Investing Our Lives for Eternal Purposes
Summary
Today, we gathered as a church family to celebrate new life, to pray for our brothers and sisters facing challenges, and to reflect deeply on the words of Jesus in Luke 16. We began by dedicating little Liesel to the Lord, recognizing that raising children in faith is not just the responsibility of parents, but of the whole church community. We also lifted up Pastor Pedro and his family, who are facing uncertainty due to immigration issues, and we committed to supporting them in prayer and in practical ways.
Turning to the parable of the shrewd manager, we wrestled with one of Jesus’ most challenging teachings. The story confronts us with the reality that each of us will give an account to God for what we have done with the grace, gifts, and resources He has entrusted to us. The manager in the parable, though dishonest, is commended for his shrewdness—not his ethics, but his urgency and wisdom in preparing for the future. Jesus uses this story to urge us to think beyond the temporary and to invest our lives in what is eternal.
We are reminded that the enemy is always ready to accuse, but our hope is in Christ, who has forgiven us and calls us to live with integrity. We cannot work or buy our way into God’s favor; salvation is a gift of grace. Yet, what we do with that gift matters. Like the manager, we are called to use what we have—our time, our resources, our unique passions—for God’s kingdom. Whether it’s teaching, serving, farming, or even shopping, God has a purpose for each of us, and He can use our everyday lives to touch others for eternity.
We also have the authority and responsibility to extend forgiveness, to share the good news, and to help others find their place in God’s family. Our lives are not insignificant; every act of faithfulness, every prayer, every word of encouragement, and every resource shared for God’s glory is an investment in our eternal dwelling. Let us take inventory of our lives, ask God how He wants to use us, and step out in faith, knowing that He has us right where we need to be for His purposes.
Key Takeaways
- The Accuser and Our Integrity: The enemy is relentless in bringing accusations against God’s people, but we are called to live in such a way that there is nothing for him to use against us. Our integrity is not just about avoiding scandal, but about living in the freedom and forgiveness Christ has given us, refusing to let shame or accusation define us. When we walk in the light, the enemy’s accusations lose their power. [46:43]
- Accountability for God’s Gifts: Every person will give an account to God for what they have done with His grace and gifts. This is not just about money, but about how we respond to the gift of Jesus, how we treat others, and how we use every opportunity to reflect Christ’s love. Eternity is real, and our choices now echo forever. [47:47]
- Grace, Not Works, Is Our Foundation: Like the manager who could not dig or beg, we cannot earn our way to God. Christianity is unique in that salvation is a free gift, not a reward for effort. Our response is to humbly receive grace and let it transform how we live, serve, and love others. [51:13]
- The Power and Responsibility of Forgiveness: We have been given the authority to proclaim forgiveness in Jesus’ name, both to ourselves and to others. Letting go of grudges and extending grace is not optional; it is central to our calling. When we forgive, we participate in God’s work of reconciliation and healing. [56:21]
- Purpose in the Ordinary and the Eternal: God has placed each of us in unique situations with specific gifts and passions, not by accident but for His kingdom. Whether our work seems significant or small, God can use it for eternal purposes if we offer it to Him. Our daily faithfulness, when surrendered to God, becomes treasure in heaven. [01:01:49]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[39:10] - Baby Dedication: Liesel Westhauser
[40:25] - Prayer for Pastor Pedro and Family
[41:44] - Introduction to Luke 16
[43:36] - The Parable of the Shrewd Manager
[44:17] - Eternal Dwellings vs. Earthly Living
[45:11] - No One Can Serve Two Masters
[46:43] - The Accuser and Integrity
[47:47] - Giving an Account for God’s Gifts
[51:13] - Grace, Not Works
[53:39] - The Goodness of the Father
[54:43] - Sharing the Gospel in Everyday Life
[56:21] - The Power of Forgiveness
[59:09] - Using Time and Resources Wisely
[01:01:49] - Purpose in the Ordinary
[01:03:40] - Investing in Eternal Treasure
[01:06:43] - The Miracle Baby Testimony
[01:08:28] - Invitation to Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Luke 16 and Living with Eternal Purpose
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### Bible Reading
- Luke 16:1-13 (The Parable of the Shrewd Manager)
- Matthew 6:19-21 (“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…”)
- John 20:21-23 (“If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven…”)
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### Observation Questions
1. In the parable Jesus tells in Luke 16, what actions does the manager take after he learns he is losing his job? What is surprising about the master’s response?
