Luke 16:1-18

Luke 16:1-18
Parable of the Shrewd Manager

This is widely thought of as the strangest story Jesus ever told

1. The supposed ‘hero’ of the story ripped off his boss for selfish gain
2. The victim of the story commends his dishonest manager
3. The points Jesus makes afterward don’t even seem to fit the story

Lessons from this Parable…

1. We must face up to reality (1-3)
--We, like the manager, work for a rich boss (1)
--We, like the manager, are merely stewards (1)
--We, like the manager, have been accused of waste (1)
--We, like the manager, will have to give account (2)
--We, like the manager, know that we are guilty (3)
--We, like the manager, know that we are facing ruin (3)
2. The church needs to improve its level of shrewdness (8)
3. We must use worldly wealth for eternal purposes (9)
4. Earthly treasures are a test (10-12)
5. Earthly riches are a means, not an end (13)
6. How we spend shows whom we serve (13)
7. God knows whether we use money or love money (14-15)

Two hundred years ago,
John Wesley earned 30 pounds a year. He lived on 28 and gave 2 away.
When his income doubled to 60 pounds, he lived on 28 and gave away 32.
When his income ultimately reached 120, he lived on 28 and gave away 92.