short — Ps 90:12 'teach us to number our days'). Stewardship includes time, not just money. — 'Redeeming the time' (kairos in Greek = the opportune moment) means buying back the time wasted, living each moment with eternal purpose. Psalm 90:12 teaches us to 'number our days' — an average life of 70-80 years is short for eternity. Adventists value time (Ps 39:4) — hence the Sabbath, a day set apart for God. Time is a non-renewable resource: once it passes it does not return.

5. Read the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30) and explain what it teaches about how we should use the gifts and talents that God has entrusted to us.

   Answer: The parable of the talents (Mt 25:14-30) teaches: 1) God DISTRIBUTES different gifts and talents to each one according to ability; 2) He expects us to MULTIPLY what we receive (serve, teach, sing, evangelize); 3) Not using one's talent is SIN — the servant who buried it was punished; 4) An eternal reward for the faithful ('enter thou into the joy of thy lord'). Stewardship of talents = using gifts for God. — A talent in the parable was a silver coin weighing ~30kg (an extremely high value). The 3 servants received different amounts — God distributes according to individual ability. The servant with 1 talent was condemned for NOT USING it. Stewardship requires multiplying (not just keeping). Spiritual gifts (1 Cor 12) and natural talents (music, teaching, leadership) are for serving God and one's neighbor. An eternal reward awaits the faithful.

6. What is the percentage of our income that God has commanded us to return as an acknowledgment that everything comes from Him? (Leviticus 27:30; Deuteronomy 14:22)

   Answer: According to Leviticus 27:30 ('all the tithe... is the LORD'S') and Deuteronomy 14:22 ('thou shalt truly tithe'), God commanded us to RETURN 10% (the TENTH PART = the TITHE) of our income. It is an acknowledgment that EVERYTHING comes from God — we return a symbolic portion of what He gives us. The tithe is holy (Lev 27:30) and belongs to the Lord even before it reaches us as a salary. — The tithe (10%) already existed before the Mosaic Law — Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek (Gen 14:20), Jacob promised a tithe to God (Gen 28:22). Malachi 3:8-10 reaffirms it under the New Covenant ('prove me'). Adventists return the tithe of their gross salary before paying bills. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus approved the tithe (even of herbs) as a valid practice in the NT — Adventist stewardship sees it as a commandment still in force today.

7. According to the Bible, what should be the destination of the tithes? (Numbers 18:21; 1 Corinthians 9:13-14)

   Answer: According to Numbers 18:21 ('to the children of Levi I have given all the tenth') and 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 ('they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel'), the TITHES are intended to SUPPORT THE MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL. In the Old Testament they maintained the Levites/priests; in the New Testament they support pastors and missionaries. In the Adventist Church, all tithe is forwarded to the Conference/Field, which uses it to pay pastoral salaries, ministerial training, and the expansion of preaching — never for local church projects (construction, trips, social action), which are funded by offerings. — Num 18:21: 'I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service'. 1 Cor 9:13-14: 'they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel'. Adventists centralize tithes in the Conference (not the local church) to ensure balanced support for all ministers — pastors in poor areas are paid the same as those in rich areas. The Adventist system efficiently guarantees a global mission throughout the world.

8. Also according to the Bible, what should be the destination of the offerings? (Exodus 36:3; 2 Kings 12:4-5; 2 Chronicles 24:5)

   Answer: According to Exodus 36:3 (offerings for the work of the sanctuary), 2 Kings 12:4-5 (repair of the house of the Lord), and 2 Chronicles 24:5 (gathering money to repair the temple), the OFFERINGS are intended for the WORK, MAINTENANCE, AND EXPANSION OF THE TEMPLE/CHURCH and for missionary and social projects. Unlike the tithe (which supports ministers), offerings are voluntary and fund: the construction and renovation of temples, the local church budget, world missions, schools, hospitals, and help for the needy. — Exodus 36:3 shows offerings to build the tabernacle (a portable one). 2 Kings 12:4-5 and 2 Chr 24:5: offerings repaired the temple of Solomon. In the Adventist Church, offerings have various purposes: the local church budget (35%), world missions (15%), the construction of temples (15%), schools, hospitals, ADRA. Each Sabbath has a different target — a complete system of financing the global work.

9. What should our attitude be when we give our offerings to God? (2 Corinthians 9:7)

   Answer: According to 2 Corinthians 9:7, we should give offerings with an ATTITUDE OF: 1) A PRIOR DECISION IN THE HEART ('let him give according as he purposeth in his heart'); 2) WITHOUT SADNESS (not giving grudgingly); 3) NOT OUT OF NECESSITY/PRESSURE; 4) WITH JOY — 'God loveth a cheerful giver'. Giving is a spiritual privilege, not an obligation. The attitude of the heart matters more than the monetary amount given. — 2 Cor 9:7 emphasizes voluntariness — Paul wrote about the collection for Jerusalem. A prior decision prevents an impulsive offering or one given out of embarrassment. Without sadness means not 'giving reluctantly'. Without necessity/pressure removes social or pastoral coercion. Joy is the ideal state — God 'loves' (agapaō in Greek, deep love) the cheerful giver. Adventist principle: giving is a response to God's love, not an obligation.

