The opening passages, which we will read later on are very humbling, and when juxtaposed together, present an all together different perspective than most earthlings hold. In fact, when the Scriptures are studied carefully on the doctrine of ownership, it is discovered that we are just stewards, managing goods and materials lent us by God.
But as far as owning anything goes, in the full sense of the word, we do not own anything. Yes, we may have in our possession titles, and deeds to houses, and lands, and yes, many other materials may be in our name but when the straight unadulterated truth is studied, an entirely different picture emerges.
You may hear a lot of talk about “my country” and my life, and my possession, and my this and my that and because persons have been brainwashed into believing that material things of earth belong to us, they could become encased in the delusion that we actually own things.
This delusion comes directly from the father of lies, who himself is self-deceived on this point, hence the reason why he presumed to offer to Christ the earth and its kingdoms in exchange for worship. But it was a boldfaced proposal, which prompted Jesus to then dismiss him summarily.
In times past we have mentioned that the time may come when we will read the plain word of God with no commentaries, or other human input, but we are “scared” to do so, for there are some persons who might not be able to receive, and digest the straight testimony of the Bible.
However, we will go for a test run this evening as we study the doctrine of ownership, and it will be very important for us to lay aside any preconceived ideas and put on our humble shoes, by letting God’s word speak directly to our hearts.
Indeed, it might very well turn out to be one of the most sobering experiences we have had in a long while. In the following passages we are looking for what the Bible says God owns, and the highlighted words will help us on our way. Let’s read:
Psalms 24:1 The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
The phrase “The fullness thereof” means everything and everyone who lives on the planet. It includes all of the raw materials which go into the production of goods, the construction of homes, the manufacture of cars and heavy machinery, and the production of foods and beverages. It all belongs to God.
Psalms 50: 10 For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.
11 I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.
12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fullness thereof.
This includes all beasts, whether they be wild, or domesticated, it includes the millions of chickens slaughtered by Tyson foods, and everything on the menu at Chik-fil A. Mc Donalds and Wendys do not get a pass either, for everything that is offered and sold belongs to God. It also includes your favorite pets. They are all God’s own.
Haggai 2: 8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts.
This one is huge, for the passage is not restricted to silver and gold, but rather includes all of those rare earth materials that go into the making of computer chips and lithium batteries that power your Tesla or other electric/ Hybrid vehicles. Those raw materials all belong to God.
The words “Silver and gold” also refer to all jewels and precious stones sold by your favorite Jeweler, including every item sold by Tiffany and Zales, and includes the diamonds in that ring you gave to your wife, not too long ago. It all belongs to God.
In fact, long before there was any mining upon the earth, there was gold and precious stones buried in the earth, very much of which could now be found buried beneath the sand dunes of the deserts in Namibia. When God created the earth He also made gold, silver, precious stones and rare earth materials in abundance. Let’s read:
Genesis 2: 10 And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it was parted, and became into four heads.
11 The name of the first is Pison: that is it which compasses the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;
12 And the gold of that land is good: there is bdellium and the onyx stone.
13 And the name of the second river is Gihon: the same is it that compasses the whole land of Ethiopia.
All of the oil and gasoline sold at your Chevron and Exxon gas stations, come from oil, coal, and shale which belong to God alone.
The vast deposits of oil in Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Africa and the United States all belong to the God of heaven, for not only does God own them, God also strategically distributed them across the earth in His wisdom. Let’s read:
[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 107>108] The entire surface of the earth was changed at the Flood. A violent wind which was caused to blow for the purpose of drying up the waters, moved them with great force, in some instances even carrying away the tops of the mountains and heaping up trees, rocks, and earth above the bodies of the dead.
By the same means the silver and gold, the choice wood and precious stones, which had enriched and adorned the world before the Flood, and which the inhabitants had idolized, were concealed from the sight and search of men.
The violent action of the waters piled earth, and rocks upon these treasures, and in some cases even forming mountains above them. God saw that the more He enriched and prospered sinful men, the more they would corrupt their ways before Him.
At this time immense forests were buried. These have since been changed to coal, forming those extensive coal beds that now exist, and also yielding large quantities of oil.
Not only does God own all the raw materials upon the planet, God also owns all of the real estate, any and everywhere on the planet. The time has come for a rude awakening to the truth in the matter for it seems as if folks have lost sight of God’s sovereignty on the issue of ownership. Let’s read:
Leviticus 25: 23 The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is mine, for you are strangers, and sojourners with me.
