“Coaching From a Crook” Luke 16:1-13

Over half of Jesus’ parables address the topic of money and material possessions!

1 out of every 6 verses in Matthew, Mark and Luke deal with money and material possessions!

Over 1000 references to money in the Bible— 2nd most popular subject in Scripture!

56% of divorces occur because of financial tensions.

In search of the good life: the misery of living on credit 78% 80% 92% Source: First quarter of 2002 survey, consolidated credit counseling services.

“Coaching From a Crook” Luke 16:1-13

“The PHARISEES who loved money heard all this and they were sneering at Jesus.” Luke 16:14

“So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light.” Luke 16:8

Jesus told his disciples, “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. So he called him in and asked him, ‘What’s this I hear about you? Give an account of your management because you cannot be a manager any longer.’” Luke 16:1-2

WE LEAVE IT ALL BEHIND!

800 gallons of oil--- cut it in half.

1000 bushels of wheat--- cut it down to 800.

“So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light.” Luke 16:8

1. HE LOOKED AHEAD!

2. HE PLANNED AHEAD!                       

3. HE ACTED QUICKLY!

1. THE GREATEST USE OF MONEY! “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.” Luke 16:9

TEMPORARY RESOURCES USED FOR PEMANENT GOOD!

“Keepers of the Aquarium…” Rather than “Fishers of Men”

Resources should be consistent with our mission! 25%

“When the members of the church wish in their hearts that there would be no more calls for means (money), they virtually say that they are content that the cause of God shall not progress.” Spirit of Prophecy, v.2, p.670

“Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:20-21

2. Jesus reveals His interest in my checkbook

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you haven not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?” Luke 16:10-12

TIME AND MONEY REVEAL PRIORITIES!

3. JESUS ASKS FOR FIRST PLACE! “No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Luke 16:13

“You say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing– and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked.’” Revelation 3:17

“The purpose of tithing is to teach you to always put God first in your lives.” Deut.14:23, Living Bible