Pastor Kevin Long taught that stewardship is far bigger than money. From Genesis 1:26–28, we learn that God made us in His image, gave us dominion to care for His world, and blessed us with time, families, work, and resources to manage for His glory. Scripture also shows God’s good order for life, the reality of sin and its consequences, and the hope of the gospel. Like Abel, we must bring God our first and best, not leftovers, and like Cain we’re warned that sin is crouching at the door—but in Christ, God gives grace and a way to walk in obedience.
1. You are made in God’s image (v.26–27)
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- Being made in God’s image means you have infinite worth, purpose, and the capacity to reflect His character.
- God created humanity male and female—both equal in value and dignity—by His wise design.
2. Stewardship is bigger than money (v.28)
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- Stewardship includes your time, body, relationships, work, home, church, and creation care.
- God wants your heart first, then your giving flows from love and obedience.
- Your time is limited; use it wisely for God, family, church, and serving others.
3. God gave us dominion; managers, not owners (v.26, 28)
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- Dominion means responsible care, not domination: treat animals and the earth with wisdom and kindness.
- We manage God’s world for His purposes, not our preferences.
4. God’s order is good
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- Work is good: Before the fall, God placed Adam in the garden “to work it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15).
- Family is God’s design: “A man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife… one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)
- Life flourishes when we follow God’s order rather than our own.
5. Sin entered the world and God promised a Rescuer (Genesis 3); First gospel promise (Genesis 3:15)
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- Adam and Eve disobeyed; sin and brokenness entered the world. (Genesis 3)
- Yet God promised a Deliverer: “He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” — pointing to Jesus’ victory over Satan at the cross. (Genesis 3:15)
6. Offer God your first and best (Genesis 4:1–7)
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- God accepted Abel’s offering because it was the right offering with the right heart.
- God rejected Cain’s offering because he approached God on his own terms.
- True worship means honoring God’s way, not our way.
7. Rule over sin with God’s help (Genesis 4:7)
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- Every day we face temptation in the lust of the heart, lust of the flesh, and pride of life.
- God provides strength and a way out. Pray, saturate your mind with Scripture, and choose obedience.
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