Refresh
A Recap from Sunday’s Sermon

Preaching Text: Luke 16: 1-13

Money makes most of us uneasy, especially upon learning that we must one day give an account. Many of society’s sicknesses are related to the misuse of money.   Coveting, idolatry, fear, greed, injustice, etc. can all be linked to money. It is not a neutral subject. Thankfully, Jesus gives ample instruction for the use of wealth. As with all discipleship topics, our ability to be obedient comes from God’s prior grace given in Christ. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich” (2 Cor. 8:9).      

Jesus gives us true spiritual riches and instructs us in the use of physical riches.  

The parable of the dishonest manager in Luke 16 teaches us some important things about wealth.

1. We are temporary managers of God’s stuff and not true owners. Verse 12 implies that one day we may be actual owners, but the inevitability of the grave means that we are only temporary managers of wealth. We can’t take it with us.

2. The best investments are in spiritual relationships, which transcend the grave. Jesus summarizes in verse 9: “And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.” Therefore, the best investment you can make is in the development of vibrant faith communities. The Christ-centered relationships found in church will last forever. Use your wealth to develop these!

3. Faithfulness is central to the correct use of money. Verse 10 tells us that the faithful use of money now will determine what we possess later.  

Taking it home: Between now and November 12^th, which is Pledge Sunday, make an account of all that God has entrusted to you. Ask the Lord to show you how to invest in spiritual relationships. Then turn in a pledge card.