Genesis Stewardship & The Mandate of Dominion

Title: Genesis Stewardship & The Mandate of Dominion

Theme: Stewardship

Preacher: Pastor Mat Tolentino • Date: 2026-06-06

"Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." — Genesis 1:26-28

Introduction:

Before sin entered the world in Genesis 3 and before a plan of redemption was required, God established an original purpose for mankind in Genesis 1:26–28—the Creation Mandate. Many believers operate under the false assumption that salvation is God's final end-goal and that Earth is merely a temporary waiting room before Heaven. But salvation restores us back to God's original blueprint: managing His creation with love, righteousness, and order.

Point 1: What True Biblical 'Dominion' Means

"Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion... And the Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and keep it.'" — Genesis 1:26 & Genesis 2:15

In human history, 'dominion' has often been twisted into tyrannical exploitation—using natural resources, people, and power for selfish gain. But true biblical dominion reflects the character, love, and care of the Creator. Man was created in God's image so that human governance would mirror divine caretaking.

Practical Application & Example: Tending and keeping the garden means cultivating your family, work, and community into places of fruitfulness rather than consuming them for immediate personal gratification.

Point 2: The Position of a Steward (Katiwala)

"The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein... He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much." — Psalm 24:1 & Luke 16:10

To exercise dominion, we must grasp our true standing: we are stewards, never ultimate owners. God retains ownership of all creation. As stewards, our assignment requires two core pillars: Faithfulness (using resources according to the Owner's will) and Productivity (growing and multiplying what was entrusted to us).

Practical Application & Example: Managing your finances, time, talents, and family with the acute awareness that you will give an account to the King for how you handled His assets.

Point 3: Alignment with the CSB Discipleship Path

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." — Matthew 6:33 & Luke 12:42

Our stewardship directly aligns with our church's CSB Discipleship model: CONNECT (restoring relationship with the Owner first), STRENGTHEN (building internal character and discipline to manage greater responsibilities), and BLESS (becoming a conduit of blessing to Nueva Vizcaya rather than a reservoir that hoards).

Practical Application & Example: Moving from a passive spectator in church to actively equipping others in your sphere of influence to live out God's Kingdom design.

Conclusion:

God is calling us back to His original blueprint. Stop allowing culture, financial fear, or passive religion to rule over your household. Step into your God-given identity as a faithful steward of the King.

"Father, thank You for trusting us to be stewards of Your creation. Forgive us for the times we treated Your blessings as our own property. Grant us wisdom, diligence, and faith to govern our lives, families, and callings for Your Kingdom's glory. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen."