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New Creation - Dani
Sermon Summary
This sermon emphasises that stewardship is about loving God and others by responsibly managing our resources, following Jesus' example of love and sacrifice, and being attentive to the Spirit's guidance in our daily decisions.
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This morning, we explored what it means to live as a new creation, especially in the area of stewardship—how we handle the resources God has entrusted to us. Dani began with a personal story about finding a $20 note at the supermarket, a simple but real-life test of integrity and stewardship. This led us to the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19, a man whose life was marked by disorder—he was a tax collector, wealthy at the expense of others, and despised by his community. Yet, when Jesus drew near to Zacchaeus, He didn’t reject him. Instead, Jesus affirmed Zacchaeus’s identity and called him to a reordered life, one marked by generosity and justice.
We considered how Zacchaeus’s encounter with Jesus led to a radical transformation. He didn’t just feel remorse; he acted, giving away half his possessions and making restitution. This wasn’t because Jesus demanded it, but because love had reordered his heart. The story challenges us to recognise the disorder in our own lives and in our world—whether it’s greed, self-interest, or the ways our culture encourages us to isolate and prioritise ourselves. Jesus steps into our disorder, not to condemn, but to invite us into a new way of living.
We reflected on the Shema from Deuteronomy—“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength”—and how Jesus expanded this commandment: to love our neighbor as ourselves. True stewardship, then, is not just about money or possessions, but about our whole lives—our time, energy, skills, and relationships. It’s about listening to the Spirit’s promptings and responding in love, whether we have much or little.
Stewardship is not a formula or a program; it’s a posture of the heart. Each of us is entrusted with different resources, and the call is to ask God, “How do you want me to steward what you’ve given me?” The Spirit leads us uniquely, and our responsibility is to listen and obey, trusting that God will use our faithfulness—however small—to bless others and glorify His name.
Key Takeaways
1. Stewardship Begins with Identity, Not Resources
Zacchaeus’s transformation started when Jesus affirmed his identity as a son of Abraham, not when He gave him a list of rules. Our stewardship flows from knowing who we are in Christ—beloved, redeemed, and called. When we understand our true identity, generosity and justice become natural responses to God’s love.2. Jesus Draws Near to Disorder, Not Perfection
Jesus intentionally sought out Zacchaeus, a man whose life was disordered and despised. He does the same with us, stepping into our mess and inviting us to reorder our lives around His love. The presence of Jesus is not a reward for having it all together, but an invitation to transformation.
3. True Repentance Results in Tangible Change
Zacchaeus didn’t just feel sorry; he made restitution and gave generously. Repentance is more than a change of mind—it’s a change of direction, seen in how we use our resources for the good of others. Our faith is authenticated by the practical ways we love our neighbour.
4. Stewardship Is About the Heart, Not the Amount
The call to stewardship is not reserved for the wealthy or those with abundance. Even those with little are called to steward what they have—time, skills, relationships—for God’s purposes. What matters is a heart that listens to the Spirit and responds in obedience, regardless of the size of our resources.
5. The Spirit Guides Us in Everyday Decisions
There is no universal blueprint for stewardship; the Spirit leads each of us uniquely. In moments of decision—big or small—we are invited to pray, “Give me wisdom to know what to do right now,” and then act on what we sense God is prompting. Faithfulness in small things prepares us for greater responsibility and impact.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: Jesus Draws Near to the Disordered Life
Scripture:
Luke 19:5-6 NIV
When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
No matter how disordered or broken a life may seem, Jesus does not shy away but instead draws near, offering love and restoration where others see only failure or sin. Zacchaeus, despised and ostracised for his choices and actions, experienced this firsthand when Jesus called him by name and chose to stay at his house, affirming his identity and opening the door to transformation. Jesus’ willingness to engage with those considered outcasts reveals the heart of God—a heart that seeks, saves, and restores the lost, inviting everyone into a new way of living.
Reflection:
Who in your life do you tend to avoid or judge as “too far gone”? How might you draw near to them with the love and acceptance of Jesus this week?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love that draws near to me in my disordered life. Lord, I ask You to help me see myself through Your eyes—to know that no matter how disordered my life may seem, You love me and call me. Amen.
Day 2: Loving God with All That You Are
Scripture:
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 NIV
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Devotional:
The call to love God is not just a command to be memorised but a way of life that shapes every decision, desire, and resource. Zacchaeus (the Tax Collector who's life was transformed by his encounter with Jesus - Luke 19:1-10), had lived for himself, though he knew the Shema by heart, until Jesus’ love awakened him to true devotion.
Loving God with all your heart, soul, and strength means allowing His love to reorder your priorities, your use of time, and your stewardship of what you have, so that every part of your life reflects your relationship with Him.
Reflection:
What is one area of your life - time, energy, or resources - that you have not fully surrendered to God’s love? What step can you take today to offer it to Him?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to love You with all my heart, soul, and strength, and to reflect that love in how I steward the resources and opportunities You place before me. May Your Spirit guide me to listen, obey, and live out Your love daily, so that my life may be a witness to Your goodness and grace. Amen.
Day 3: Listening to God's Voice in Our Resources
Scripture:
Luke 19:8-10 NIV
But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”
Devotional:
Today, reflect on how Jesus drew near to Zacchaeus in his disordered life and called him to a new way of living. Just as Zacchaeus was prompted to reorder his resources out of love and repentance, we too are invited to listen to God's voice in our daily choices.
Remember, stewardship isn’t just about giving; it’s about aligning our hearts with God's love. When we listen and obey, we participate in His work of restoring order and love in our lives and the world around us.
Reflection:
Are you paying attention to how God might be prompting you to steward your resources—whether time, money, or talents?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to hear Your voice clearly today. Show me how to use what You’ve entrusted to me for Your glory and the good of others. Give me courage to act on Your prompts, trusting that Your love is guiding me toward what is truly best. Amen.
Day 4: Stewardship as an Expression of Love
Scripture:
Matthew 25:14–30 NIV
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
Devotional:
Stewardship is not reserved for those with abundance, but is a calling for every follower of Jesus, regardless of their circumstances. It is about listening for the Spirit’s promptings and using whatever you have—time, skills, finances, or experiences—to participate in God’s ongoing work of love in the world. When you are faithful with small things, you are prepared to be faithful with greater things, and your everyday choices become opportunities to glorify God and bless others.
Reflection:
What is one small act of stewardship—using your time, money, or abilities—that you sense God prompting you to do today? Will you follow through?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me first and inviting me to reflect that love through how I steward the resources You've entrusted to me. Help me listen to Your Spirit, act with wisdom, and demonstrate love to others in all I do, so that my life may glorify You. Amen.
Day 5: Listening and Obeying the Spirit’s Prompt
Scripture:
James 1:22 NIV
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Devotional:The journey of stewardship is not about following a rigid plan but about cultivating a heart that listens for God’s voice and responds in obedience. The Spirit is present and active, guiding you in real-time decisions—whether it’s what to do with a found $20 note or how to use your influence for good. As you listen and act, you become a living witness to God’s love, and your ordinary moments are transformed into opportunities for His glory.
Reflection:
When was the last time you sensed God prompting you to act, but hesitated? What would it look like to listen and obey the Spirit’s leading today, even in a small way?
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, speak to me clearly and give me the courage to obey Your prompts. Help me to listen for Your voice in my decisions and to act wisely and compassionately with the resources You entrust to me. Guide me in every choice I make today. Amen.
Day 6: Loving Your Neighbour as Yourself
Scripture:
Matthew 22:37-38 NIV
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.
Jesus extends the greatest commandment by linking love for God with love for neighbour, making it clear that genuine devotion to God is inseparable from practical care for others. This radical teaching calls you to look beyond your own interests and to steward your resources—whether much or little—for the good of those around you. True stewardship is not about the amount you possess, but about the posture of your heart and your willingness to respond to the needs of others as an expression of God’s love.
Reflection:
Who is one “neighbour” you can serve or encourage today in a tangible way, reflecting God’s love through your actions?
Prayer:
Gracious God, teach me to love You with all my heart, soul, and strength, and to love my neighbours as myself. Fill me with Your Spirit so that my actions and resources reflect Your love and kindness to those around us. Amen.
Day 7: Stewarding God's Gifts with Love
Scripture:
1 Peter 4:10 NIV
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.
Devotional:
Today, reflect on how God has entrusted you with resources, talents, and opportunities. Just as the sermon reminded us, stewardship is not just about money—it's about our hearts, our time, our skills, and our very lives. When we recognise that everything we have is a gift from God, it changes how we view our resources.
The story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10) shows us that Jesus drew near to those living disordered lives, loving them and calling them to a new way of living. Zacchaeus’s wealth, gained through manipulation and greed, was reordered when Jesus loved him and prompted him to give back. This is the essence of stewardship—using what God has given us to love others and reflect His grace.
Reflection:
How can you be a faithful steward of God's grace? Maybe it’s sharing my time with someone in need, offering your skills to serve, or making wise choices with your resources.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for entrusting me with Your gifts. Help me to be a faithful steward, loving others as You have loved me. Give me wisdom to recognise Your voice and courage to act on it. Use my resources—big or small—to bring Your love into our world. May my life reflect Your grace and draw others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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