--- title: "The Steward | The Tree Church" url: https://thetree.church/blog/2026/01/15/the-steward description: "God owns everything, and we are stewards. This message from Genesis shows why God desires priority, trust, and obedience—not leftovers." lang: en --- 721 N. Memorial Drive, Lancaster, OH 43130✦ Main Service: Sunday 9 & 11am✦ Movement Youth Sunday 5:30pm✦ Lancaster & Logan, Ohio✦ 721 N. Memorial Drive, Lancaster, OH 43130✦ Main Service: Sunday 9 & 11am✦ Movement Youth Sunday 5:30pm✦ Lancaster & Logan, Ohio✦ Blog (https://thetree.church/blog) Sermons: https://thetree.church/blog/category/sermons # The Steward January 15th, 2026 by The Tree Church “The first portion shows faith and acknowledgment of God as the giver.” Pastor Matthew Johnson ## God’s Generosity Is Where the Story Begins The Bible opens with a clear picture of who God is and how He relates to humanity. In Genesis 1, God creates the world with intention, order, and generosity. Humanity is created in God’s image and immediately blessed. God gives life, provides food, establishes purpose, and invites relationship. Before humanity ever produces anything, God gives everything. Life itself is a gift. Provision follows that gift, and purpose flows from it. From the beginning, God shows that His heart toward people is generous, relational, and good. This matters because it frames how people are meant to respond to God. Stewardship does not begin with rules or obligations. It begins with recognizing that everything we have comes from God. ## Ownership and Stewardship A core truth runs throughout Scripture: God owns everything. Humans are not owners but stewards. That means people are entrusted with what God gives and are responsible for how it is used. This understanding shapes how a person views time, talents, finances, relationships, and opportunities. When God is recognized as the owner, He also has the right to direct how His possessions are managed. Stewardship is not about control. It is about trust. When people believe they own what they have, they tend to hold tightly. When they understand God owns it all, they are able to live with open hands. ## Cain and Abel Show the Difference Genesis 4 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%204&version=NIV) provides one of the earliest examples of humanity responding to God. Cain and Abel both bring offerings, but God responds differently to each. Abel brings the firstborn of his flock and the best portions. Cain brings an offering from his crops later, after some time has passed. Scripture makes clear that the issue is not what is offered, but how and why it is offered. Abel’s offering reflects faith, dependence, and priority. He gives God the first and best, trusting God as his provider. Cain’s offering reflects convenience. He gives after his own needs are accounted for. God accepts Abel’s offering and rejects Cain’s, revealing what He expects and accepts from His people. ## Priority and Portion Matter to God God consistently shows that priority matters. Giving first acknowledges God as the source. Giving the best shows honor and trust. Abel’s offering demonstrates both. He gives what is guaranteed, not knowing what will come next, and places his confidence in God. His worship is not transactional. It is relational. Cain’s response lacks both priority and portion. He gives something, but not with a surrendered heart. God does not need what people offer. He desires hearts that trust Him. ## What We Do Not Surrender Will Rule Us God warns Cain that sin is crouching at the door and must be ruled over. This moment exposes a lasting truth. Whatever people refuse to surrender to God will eventually control them. Holding tightly to possessions, plans, or relationships creates tension with God. People may believe they are in control, but over time those things begin to shape decisions, emotions, and priorities. Open-handed living allows God to guide, correct, and lead. Closed hands lead to fear and control. _"Whatever it is that you do not want to release to God, eventually it’s going to own you."_ — Pastor Matthew Johnson ## God Invites Us to Ask for Wisdom God does not leave people guessing about how to live as stewards. Scripture invites believers to ask God directly for wisdom. James 1:5 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%201:5&version=NIV) promises that God gives generously and without reproach to those who ask in faith. Prayer becomes a central part of stewardship. It is how people submit decisions, plans, and resources to God. God speaks through His Word, through the guidance of His Spirit, and through gentle nudges and checks that shape daily choices. Stewardship grows as people learn to listen and respond. ## Surrender Is Practical, Not Abstract The call to stewardship touches every area of life. Time, finances, relationships, work, and personal decisions are all included. God is not asking for vague intention. He invites practical obedience. That obedience often begins with small, intentional steps. Setting aside time to pray. Seeking God before making decisions. Planning how to grow in generosity. Choosing obedience even when it is uncomfortable. Stewardship is not about perfection. It is about direction. _"God, all that I have is yours. Show me how you want me to manage it."_ — Pastor Matthew Johnson ## A Life Lived With Open Hands When people trust God with what they have, they discover that His ways lead to life, not loss. God is faithful. He provides, guides, and leads with wisdom and care. Living as a steward means recognizing God as the giver, honoring Him with priority and the best portion, and trusting Him with every area of life. This posture leads to freedom, clarity, and the fullness of life God desires for His people. Listen to this message THE STEWARD 0:00 46:12 Subscribe and follow Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7BWiObfPjKlJR2pB4OWH7o Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tree-church-bible-study/id1557536518 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheTreeChurch1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theTree.church/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetree.church/ ## Take your seat at The Tree Church. If you are looking for a church in Lancaster or a church in Logan, we would love to welcome you to The Tree Church. We are one church meeting at two campuses in Ohio. Join us any Sunday at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM. Lancaster Campus 721 N Memorial Dr, Lancaster, OH 43130: https://maps.google.com/?q=721+N+Memorial+Dr,+Lancaster,+OH+43130 Logan Campus 36 Hocking Mall, Logan, OH 43138: https://maps.google.com/?q=36+Hocking+Mall,+Logan,+OH+43138 We can't wait to meet you this Sunday! Posted in Sermons (https://thetree.church/blog/category/sermons)