• Luke 16:1-14
  • Introduction
    • Jesus is not telling us to sin like the shrewd manager.
  • What it cannot mean
    • That you should lie, cheat, and steal
      • Luke 3:12-14
      • Proverbs 11:1
    • That you can buy your way into Heaven
      • II Corinthians 5:10
      • Proverbs 11:4
      • Luke 16:19, 25; 12:20-21
    • That you should make money your god
      • Luke 16:13-14
      • Matthew 6:19-21
    • The meaning that fits with context and harmony
      • God’s people ought to be wise stewards of material possessions, serving God and others so they can go to Heaven in the end.
      • Luke 16:8a – The master isn’t happy, but begrudgingly has to hand it to him – “You got me! Well played.”
      • Luke 16:8b – Worldly people know how to provide for the future. Isn’t it a shame that God’s people don’t do the same thing in a good way? (Matthew 10:16)
      • Luke 16:9a – “wealth/mammon of unrighteousness” – carnal, temporary wealth
        • Use the resources you are blessed with to serve others.
      • Luke 16:9b – I suggest that “they” refers figuratively (by metonymy) to the works you have done for others.
        • Compare II Corinthians 3:1-2
        • Matthew 25:40
      • Luke 16:10-12 – God’s people should demonstrate their faithfulness with small blessings so that they can be trusted with bigger blessings. (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27; I Timothy 3:5, 12)
      • Luke 16:13-14 – Earthly wealth is not the end goal, but a tool to serve God and others.
    • Make application!
      • I Timothy 6:17-19
      • Luke 10:25-37
      • II Corinthians 8:1-5; 9:12-14