The Shrewd Steward (Luke 16:1-15) - 5/26/24

INTRO

• Jesus turns his attention to his disciples

• Lesson on stewardship

• Being SHREWD with our calling (Christ follower)

• Investing in the future

• The world thinks one way

The Parable of the Shrewd Manager – vv. 1-8a

Wasting possessions of the master

• Knew he was in trouble

• Lost his job

• Unable to do other jobs
  

Developed a plan to succeed

• Went behind his master

• Cut deal with those that owed master
  

The Point of the parable

• The dishonest manager did what was necessary to invest in his future.
  

Lessons for His Disciples – vv. 8b-13

Make friends for eternity

• Manager utilized earthy possessions for earthy rewards

• Disciple should utilize earthy possessions for eternal rewards
  

Faithful in a little=Faithful with much

• Do the little and big takes care of itself

• How we handle our money is an indication of other spiritual matters.

• It is an indication of our heart
  

True Disciples have only one master

• Serve… involuntary service.

• Unable to serve two masters.  ONE ONLY

• The love of money dictates our purpose, vision, passion, goals, etc.

• Matthew 6:33
  

The Reaction of the Pharisees – vv. 14-15

• Loved money

• Ridiculed the Words of Christ

• God sees the heart
  

The What Now

Proverbs 3:9-10

Malachi 3:10

Philippians 4:14-20

2 Corinthians 9:6-12

We should honor God with our stuff

• Time, Talent, Treasures

Spend our resources with eternity in mind

• Think of in percentages.

• How much am I investing in eternity

Obey the Spirit of God and reap His blessings

• As the Spirit leads… we need to obey

• Pray, Seek God’s will for your life.

• Shrewd with His gifts upon our life.

• We are in middle management!