It is worthy of note that we are reading these facts on real estate in Leviticus, and not only in the New Testament, after Calvary. The belief that Jesus took ownership of everything only after He had laid His life down for us, is a false narrative.
In fact, God owns everything, and everyone before Calvary, and after Calvary, because, we are reading presently from the Old Testament. This is certified by His sovereign prerogative to distribute land as He sees fit. And it raises the bar even higher, for He can take land from certain people, and give it to others.
When the people of God were to be persecuted for their faith in Revelation 12, God provided a place of refuge in a sparsely populated area, and He gave to them stewardship of that land, even though at that time it was inhabited by indigenous peoples. Let’s read:
Revelation 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as a dragon.
Furthermore, Christopher Columbus didn’t discover anything, because there were already living there, peoples from different ethnic backgrounds in those lands that were to become known as being the new world. So yes, God not only owns all real estate, but He can also distribute it to persons, and nations as He sees fit. Let’s read:
Leviticus 20: 23 And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things and therefore I abhorred them.
24 But I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit their land, and I will give it unto you to possess it, a land that flows with milk and honey: I am the Lord your God, which have separated you from other people.
Deuteronomy 2:4 And command thou the people, saying, Ye are to pass through the coast of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore.
5 Meddle not with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth; because I have given mount Seir unto Esau for a possession.
Numbers 34:1 And the Lord spoke to Moses saying, 2 Command the children of Israel, and say unto them, when you come into the land of Canaan; (this is the land that shall fall unto you for an inheritance, even the land of Canaan with the coasts thereof:)
3 Then your south quarter shall be from the wilderness of Zin along by the coast of Edom, and your south border shall be the outmost coast of the salt sea eastward.
13 And Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying, this is the land which ye shall inherit by lot, which the Lord commanded to give unto the nine tribes, and to the half tribe.
14 For the tribe of the children of Reuben according to the house of their fathers, and the tribe of the children of Gad according to the house of their fathers, have received their inheritance; and half the tribe of Manasseh have received their inheritance.
Not only does God own all the real estate, all of the silver, gold, and precious metals, He also owns each and everyone living on the planet, from His peculiar people, to Atheists and Buddhists, from law abiding citizens to those sitting in jail cells, as well as those who were recently pardoned.
God also owns the leaders of each country, together with all folks who work in the various government agencies, and this includes all the military personnel who serve at the discretion of leaders at home, and abroad. They are all owned by God personally. Let’s Read:
Ezekiel 18: 4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sins, it shall die.
Psalms 69: 33 For the Lord heareth the poor, and despises not his prisoners.
Acts 27:1 And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.
22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.
23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
Then, to cap it off, Isaiah writing under the guidance of The Holy Spirit, summarizes the entire issue of ownership, and he places our planet in the correct perspective, in comparison, or in contrast to the big picture. Let’s read:
Isaiah 40:15 Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance: behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing.
17 All nations before him are as nothing; and they are counted to him less than nothing, and vanity.
25 To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.
26 Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one fails.
28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, faints not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
Our final introductory passage comes from the pen of Paul, who shaves the cold facts down to a bare- bones formula, and summarizes the issue of owning anything into precis form, so that we would always bear in mind the fact that nothing that we think is ours, is really ours. Let’s read:
1st Timothy 6: 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
When taken together, the previous passages clearly teach us that we are born as stewards, and we die as stewards. In every single instance, where the rich and famous die they cannot carry any of their riches or material goods that they have accumulated over a lifetime with them.
The rich, and the poor go down to their graves the same exact way, as far as owning anything goes. And it was this grim reality that dawned upon Job, as he went through his learning curve of trials. All of his earthly possessions were not really his, he was just a steward of God’s blessings. Let’s read:
Job 1: 20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,
21 And said naked came I out of my mother's womb and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.
Ecclesiastes 5:15 As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labor, which he may carry away in his hand.
Ecclesiastes 2:15 Then said I in my heart, As it happens to the fool, so it happens even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity.
Michael Jackson left a catalog of songs which he had previously bought from the Beetles that is currently worth over half a billion dollars. He had to leave it all behind, when he died. The faithful who believe in God also have to leave it all behind, because we had never really owned anything on this planet.
Abraham had to leave it all behind, Lot and his wife had to leave it all behind, and Bernie Madoff had to leave it all behind, and to those persons who are currently billionaires, when their numbers are called in heaven, they too, will have to leave it all behind. Let’s read:
Ecclesiastes 2: 18 Yea, I hated all my labor which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.
19 And who knows whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labor wherein I have labored, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.
You read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation; God never ever gave this world to Adam, and Eve. It is a fact that our first parents were appointed by God as stewards, but as far as ownership goes, they never owned anything. It had always belonged to God, all along, referring to the earth and all its contents.
Genesis 1: 26 And God said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.
Genesis 2: 15 And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
Therefore, when we read in the New Testament of satan offering to Jesus the kingdoms of this world in exchange for worship, we must understand that he himself is self-deceived on this issue. Just because a bandit has defrauded victims of valuables, does not make those possessions his.
When Achan stole that goodly Babylonish garment and the shekels of gold, and then hid them among his own stuff in his tent, that act did not make the items his own. Instead, there was a sting operation embarked upon to find the culprit in the matter and Achan, together with those who aided, and abetted him, were brought to justice.
Therefore, upon the authority of God’s word we do declare unequivocally, that satan has never really owned anything on this planet, even though he has fed that same delusion to billions of earthlings over millennia. Let’s read:
Luke 4: 5 And the devil, taking him up into a high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
6 And the devil said unto him, all this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.
7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.
A right understanding of the doctrine of ownership is of critical importance to persons living in the here and now, especially since the world is given over to materialism and consumerism. The following are 4 modes of thought and action that inevitably spring from an incorrect perspective on ownership:
[1] If persons come to believe that material things, and money are really theirs, they most likely would not ask God for guidance in managing it, because they believe that it is theirs, and they should have the last word on how it is used or invested.
[2] When people become brainwashed into thinking that what they have is theirs they will generally have a problem with God’s instructions on offerings, and tithes, because, in their minds they believe that no one should tell them how to spend what is theirs.
[3] When folks believe that material things are their own, they will most likely fight like hell for it. Strife between family members over real estate and their inheritance, usually springs from the belief that the things of this world are their own, and if so, they are going to fight for it, even if in the process, they will violate God’s law. Let’s read:
John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
The Lord teaches us that if we find ourselves in any dispute over property, and it reaches a boiling point where persons are going to fight, the Christian is to take the high road, and not bring the cause of God into disrepute, by taking fellow Christians to court, on account of any family feud. That’s because as Sovereign owner, God can tell us what to do, in such circumstances. Let’s read:
Romans 12: 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
20 Therefore, if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirsts, give him drink for in so doing thou shall heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Genesis 13: 7 And there was a strife between the herd-men of Abram's cattle and the herd-men of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.
8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herd-men and thy herd-men; for we be brethren.
9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
14 And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward.
15 For all the land which you see, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed forever.
[4] When persons come to believe that their bodies are their own, they will generally resist any effort by The Lord, to instruct them on the issues of outward appearance, for in their minds, their bodies belong to them, and no one could dare to tell them how to dress. Let’s read:
1st Corinthians 6: 19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore, glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Hence the reason why you have sayings such as “it’s my life” it’s my body” and “I did it my way.” The vein of thought stems from a basic misunderstanding of the doctrine of ownership. On the issue of abortion, you will often hear the same line of reasoning, that “it’s my body.”
But even though persons are given the freedom of choice by God, our bodies still belong to Him, both by creation and redemption, and therefore, it is His sovereign right to instruct each of us on the issues of outward adornment and how to treat our bodies.
This leads us to the core of the Bible study, in which three stewards are given talents by The Master, not for safe keeping, but for multiplication purposes. It follows the same instruction given in Eden, for us to be fruitful and “Multiply”. Let’s read:
Matthew 25: 14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18 But he that had received one went and dug in the earth, and hid his lord's money.
19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoned with them.
20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou delivered unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21 His lord said unto him, well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou delivered unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
These first two stewards, they get it, because they understand that they are just managing the Lord’s goods for Him, so, they invest, and multiply all the assets, according to their various abilities, but not once do they conclude that the assets are theirs.
We are all under the most sacred obligation to keep our bodies in the best condition possible so that we can do the most amount of work for The Master for the longest time that is humanly possible.
Therefore, the first two stewards are not only great investors, they also understand that health is a very important aspect of stewardship, for if they do not manage their bodies well, it will affect their ability to invest and work for The Master.
