This message is based on one of the most confusing parables of Jesus. Yet it teaches us about our use of the Master’s resources and how God intends our wealth to be used for both building the Kingdom and our own good. Part of our spiritual growth includes how we use our treasure for eternal influence. Let’s learn how our finances can affect our legacy.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to knowing more, exploring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. Have you ever had a prized possession that others just thought was worthless?
Leader’s Note: Think funny things: a blanket that was your special snuggle but is now full of holes; a dress you saved up to buy but that you now realize (thanks, old photos!) was a totally bad idea; an old car that really had no long-lasting value (think Pinto!).
2.
Generosity starts now. Read Luke 16:9-12. Is Jesus promoting dishonesty or unrighteousness? What would be “unrighteous wealth”? What “friends” might be able to receive you into eternal dwellings? When do you start being generous?
Leader’s Note: Jesus is commending the fictional steward/manager for his shrewdness, not his dishonesty or laziness. The fact is, when under pressure from the master, he was able to quickly turn a profit. Jesus also wants us to realize the time is now to use the “unrighteous” money (not sinful like drug money, but “of this world”) for eternal uses. One day, our earthly treasure will be gone and only what is eternal will last. Some commentaries suggest the friends are believers with whom you shared Jesus, thanking and welcoming you when you arrive in heaven, your eternal treasure. Finally, if you are not generous with the little God has entrusted to you, if you do not start now, who will trust you with more? The answer: no one and certainly not God.
3.
Generosity isn’t an amount; it’s an attitude. Read Luke 21:1-4 and Malachi 3:10. Would it harder to tithe if you made $10,000 per year or $100,000? What about having a salary of $1 million? What can you learn from the widow? What is the promise of Malachi?
Leader’s Note: The story of the widow’s mite teaches us that it is the amount of sacrifice that impresses God and a heart that trusts Him completely to supply and care for our needs. Also, GOD KNOWS! Even if it’s your last bit of money, He is aware, watching, pleased, and will be faithful to all He has promised. Malachi says we can test Him in this and expect God to pour out blessings “until there is no more need.” Leader, your stories of God's miraculous provision will mean so much to people who know and trust you. Be willing to share your tithe journey!
4.
God owns it all. Read Luke 16:12 (again) and Psalm 24:1. How does verse 12 relate to you as a follower of Jesus? Do you know, through and through, what Psalm 24:1 is teaching about ownership? Do you most often feel grateful or entitled? Is it clearly “yours” or “God’s”? Do your kids and friends know you honor God with your finances? Would you say you were ready for more financial responsibility because you understand these principles and know God trusts you and blesses you for your generosity?
Leader’s Note: Read all questions at once, then ask if anyone would like to speak to any question. Do not ask all to participate in all questions. Just have a general group discussion.
5.
Greed will consume you. Read Luke 16:13, Matthew 6:19-21, and 1 Timothy 6:9-10. What do these verses tell us about our attitudes towards money? What will the love of money cause us to do? Have you ever experienced the principle that with more stuff comes more maintenance, payments, and responsibilities?
Leader’s Note: When we pursue (serve) money, we don’t pursue God wholeheartedly. Greed can warp our sense of truth and cause us to pursue evil or erode our sense of integrity. We can leave the faith and fall into many traps. Additionally, material possessions do not last. But they are surely an outward sign of where our heart’s desires lie.
6. Final Thoughts: There were three practical ways discussed this week to conquer the power of earthy treasure in our lives: build a budget; be grateful; begin to tithe. Which of these is easy for you? Which are harder? How can you make a practical change or commitment this week that will show where your heart is centered?
Leader’s Note: Budgeting is key to knowing where your money is going. Even a short-term budget will help you realize your areas of excessive spending and / or waste. Choosing to be grateful and contented with what you do have, realizing it all comes from God and belongs to Him, will also curtail your spending! A six-week list of things you want is a good tool. Start a list, post it on your fridge, and keep praying about it. Is it in God’s plan? Is He supplying the resources to buy or do this thing? Are you at peace and feel it is His will? Tithing is a major step of obedience and a leap of faith that will change your spiritual journey, drawing you closer to God. Prayerfully consider making the commitment to tithe and trust God completely with your finances.
Deeper
Leader: This section is designed for further use in your Life Group or for personal study. These can also be used as discussion points and ways to stay connected with your group throughout the week. Encourage your group to take time to walk through these questions, maybe as part of their quiet time.
This weekend’s message was based of Jesus’ teachings in Luke 16:1-13. Some versions call this the “The Parable of the Dishonest Manager” while others call him the “unjust steward” or the “shrewd manager.” At first read, it seems Jesus is condoning the manager’s dishonest behavior. Let’s look deeper at this parable and what God is teaching us.
7.
Read Luke 16:1-2. What did the master hear? What did he ask for? What do you assume he will do next? Are we certain that the steward will lose his job? Does the master give him any hope?
Leader’s Note: I find it interesting that the master hears his steward had been dishonest, calls him in for a meeting, and asks the steward to give an account. He says he can no longer be steward, but if the books were on the up-and-up, might the steward be able to plead his case? We don’t know!
8.
Read Luke 16:3-7. In these verses, the dishonest manager is talking to himself. What is he deciding to do? What is his motivation? How did he deal with the debtors?
Leader’s Note: The manager doesn’t even try to take the books directly to the owner but devises a plan. Maybe it will make the books look better (by recovering at least a part of the debt). He is definitely also planning to currying favor with the debtors to whom he gives a discount. Why? He doesn’t like to or can’t physically work hard and dig. He’s either lazy or ill. And he won’t beg (pride). So, he gets busy collecting debts, probably what he should have been doing all along.
9.
Read Luke 16:8. Why does the master commend the dishonest manager?
Leader’s Note: The master commends him for his shrewdness: he has been wise to recoup some money and wise to make friends with the debtors for a time when he will have a future need. Jesus praises him, not for his dishonesty, but for the zeal and energy he puts to storing up favor for the future. Much like the verses on treasure found in Matthew 6:19-21, he is storing up for his future with something that can’t be taken away (favors owed by the debtors). In this parable of contrast, if a dishonest manager can be this shrewd and future-minded, how much more should followers of Jesus Christ be thinking about and focused on our future in heaven. Should we not be using our worldly resources in a shrewd and wise way to gain reward for eternity?