Project – Biblical Proofs For Covenant, Generosity and Stewardship in the Christian Service
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
- Background to the Study
Christian service is a central aspect of the faith, deeply rooted in the biblical teachings of covenant, generosity, and stewardship. The covenant, in particular, is foundational to understanding the relationship between God and humanity. Throughout the Bible, God establishes covenants with His people, marking agreements that guide their behavior and service to Him. These covenants, especially the Abrahamic, Mosaic, and New Covenants, are central to Christian theological thought. According to Gentry and Wellum (2012), the covenants serve as the framework for God’s redemptive plan, wherein believers are called to respond with faithful service, shaped by God’s promises and directives.
The concept of generosity is intricately tied to the biblical covenant and serves as a cornerstone of Christian service. Generosity is not only seen as an act of giving but also as a reflection of the character of God. God’s generosity is expressed through His creation, providence, and salvation (John 3:16). Furthermore, the New Testament emphasizes that believers are to embody God’s generosity in their daily lives. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul highlights the importance of giving cheerfully and willingly, illustrating that generosity is a direct manifestation of a believer’s faith and commitment to God’s covenant. As Hays (2012) argues, Christian generosity is not simply about financial gifts but involves offering one’s time, talents, and resources in service to others, ultimately glorifying God.
Stewardship, like generosity, is a principle that is deeply embedded in biblical teaching. In Christian thought, stewardship refers to the responsible management of resources entrusted by God. Genesis 2:15 outlines God’s original command to humanity to care for the earth, establishing a foundational principle of stewardship. This concept is further developed in the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), where Jesus teaches that the faithful management of God’s resources will be rewarded. As Davis (2016) points out, stewardship encompasses not only material wealth but also one’s spiritual gifts and responsibilities in the service of God’s kingdom. Thus, Christian stewardship involves both ethical responsibility and a deep understanding of the sacred trust placed upon believers to manage their resources in a way that reflects God’s kingdom values.
The biblical concept of covenant also shapes the way believers understand their calling to serve others. The Old Testament presents the covenantal relationship between God and Israel as a model for how His people should live in community and serve others (Exodus 19:5-6). The covenant is not merely a personal agreement between God and individuals but a communal one, where Israel is called to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 49:6). In the New Testament, this communal dimension is extended to the Church, which, as the body of Christ, is called to serve the world and reflect God’s love through practical acts of mercy, justice, and generosity. As Waal (2014) emphasizes, the Christian understanding of covenant emphasizes the social responsibility of believers to work together for the common good, especially in the areas of generosity and stewardship.
One of the most significant aspects of Christian service is the recognition that everything belongs to God. Psalm 24:1 declares, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,” emphasizing that all material wealth and resources are ultimately gifts from God. This theological perspective shapes the practice of stewardship by encouraging believers to view their possessions not as their own but as entrusted to them for use in God’s service. As discussed by Bouma-Prediger (2001), this mindset fosters an attitude of humility and responsibility, leading Christians to use their resources to further God’s purposes in the world. Such an understanding is critical to Christian service, as it highlights that the faithful use of resources is not a mere act of charity but a way to align one’s life with God’s larger redemptive mission.
The biblical teachings on covenant, generosity, and stewardship provide a comprehensive framework for Christian service. By understanding the covenant as a divinely established relationship that calls believers to faithful service, Christians are urged to live lives marked by generosity and careful stewardship of God’s resources. The Old and New Testament passages demonstrate that these principles are not just theological concepts but practical guides for living out one’s faith in service to God and others. As believers align themselves with these biblical principles, they contribute to God’s mission in the world, furthering His kingdom through acts of generosity, care for creation, and faithful stewardship.
1.2. Statement of the Problem
Christian service, deeply rooted in biblical principles, is essential for believers seeking to fulfill God’s calling in their lives. However, the understanding and application of key theological concepts such as covenant, generosity, and stewardship in the context of Christian service can often be unclear or misinterpreted. While these concepts are foundational in Scripture, many Christians struggle to connect these biblical teachings to their daily practices and responsibilities in the service of God and others. This lack of understanding may hinder believers from fully realizing their roles as stewards of God’s resources, living out lives marked by generous service, and fulfilling the covenantal call to love and serve one another.
One of the primary issues is the limited biblical literacy regarding the covenant. Despite its central role in Scripture, many Christians do not fully grasp the significance of the biblical covenants—especially the Abrahamic, Mosaic, and New Covenants—in shaping Christian identity and service. The Abrahamic Covenant, for instance, is often recognized as a promise of blessings but not fully understood as a call to live according to God’s moral and ethical standards, including the command to serve and bless others (Genesis 12:1-3). Without a deeper understanding of the covenantal context, believers may fail to see their call to live in community and actively participate in God’s redemptive mission through service.
Generosity, as a biblical virtue, is another area where there is a disconnect in the practical application of biblical principles. While Scripture clearly calls for believers to live generously, especially in the context of serving others (2 Corinthians 9:6-8), the modern church often prioritizes material prosperity and individualism, making it difficult for believers to embody a spirit of generosity. Many Christians view generosity narrowly, associating it only with financial giving, and neglecting the broader biblical view that generosity involves the use of one’s time, talents, and resources in service to God and others. This limited view of generosity undermines the fullness of Christian service as prescribed in the New Testament.
The concept of stewardship also presents a challenge in the church today. The biblical teaching that all resources—whether material wealth, time, or talents—are gifts from God requires believers to be responsible stewards, managing these gifts in ways that honor God and serve others. However, many Christians struggle with stewardship, either because they see their possessions as their own or because they fail to recognize the broader implications of biblical stewardship that extend beyond personal finances. For example, the biblical mandate to care for creation (Genesis 2:15) and serve the poor (Matthew 25:31-46) is often neglected or misunderstood in the context of stewardship, leading to missed opportunities for believers to serve God’s purposes in the world.
Furthermore, the practical integration of these theological concepts—covenant, generosity, and stewardship—into everyday Christian life and service is often overlooked or inadequately addressed in church teachings. Many churches focus on personal salvation and doctrinal instruction without providing sufficient guidance on how believers can practically live out these biblical principles in their roles as servants of God. This lack of emphasis on the practical implications of biblical covenants and the stewardship of resources may result in a weakened sense of mission, with believers failing to engage in acts of service that fulfill their covenantal obligations and reflect God’s generosity and stewardship.
Ultimately, the problem is that while covenant, generosity, and stewardship are core to the Christian faith, many believers lack a comprehensive understanding of these principles and how they should influence their lives of service. Without a clear grasp of these biblical teachings, Christians are at risk of failing to live up to their calling to serve God and others in ways that reflect the love and generosity of Christ. Therefore, it is critical to address the gap between biblical teaching and practical application to enable believers to embrace their roles as stewards of God’s resources, living out lives of generous service in accordance with the covenantal call of God.
1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of the study is to examine Biblical Proofs for Covenant, Generosity and Stewardship in the Christian Service. The specific objectives are:
- To examine biblical passages that support the concept of covenant in Christian service.
- To explore the relationship between generosity and stewardship as outlined in the Bible.
- To identify practical examples of how covenant, generosity, and stewardship are demonstrated in Christian service.
- To analyze the impact of incorporating these principles into daily Christian living.
1.4 Research Questions
The research questions are buttressed below:
- What biblical passages support the concept of covenant in Christian service?
- How is the relationship between generosity and stewardship outlined in the Bible?
- What are practical examples of how covenant, generosity, and stewardship are demonstrated in Christian service?
- What is the impact of incorporating these principles into daily Christian living?
1.5. Research Hypothesis
The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:
Ho: Incorporating Biblical principles will not improve the daily living of Christian.
H1: Incorporating Biblical principles will improve the daily living of Christian.
1.6. Significance of the Study
The study of biblical proofs for covenant, generosity, and stewardship in Christian service holds significant importance for both individual believers and the broader Christian community. At the heart of Christian faith lies a call to serve God and others in tangible, transformative ways. This study can illuminate the theological foundations of Christian service, offering a clearer understanding of how believers can align their lives with God’s purposes. By exploring the biblical principles of covenant, generosity, and stewardship, this research can deepen Christians’ understanding of their spiritual responsibilities and their active participation in God’s redemptive mission in the world.
First and foremost, this study is significant because it addresses the gap between theology and practice in Christian service. Many Christians are aware of the general call to serve, but they may struggle to connect this calling to biblical teachings regarding covenant and stewardship. By examining how these theological concepts are woven into the fabric of Christian service, this research can provide a more robust framework for living out one’s faith. It encourages believers to recognize that service is not just an isolated act of charity but a vital expression of their covenantal relationship with God, demonstrating both their commitment to His commandments and their role in His kingdom. This deeper understanding can inspire more intentional and committed service among believers.
Moreover, the study is crucial for addressing the widespread issue of materialism and individualism that often pervades modern Christian life. In many contexts, Christians may approach generosity and stewardship with a narrow or self-centered perspective, focusing only on financial aspects or personal well-being. By emphasizing the biblical call to generous living—not limited to material wealth but extending to time, talents, and the care of creation—this study can encourage believers to broaden their understanding of stewardship. In doing so, it can help shift the focus from self-interest to serving others and living out God’s purposes in a more holistic manner, encouraging believers to be more thoughtful about how they use all of their resources for God’s glory.