2. According to the sermon, what does Jesus mean by “eternal dwellings” and how does it contrast with “earthly living”? [[44:17]]
3. What does Jesus say about serving two masters in Luke 16? How does this relate to the choices we make with our resources? [[45:11]]
4. In John 20, what authority does Jesus give to his disciples regarding forgiveness? [[56:21]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus commends the shrewd manager’s actions, even though he was dishonest? What lesson is Jesus trying to teach his followers through this story? [[44:17]]
2. The sermon says that everyone will give an account to God for what they have done with His grace and gifts. What does it mean to “take inventory” of your life in light of eternity? [[47:47]]
3. The pastor mentioned that the enemy is always accusing God’s people, but that our hope is in Christ’s forgiveness. How does living in the light of forgiveness change the way we respond to accusations or shame? [[46:43]]
4. The sermon highlights that we cannot earn our way to God, but are saved by grace. How should this truth shape the way we live and serve others? [[51:13]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon talked about the whole church helping to raise children in faith, not just parents. What is one practical way you can support a family in our church this month? [[39:10]]
2. The shrewd manager acted with urgency because he knew his time was short. Is there an area of your life where you need to act with more urgency for God’s kingdom? What is one step you can take this week? [[59:09]]
3. The pastor shared stories of people using their unique passions—like farming, water skiing, or shopping—for God’s purposes. What is something ordinary in your life that God might want to use for His kingdom? [[01:01:49]]
4. The sermon emphasized the power and responsibility of forgiveness. Is there someone you need to forgive, or a grudge you need to let go of? What would it look like to take a step toward forgiveness this week? [[56:21]]
5. The enemy is always ready to accuse, but we are called to live with integrity and in the freedom of Christ’s forgiveness. Are there any areas in your life where you need to bring things into the light and ask for God’s help to live with more integrity? [[46:43]]
6. The pastor challenged us to “take inventory” and ask God how He wants to use us. Take a moment to pray and ask God, “What do you want me to do with the gifts and resources you’ve given me?” What comes to mind? [[01:03:40]]
7. The sermon ended with a story about a “miracle baby” and the power of prayer. Is there a situation in your life or someone you know who needs prayer? How can your small group support each other in prayer and practical ways this week? [[01:06:43]]
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Closing Prayer:
Invite the group to pray, asking God to help each person use their gifts, resources, and everyday life for His eternal purposes, and to give courage to forgive, serve, and step out in faith.
Devotional
Day 1: Faithful Stewardship: Using Earthly Resources for Eternal Purposes
Jesus teaches that our time, talents, and resources are not just for our own benefit, but are entrusted to us by God to be used wisely for His kingdom. The parable of the shrewd manager reminds us that while the world may use its resources for temporary gain, we are called to invest in things that have eternal significance. Every decision we make with what we have—whether money, influence, or opportunity—can be an act of worship and a way to prepare for our eternal dwelling with God. Take inventory of your life and ask yourself: are you using what God has given you to honor Him and bless others, or are you storing up treasures that will not last? [44:17]
Luke 16:9-13 (ESV)
"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."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can use your resources today—time, money, or skills—to invest in something with eternal value rather than temporary gain?
Day 2: The Accuser and the Assurance of Forgiveness
The enemy is always looking for ways to accuse us before God, highlighting our failures and shortcomings. Yet, as believers, we are reminded that Jesus stands on our behalf, and our forgiveness is secure in Him. The devil’s accusations cannot stand against the grace and mercy we have received through Christ. Instead of living in fear or shame, we are called to walk in the freedom of forgiveness, giving the enemy no foothold in our lives. Remember, your identity is not in your past mistakes, but in the finished work of Jesus. [46:43]
Revelation 12:10 (ESV)
"And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, 'Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God.'"
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you still feel accused or condemned? How can you remind yourself today of the forgiveness and freedom you have in Christ?
Day 3: We Will All Give an Account
Every person will one day stand before God and give an account for how they have responded to His grace and used the gifts He has given. It is not enough to simply know about Jesus or attend church; what matters is how we have lived out our faith and loved others in His name. The way we treat others, especially the least among us, is seen by Jesus as how we treat Him. This truth should cause us to take honest inventory of our lives and motivate us to live with eternity in mind, making the most of every opportunity to serve and love. [47:47]
Matthew 25:40 (ESV)
"And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’"
Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally serve or show kindness to today, knowing that in doing so, you are serving Jesus Himself?
Day 4: The Power and Responsibility to Forgive
As followers of Jesus, we have been given the authority and responsibility to extend forgiveness to others, just as we have been forgiven. Jesus breathed on His disciples and sent them out with the message of forgiveness, reminding us that holding onto unforgiveness only keeps us in bondage. When we forgive, we reflect the heart of God and open the door for healing and restoration in our relationships. Consider who you may need to forgive, and remember that Jesus has already paid the price for every debt—yours and theirs. [56:21]
John 20:21-23 (ESV)
"Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.' And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.'"
Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive or release to God today? What step can you take to let go of bitterness and extend Christ’s forgiveness?
Day 5: Your Life Has Purpose—Use It for God’s Kingdom
No matter your job, talents, or passions, God has placed you exactly where you are for a reason. You are not insignificant; you have unique gifts and opportunities to touch lives that no one else can. Whether it’s through your work, your hobbies, or your daily interactions, God invites you to use what you have for His glory and the good of others. When you offer your life to Him, even the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and your heavenly account grows with every act of faithfulness. Wake up each day asking, “Jesus, what are we going to do today?” and watch how He uses you for eternal impact. [01:03:40]
1 Corinthians 3:12-14 (ESV)
"Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward."
Reflection: What is one way you can use your unique gifts or passions today to serve God and others, trusting that He has a purpose for your life right where you are?
Quotes
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