Thus, they become efficient in the management of everything God entrusts them with, including the dinero He lent into their hands. Let’s read:
Luke 16: 9 And I say unto you, make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.
10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?
12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?
Hence the reason why The Lord entrusts them with greater assets for they have a correct and intelligent understanding of their roles as stewards. And they are happy to invest The Lord’s funds, for in doing so they are paid well by God, for The Lord is not a hard man as the third steward claims. Let’s read:
Matthew 20: 8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward call the laborers and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first.
However, the third steward sustains a fundamental misunderstanding of the doctrine of ownership, and because of this, his perspectives are molded by the delusions he has cultivated. Therefore, his mode of thought and action must be observed closely, for it will shed great light on the reasons why he did what he did.
His line of reasoning is “Why bother?” If the talent is not his own, why bother with the hassle of trying to multiply it for the Master, because at the end of the day, even if he were to triple or quadruple the initial investment, it still will not be his, so, “Why bother?”
Thus, he decides to keep it safe and sound for The Master, but as far as him trying to multiply another person’s funds, he isn’t going to make the effort. In his mind it is not worth the effort, because it is not his.
With this mindset, he does not bother to ask God for direction in how to multiply or manage the funds prudently and because he has no increase, there are no tithes, or offerings for him to return.
The charge that God is a hard taskmaster is false, for it doesn’t take into consideration that The Lord pays His stewards very well. It is not like if God is asking us to manage and multiply His goods for free, for in the process, He showers us with numerous blessings mercies and kindnesses that we can never repay.
Furthermore, the cross of Christ opens up the gates of eternity, with all of its riches to those who are found faithful, and from studying the Scriptures, it becomes clear that the saints will finally be granted permanent ownership of things God will give to us.
Thus, the charge that The Master is “a hard man” is categorically false, and it shows that the steward does not really believe in God’s promise of a new earth. His focus is centered squarely in the here and now alone. Let’s read:
[Christ’s Object Lessons] There are many who in their hearts charge God with being a hard master because He claims their possessions and their service. But we can bring to God nothing that is not already His.
All things are God's, not only by creation, but by redemption. All the blessings of this life and of the life to come are delivered to us stamped with the cross of Calvary. Therefore, the charge that God is a hard master, reaping where He has not sown, is false.
Just for the record, there are some truths which we will need to certify from the Scriptures as it pertains to stewardship, because the talents given by God to the stewards were for practice purposes, to prepare them for the future kingdom, in which He will give us a permanent inheritance, and where the faithful are scheduled to finally become owners. Let’s read:
Daniel 7: 18 But the saints of the Most-High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even for ever and ever.
Matthew 7: 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
Isaiah 65: 21 And they shall build houses and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.
22 They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
23 They shall not labor in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them.
[Christ Triumphant pp 80, Par 2] God promised to Abraham, and his seed after him, that they should have possessions and lands, and yet they were only strangers and sojourners. The inheritance and lands that are to be given not only to Abraham but to the children of Abraham will not be until after this earth is purified. Abraham will then receive the title to his farm, his possessions.
And the children of Abraham will have a title to their possessions. Every one of us should constantly bear in mind that this earth is not our dwelling place, but that we are to have an inheritance in the earth made new.
In closing, it is important for us as we move forward, to understand the doctrine of ownership even as we try to be faithful in that which God has entrusted to us as stewards. The correct perspective, as studied in the Scriptures is to inform our actions, decisions, and thought processes.
We are pilgrim/stewards, passing through this world and heading to eternity, and as such, all arguments, and fights over the temporal things of life are to be held in check. Even when it comes time to surrender what we have, because of the beast system, we are not to fly into a rage, because it’s not worth fighting for, since it all belongs to God. Let’s read:
[Test. Vol 2 pp 712] There is a prospect before us of a continued struggle, at the risk of imprisonment, loss of property, and even of life itself, to defend the law of God, which is made void by the laws of men.
[LTSMS 10 par 39] “In cases where we are brought before the courts we are to give up our rights unless it brings us in collision with God. It is not our rights we are pleading for, but God’s right to our service.
“Instead of resisting the penalties imposed unjustly upon us, it would be better to take heed to the Savior’s words: ‘When they persecute you in this city, flee you into another…”
We therefore end with a passage of Scripture that will help us to walk with a steady and even thread, even as we live in an increasingly troubled world. Let’s read:
John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: You believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
God Bless!