The significance of the study also lies in its potential to cultivate a more biblically literate and theologically grounded Christian community. Many Christians may struggle to articulate why and how they should serve, and a clearer understanding of the covenants in Scripture can provide a more coherent theological framework. By investigating the role of the Abrahamic, Mosaic, and New Covenants in shaping the Christian’s call to serve, this study can help believers see that service is a natural response to the relationship they have with God. It can help highlight that Christian service is not a burdensome task but a joyous privilege that flows from the covenantal promises and responsibilities established by God Himself.
In addition, this study has significant implications for church leadership and discipleship. Churches often face the challenge of equipping their members to live out their faith in practical ways. By providing a theological basis for covenant, generosity, and stewardship, this research can offer pastors and church leaders valuable insights into how to teach and apply these principles within the congregation. It can inform preaching, teaching, and discipleship programs that emphasize the importance of serving God and others with generosity and responsibility. A church community that is deeply rooted in these biblical truths will be better equipped to serve both locally and globally, embodying the mission of the Church in a way that reflects God’s love and justice.
Lastly, the findings of this study are significant for the global church, particularly in its efforts to address social justice, poverty, and environmental stewardship. By recognizing the biblical call to stewardship over the earth and responsibility toward the marginalized and poor, Christians can be more effective in their outreach and advocacy efforts. The principles of covenant, generosity, and stewardship not only inform individual actions but also guide collective efforts to address issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. This study, therefore, has the potential to motivate the global Christian community to live out its calling in practical ways, addressing systemic injustices and contributing to the flourishing of all people and creation, in alignment with God’s kingdom purposes.
In summary, the significance of this study lies in its potential to bridge the gap between theological understanding and practical Christian service. By exploring the biblical foundations of covenant, generosity, and stewardship, the research can inspire individual Christians and church communities to embrace a fuller vision of service, one that reflects God’s generosity, justice, and love. This study can serve as a guide for transforming Christian service from a passive or sporadic activity into a dynamic and intentional expression of faith, offering a compelling vision of what it means to live faithfully in response to God’s covenantal call.
1.7. Scope of the Study
The study examines Biblical Proofs for Covenant, Generosity and Stewardship in the Christian Service. The study is limited to selected Churches in Lagos, Nigeria
1.8. Operational Definition Terms
Biblical Proofs: Biblical proofs refer to the scriptural evidence or references found in the Bible that support or validate a specific theological concept, principle, or doctrine. These proofs are often used to substantiate the teachings of Christianity and provide a foundation for understanding God’s will, commandments, and promises. In the context of covenant, generosity, stewardship, and Christian service, biblical proofs are specific verses or passages that illustrate and support these key themes within Scripture.
Covenant: In biblical terms, a covenant is a solemn agreement or promise between God and His people. It is a foundational concept in Scripture, through which God establishes a relationship with individuals or groups and lays out the terms of their commitments, duties, and blessings. Covenants in the Bible include the Abrahamic Covenant (God’s promise to Abraham and his descendants), the Mosaic Covenant (God’s laws given to the Israelites), and the New Covenant (the promise of salvation and grace through Jesus Christ, which replaces the Old Covenant). A covenant often includes stipulations for obedience and faithfulness, with blessings for compliance and consequences for disobedience.
Generosity: Generosity in a biblical context refers to the willingness to give freely and abundantly of one’s resources—whether financial, material, or personal time and talents—to others, especially in ways that reflect God’s love and compassion. Scripture emphasizes that generosity is not merely about material wealth but also about sharing one’s time, skills, and life in service to others. God’s generosity is the ultimate model, as seen in His provision for creation and His ultimate gift of salvation through Jesus Christ (John 3:16). Christians are encouraged to live generously, following the example of Christ, and to give cheerfully without expecting anything in return (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Stewardship: Stewardship in the Bible refers to the responsible management and care of the resources God has entrusted to human beings. This concept includes the careful use of natural resources, personal talents, financial wealth, and even time. It recognizes that everything belongs to God and that human beings are merely caretakers or stewards of these resources. The biblical call to stewardship is illustrated in Genesis 2:15, where humanity is commanded to tend and care for the Garden of Eden, and in parables like the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), which emphasizes faithful management of what God has provided. Stewardship is not just about preserving material wealth but also about using all resources for the advancement of God’s kingdom and glory.
Christian Service: Christian service refers to the active expression of faith through acts of love, charity, and care for others, grounded in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It involves living out one’s faith by meeting the needs of others, whether through acts of mercy, helping the poor, supporting the marginalized, or spreading the gospel. Christian service is motivated by a desire to honor God and fulfill His commands to love one another (John 13:34-35) and serve those in need (Matthew 25:31-46). It is often seen as a response to God’s covenantal relationship with His people and is a key part of the believer’s role in God’s redemptive mission in the world.
Project – Biblical Proofs For Covenant, Generosity and Stewardship in the Christian Service