10. Compare the texts of Malachi 3:8 and the others studied in this Honor to differentiate tithes and offerings.

    Answer: Malachi 3:8 clearly separates them: 'Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me... in TITHES and OFFERINGS' — two distinct categories. TITHE: a mandatory 10%, supports ministers (Num 18:21). OFFERINGS: voluntary, free amount, support the work of the temple (Ex 36:3) and projects (church, missions, social actions). They do not replace each other: tithe + offerings = complete financial stewardship. — Malachi is the only book of the OT that addresses tithes and offerings together as separate things. 'Robbing God' is a strong expression — not giving is appropriating what is His. Adventists return the tithe (a fixed 10%) and give variable offerings. A balanced system: the tithe guarantees ministerial support; the offerings cover everything else. Both are essential and complementary in biblical Adventist stewardship.

11. Talk with the treasurer, elder, and/or pastor of your church to understand what is done with the resources received from tithes and offerings and find out how the offerings are used in your church.

    Answer: You should talk with the treasurer, elder, or pastor of your church to understand: 1) TITHES go to the Conference, which pays pastoral salaries; 2) OFFERINGS are divided among the local church budget (35%), world missions (15%), construction (15%), schools, hospitals, ADRA. Each Sabbath has a specific target (budget, missions, etc.). Present the report of the conversation to the instructor. — Adventist treasurers are trained by the Conference to manage tithes and offerings with transparency. Each local church receives a monthly financial report. A centralized system ensures that ministers in poor areas are paid the same as those in rich ones — global equity. ADRA is the Adventist humanitarian arm. The conversation with local leaders helps the Pathfinder understand the practical application of stewardship.

12. Memorize and recite Malachi 3:10.

    Answer: You should memorize and recite Malachi 3:10: 'Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.' Practice by reciting it to a colleague or the Honor instructor. — Mal 3:10 is the ONLY verse in the Bible where God challenges the believer to 'prove' Him — to test His faithfulness through the tithe. The promise of a blessing 'that there shall not be room enough to receive it' is unconditional for the faithful. Ellen White: 'God never fails the one who trusts in Him' (Counsels on Stewardship). A fundamental text of Adventist stewardship, one of the most memorized in the denomination.

13. Share with a friend about the importance of being faithful to God in tithes and offerings.

    Answer: You should share with a friend the importance of faithfulness in tithes and offerings: 1) RETURNING what belongs to God (Ps 24:1, Mal 3:8); 2) The BLESSING promised (Mal 3:10); 3) The PRIVILEGE of taking part in the missionary work; 4) The WITNESS of practical faith; 5) GRATITUDE for divine care. Use simple language, share your experience. Note the friend's name in the report for the instructor. — Sharing stewardship helps others live the biblical principle — it is not an evangelism of money, but of trust in God. Use personal examples: how the tithe blessed your family, how God supplied needs. 1 Pet 3:15 commands us to give a reason for our hope 'with meekness and fear'. Adventists train more than 22 million in faithfulness in tithing — the support of a global work throughout the world.

14. Make a simulation of a monthly budget based on the amount of your allowance or a minimum wage, with categories such as tithes and offerings, food, clothing, transportation, entertainment, etc.

    Answer: Make a simulation with a minimum wage (~R$1,500): 1) TITHES 10% (R$150); 2) OFFERINGS 5-10% (R$75-150); 3) FOOD 30% (R$450); 4) HOUSING 25% (R$375); 5) TRANSPORTATION 10% (R$150); 6) CLOTHING 5% (R$75); 7) ENTERTAINMENT 5% (R$75); 8) SAVINGS 5% (R$75); 9) UNFORESEEN 5% (R$75). Total = 100%. Present it to the instructor. — Christian financial education prioritizes God (tithes+offerings), then needs (housing, food), then wants (entertainment, savings). Adventism teaches living within one's budget — Prov 22:7: 'the borrower is servant to the lender'. Apps like Mobills and Organizze help with control. The 50/30/20 principle (50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings) is an alternative after tithes.

15. After studying this Honor, explain what it means to be a Christian steward.

    Answer: Being a CHRISTIAN STEWARD means: 1) RECOGNIZING that everything (life, resources, talents, time) belongs to God (Ps 24:1); 2) ADMINISTERING what you have received with faithfulness and responsibility; 3) RETURNING tithes (10%) and offerings (voluntary) as an acknowledgment; 4) USING talents to serve God and one's neighbor. — A steward (oikonomos) in the Bible is the administrator of the Lord's house — we are caretakers of something that does not belong to us. Adventist stewardship covers 5 areas: 1) financial (tithes, offerings); 2) body (health); 3) time (the Sabbath, priorities); 4) talents (spiritual gifts); 5) environment (care of the Earth — Gen 2:15). It is not just about money — it is a holistic lifestyle of faithfulness to God.