Faithfully Managing what we Have - Pastor Johnny Martens

As stewards of God’s resources, each of us is entrusted with possessions, abilities, and opportunities that ultimately belong to Him. Our calling is to manage these gifts faithfully, not for our own gain, but for the flourishing of God’s kingdom. Today, I reflected on the often uncomfortable topic of money and giving, recognizing that it’s an area where many of us feel tested, and where our responses reveal much about our hearts.

We explored Jesus’ parable in Luke 16, where a dishonest manager is commended for his shrewdness, not his ethics. The point is not to praise dishonesty, but to highlight how people of the world often act with more intentionality and foresight in their dealings than the “children of light.” Jesus challenges us to consider how we use our worldly resources—are we investing them in ways that have eternal impact, or are we simply accumulating for ourselves?

Generosity does not buy us a place in heaven; salvation is a gift of God’s mercy, not a reward for our giving. Yet, our giving can be a means by which others come to know Christ, as seen in the early church’s support of Paul’s ministry. When we use our resources to further God’s work, we participate in something that outlasts us, storing up “treasure in heaven” by investing in people and purposes that matter eternally.

We also considered the dangers of letting money become an idol—whether through greed, covetousness, dishonesty, or stinginess. Money itself is neutral, but our attitude toward it can either draw us closer to God or pull us away. The real test is whether we serve God with our resources, or whether we allow the pursuit or fear of money to master us.

Ultimately, we are only trustees, not owners, of what we have. Whether we follow the Old Testament tithe or give as we are led in our hearts, what matters most is that our giving is done cheerfully, out of love for God and His church. God blesses generosity that flows from a willing heart, and He uses it to bless others and advance His kingdom. As we approach Thanksgiving, may our giving reflect gratitude and a desire to see God’s work flourish.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Stewardship reveals the heart’s true master How we handle money and possessions is a spiritual test that exposes our deepest loyalties. If we cling to wealth or let it dictate our priorities, it becomes an idol that competes with God for first place in our lives. True stewardship means recognizing that everything belongs to God and using it for His purposes, not our own advancement. [44:35]
• 2. Generosity invests in eternal outcomes Giving is not about earning God’s favor, but about participating in His mission. When we support ministries, missions, or help others come to know Christ, we are investing in outcomes that last beyond this life. Our generosity can be the means by which others enter God’s kingdom, and in eternity, those investments will be celebrated. [39:50]
• 3. Temptations around money are universal and revealing Every one of us faces temptations to be dishonest, greedy, covetous, or stingy with money. The way we respond to these temptations says much about our spiritual maturity and trust in God. Rather than being mastered by these desires, we are called to let God’s Spirit shape our attitudes and actions, using money as a tool for good. [50:59]
• 4. God values cheerful, willing giving Whether we give a set percentage or as we feel led, God is not interested in reluctant or begrudging offerings. He delights in cheerful, heartfelt generosity that flows from gratitude and love. Such giving is blessed by God and becomes a channel for His provision and joy in our lives. [58:42]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [26:29] - Introduction to Stewardship
• [27:19] - Recap of Last Week’s Message
• [28:25] - The Challenge of Talking About Money
• [30:04] - Opening Prayer
• [30:52] - Money as a Test of the Heart
• [31:31] - The Parable of the Dishonest Manager
• [33:28] - Jesus’ Surprising Commendation
• [34:55] - Understanding the Parable’s Context
• [36:22] - Using Wealth for Eternal Purposes
• [38:55] - The Early Church’s Generosity
• [41:49] - Faithfulness with Little and Much
• [43:49] - You Cannot Serve God and Money
• [46:24] - The Spiritual Battle Over Material Things
• [48:49] - Temptations We Face with Money
• [53:54] - We Are Only Trustees
• [55:18] - How Much Should We Give?
• [58:42] - The Heart of Giving
• [59:37] - Thanksgiving and Generosity
• [61:32] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Bible Reading

Luke 16:1-13 (ESV) — > He also said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions. And he called him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.’ And the manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I have decided what to do, so that when I am removed from management, people may receive me into their houses.’ So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ He said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’ The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light. 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. One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (ESV) — > The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

Observation Questions

1. In the parable from Luke 16, what actions did the manager take after learning he was going to lose his job? What was the master’s surprising response?
2. According to the sermon, what is the main point Jesus is making by telling this story about the dishonest manager?
3. What does 2 Corinthians 9:7 say about the attitude God wants us to have when we give?
4. The sermon mentions that money itself is neutral, but our attitude toward it can be a problem. What are some of the temptations around money that were listed?

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jesus say that “the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light”? What does this mean for how Christians should think about using their resources?
2. The sermon says that generosity does not buy us a place in heaven, but it can have eternal impact. How does our giving connect to God’s kingdom work, according to the examples given?
3. The pastor talked about how money can become an idol if we let it take first place in our lives. What are some signs that money might be taking God’s place in someone’s heart?
4. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, Paul talks about sowing and reaping. What does this mean in the context of giving, and how does it relate to God’s blessing?

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenged us to think about whether we are serving God with our resources or letting money master us. Is there an area in your life where money or possessions have too much control? What would it look like to surrender that area to God?
2. The parable in Luke 16 shows a manager using his position to prepare for the future. How can you use your resources—money, time, abilities—in ways that have eternal impact, rather than just for your own comfort or security?
3. The pastor listed temptations like dishonesty, greed, coveting, and stinginess. Which of these do you find yourself struggling with most, and what practical step could you take this week to resist that temptation?
4. The sermon said that we are only trustees, not owners, of what we have. How does this perspective change the way you think about your possessions and your giving?
5. When you give—whether to the church, missions, or someone in need—do you give cheerfully and willingly, or do you sometimes feel reluctant or obligated? What could help you grow in joyful generosity?
6. The pastor encouraged everyone to bring a Thanksgiving gift that comes from the heart. What would it look like for your giving to reflect gratitude and love for God this season?
7. Think about a time when someone’s generosity made a difference in your life or in someone else’s. How did that impact you, and how might God be calling you to do the same for others?