Dominion Through Stewardship – Honoring God with What We Have

Key Verse: “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’” (Matthew 25:23)

Introduction: Stewardship as the Foundation of Dominion

Many people misunderstand dominion as a license to control, exploit, or dominate. However, true biblical dominion is about stewardship—faithfully managing what God has entrusted to us. In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells the parable of the talents, illustrating that dominion is given to those who prove themselves faithful with what they have.

God’s kingdom is structured around trust. Before He grants greater authority, He first tests our faithfulness. Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden to tend and keep it (Genesis 2:15), establishing stewardship as the primary expression of dominion.

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Stewardship: A Biblical Principle

Stewardship means recognizing that everything we have belongs to God. Psalm 24:1 reminds us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”

Biblical stewardship applies to several key areas:

1. Stewardship of Creation – Caring for the environment and resources (Genesis 1:28).
2. Stewardship of Time – Using time wisely for God’s purposes (Ephesians 5:16).
3. Stewardship of Gifts – Using spiritual gifts to serve others (1 Peter 4:10).
4. Stewardship of Finances – Managing money according to kingdom principles (Malachi 3:10).
5. Stewardship of Influence – Using our authority to uplift others (Proverbs 29:2).

“Stewardship is the proving ground for kingdom authority.”

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Biblical Examples of Stewardship

1. Joseph (Genesis 41:39-41) – Joseph’s faithful stewardship in prison led to dominion over Egypt’s economy.
2. Daniel (Daniel 6:3-4) – Daniel’s integrity in leadership made him a ruler over Persia’s provinces.
3. The Early Church (Acts 4:32-35) – The church shared resources, demonstrating stewardship and kingdom economics.

Faithfulness in stewardship opens doors to greater dominion. Jesus said, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much” (Luke 16:10).

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Practical Steps to Stewardship

• Honor God First: Put God first in your finances, time, and decisions (Proverbs 3:9).
• Develop Self-Discipline: Manage resources wisely and avoid wastefulness (Proverbs 21:5).
• Be Accountable: Seek counsel and accountability in your stewardship (Proverbs 15:22).
• Use Your Gifts: Engage your talents in service to God and others (Romans 12:6-8).

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Conclusion: The Reward of Faithful Stewardship

The greatest reward of stewardship is not material wealth but partnership with God. Matthew 25:23 reveals that faithful stewards receive “the joy of the master.”

“God entrusts dominion to those who prove themselves faithful in stewardship.”