2. Textual Studies From The Gospel Of Luke & The Acts Of The Apostles

4. Lesson 15 – Stewardship 16:1-31 Parable Of The Unjust Steward vv. 1-13 A steward of a rich man has “squandered” his master’s wealth v. 1 cp. 15:13 His master calls him to account, removes him from the stewardship v. 2 The steward’s action are the focus vv. 3-7

5. Lesson 15 – Stewardship 16:1-31 Parable Of The Unjust Steward vv. 1-13 He begins to plan what he will do v. 3 “What shall I do? I am not strong enough to dig…too proud to beg” His decision Ù more of the same vv. 4-7 He cheats his master again to save himself

6. Lesson 15 – Stewardship 16:1-31 Parable Of The Unjust Steward vv. 1-13 His master finds out what he has done, praises his “shrewd” efforts v. 8 Jesus never praised the steward What was praised was his “wise” planning, his efforts to provide his future cp. Mt 25:2-9

7. Lesson 15 – Stewardship 16:1-31 Parable Of The Unjust Steward vv. 1-13 His master finds out what he has done, praises his “shrewd” efforts v. 8 This steward was a “son of this age”…and one whole-heartedly (determined re: his future) Such often out-do “sons of the kingdom”

8. Lesson 15 – Stewardship 16:1-31 Parable Of The Unjust Steward vv. 1-13 Jesus makes His application vv. 9-13 We are to “make friends of unrighteous mammon so that when it fails, we may have eternal dwellings” v. 9 Not encouraging us to act like the steward… only to be wise in planning as he was

9. Lesson 15 – Stewardship 16:1-31 Parable Of The Unjust Steward vv. 1-13 Jesus makes His application vv. 9-13 We need to use what God has blessed us with toward spiritual goals, our spiritual future Such efforts will indicate we are “wise stewards” and pleasing to our Master

10. Lesson 15 – Stewardship 16:1-31 Parable Of The Unjust Steward vv. 1-13 Jesus makes His application vv. 9-13 Those serious about their stewardship will be “faithful” in little or much…those who care more for themselves than for their master will be “unfaithful” vv. 10-12 Such will never have their own v. 12

11. Lesson 15 – Stewardship 16:1-31 Parable Of The Unjust Steward vv. 1-13 Jesus makes His application vv. 9-13 We cannot serve 2 masters v. 13 Serving self (unjust steward) = “serving mammon” and prevents us from serving God What do we desire? How are we using what God has entrusted to us? cp. 1 Tim 6:9, 17-19

12. Lesson 15 – Stewardship 16:1-31 General Instructions vv. 14-18 The Pharisees, lovers of money, “scoffed” at Jesus’ teaching v. 14 Jesus condemns them for their “stewardship” of the Law of God vv. 15-16 They were more interested in carnal pursuits

13. Lesson 15 – Stewardship 16:1-31 General Instructions vv. 14-18 Jesus condemns them for their “stewardship” of the Law of God vv. 15-16 The Law had been given…John came preaching the new kingdom…people were “forcing their way into it” (showing sincere interest) v. 16

14. Lesson 15 – Stewardship 16:1-31 General Instructions vv. 14-18 Jesus condemns them for their “stewardship” of the Law of God vv. 15-16 Their unfaithful efforts notwithstanding, the word of God would stand secure v. 17 One of the areas they had failed in their “stewardship” was in M/D/R v. 18

15. Lesson 15 – Stewardship 16:1-31 Parable Of Rich Man & Lazarus vv. 19-31 A certain rich man and his “lavish” lifestyle is described v. 19 A poor beggar named Lazarus and his “wretched” lifestyle is described vv. 20-21 They both died…“properly placed” vv. 22-23

16. Lesson 15 – Stewardship 16:1-31 Parable Of Rich Man & Lazarus vv. 19-31 Life on earth determines where one spends eternity Death = “The Great Equalizer” re: inequities Death = “The Great Reverser” re: fortunes of righteous and unrighteous

17. Lesson 15 – Stewardship 16:1-31 Parable Of Rich Man & Lazarus vv. 19-31 The rich man’s 1st request vv. 24-26 He asked for himself He wanted Abraham to “show mercy” Just a drop of water to cool his inflamed tongue

18. Lesson 15 – Stewardship 16:1-31 Parable Of Rich Man & Lazarus vv. 19-31 The rich man’s 1st request vv. 24-26 Abraham refused on two points: Ê “Remember how you & Lazarus lived” Now, both your fortunes are reversed What “mercy” had he shown Lazarus while they both were alive??

19. Lesson 15 – Stewardship 16:1-31 Parable Of Rich Man & Lazarus vv. 19-31 The rich man’s 1st request vv. 24-26 Abraham refused on two points: Ë “This fixed gulf between us prevents Lazarus from crossing over.” One’s eternal fate is sealed after death

20. Lesson 15 – Stewardship 16:1-31 Parable Of Rich Man & Lazarus vv. 19-31 The rich man’s 2nd request vv. 27-31 He asked for others Ù his family still living He wanted Abraham to send Lazarus back to his 5 brothers to warn them Apparently, they were living as he had lived

21. Lesson 15 – Stewardship 16:1-31 Parable Of Rich Man & Lazarus vv. 19-31 The rich man’s 2nd request vv. 27-31 Abraham refused again The rich man’s family didn’t need a “visitor” from the grave…they had Moses & the prophets Emphasis Ù the written word of God is sufficient to keep one from eternal torments