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Parable of the Unjust Steward
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn Luke 16, Jesus teaches His disciples through the Parable of the Unjust Steward, illustrating the importance of faithfulness to God. He recounts the story of a manager accused of wasting his owner's goods, who cunningly uses worldly wisdom to secure his future by forgiving portions of the debtors' obligations, thus making friends for himself. Though the master fires him for wasting the estate, he reluctantly commends the steward for his shrewdness in worldly cleverness, level-headedness, and forethought. Jesus addresses this parable to His disciples, noting that the sons of this world are often wiser in their ways than the sons of light. He instructs them to use spiritual wisdom as shrewdly as the steward used secular wisdom. In Luke 16:9, He says, "And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations." By unrighteous mammon, He refers to wealth gained through sinful means, which can become a power for evil in the hands of the unconverted. Yet, He advises using such wealth to create true friends by investing in spiritual education and promoting the Kingdom of God, so that others might be converted. Jesus emphasizes that wealth should be put to good use in this life, as it will fail and lose value at His return. Since the world covets money, the church must use it to access facilities and make God's truth available. He concludes by stressing the need to be carefully honest and reliable in handling material blessings, for only then will God commit eternal treasures to His faithful servants.
Stewardship
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA steward is responsible for the supervision or managing of something entrusted into his care by a superior. As God's stewards, have been entrusted with much.
Stewards of the Mysteries of God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThe lowly, not impeded so much with pride or ego, make better stewards than those who may seem more presumptuous and self-centered.
Stewardship of God's Temple (Part Five)
Sermon by David F. MaasSome have foolishly denigrated the value of physical exercise by taking Paul's admonition to Timothy totally and hopelessly out of context.
Money: A Gauge of Character
Sermonette by Richard T. RitenbaughIf God cannot trust a person to properly handle a small amount of money, He will not give him responsibility over more crucial matters.
The Peter Principle
Sermon by Mike FordAs one uses the power provided by God's Holy Spirit, even one who has previously failed miserably can rise to astounding levels of spiritual competence.
The Peter Principle (Part Four)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordGod has given us certain gifts and the space to use them. He expects us to use them properly in service to Himself and the Body, and requires an accounting.
Money Is Power
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIf we are untrustworthy with a paltry sum of money, we will be untrustworthy with the vast resources of God's creative power.
The W's and H's of Meditation (Part Three)
Sermon by David F. MaasDeveloping the daily habit of meditation on God's Word can displace that deadly carnal nature, replacing it with Godly character—the mind of God.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are called to fulfill our job as a steward, entrusted with managing, protecting, preserving, attending, and increasing what has been entrusted to us.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWhat God really wants is for us to see things from His point of view, making the right choices, striving to build character, developing into His image.
'As a Thief in the Night'
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeChrist's second coming is described as being like 'a thief in the night.' Here is what it means for Christians living in the end times.
Maintaining Good Health (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughStewardship of our bodies is (like the Levitical maintenance of the temple) an aspect of holiness, strengthening our relationship with Jesus Christ.
The Unknown Deadline
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeGod gives His elect two unknown deadlines: Christ's return and the Christian's lifespan. They focus His people on becoming spiritually rich toward God.
Ecclesiastes: What Is It All About? (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTime must not be wasted walking into blind alleys and labyrinths, but must be spent walking the paths God has set before us, developing character through our choices.