Stewardship and Commitment: Lessons from the Shrewd Manager

Today’s focus was on one of Jesus’ most challenging parables—the parable of the shrewd manager from Luke 16. In this story, Jesus describes a manager who, after being caught mismanaging his master’s resources, quickly and cleverly makes deals with his master’s debtors to secure his own future. While the manager’s actions are dishonest, Jesus uses this story to highlight the importance of being perceptive, creative, decisive, and energetic in how we steward what God has entrusted to us. The point is not to imitate the manager’s dishonesty, but to learn from his determination and resourcefulness, applying those qualities to our service in God’s kingdom.

The parable challenges us to consider how much effort and sacrifice we are willing to make for things that are temporary—like careers, hobbies, or possessions—compared to the eternal things of God’s kingdom. If people in the world are willing to go to great lengths for worldly gain, how much more should we, as people of the light, be willing to invest our best energy, creativity, and commitment into the things that matter forever? Jesus calls us to be perceptive about our circumstances, honest about our limitations, and willing to adapt and act decisively for the sake of the gospel.

We also explored the dangers of living in extremes—either isolating ourselves from the world or becoming so immersed in it that we lose our distinctiveness as followers of Christ. The call is to remain rooted in God’s Word while being aware of what’s happening around us, so we can respond wisely and effectively. This applies not only to our personal lives but also to our life together as a church. We must be open to God’s leading, willing to embrace change, and ready to take risks for the sake of reaching all people with the love of Christ.

Ultimately, God deserves our very best in every area of life—not just in church, but in our homes, workplaces, and communities. Our whole life is an act of worship, and we are called to give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor in Him is never in vain. Jesus gave everything for us; our response should be wholehearted commitment to His kingdom.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Perception and Self-Awareness Are Essential for Kingdom Living The shrewd manager recognized his situation, honestly assessed his abilities, and anticipated the consequences of his actions. In our walk with Christ, we must be equally perceptive—aware of our spiritual condition, our strengths and weaknesses, and the needs around us. This self-awareness allows us to respond wisely to God’s leading and to the changing circumstances in our lives and communities. [30:28]
• 2. Creativity Is a Gift to Be Used for God’s Purposes The manager’s creativity, though misapplied, demonstrates the value of thinking outside the box when facing challenges. God has given each of us unique creative abilities, not just for personal advancement, but for the good of His kingdom. When we channel our creativity into ministry, outreach, and problem-solving, we reflect the innovative heart of our Creator and open new doors for the gospel. [43:23]
• 3. Decisiveness and Courage Open Doors for God’s Work Fear and indecision can paralyze us, causing us to miss opportunities God places before us. The parable reminds us that taking action—even when it involves risk or change—is often necessary for growth and impact. God honors those who step out in faith, trusting Him with the results, even if the path is uncertain or unpopular. [49:51]
• 4. Energetic Action and Sacrifice Are Marks of True Commitment The manager didn’t just make plans—he acted with urgency and energy. In the same way, God calls us to move beyond good intentions and invest real effort and sacrifice into His work. Our willingness to give our best, even when it costs us, is a powerful testimony to the value we place on God’s kingdom and the depth of our gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice. [58:10]
• 5. All of Life Is Worship—God Deserves Our Best in Every Area We often compartmentalize our faith, but Jesus calls us to see every part of life—home, work, church, and community—as an offering to God. Our commitment to excellence, integrity, and wholehearted service in all we do is an act of worship that honors the One who gave everything for us. The kingdom of God deserves nothing less than our full devotion and best effort. [62:50]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [10:24] - Opening Worship and Praise
• [19:46] - Greetings and Online Connection
• [21:34] - Introduction to the Parables Series
• [22:23] - The Mafia Boss Story: Setting Up the Parable
• [24:28] - Reading the Parable of the Shrewd Manager
• [27:28] - Lessons from a Difficult Parable
• [30:03] - The Value of Perception
• [34:06] - Avoiding Extremes: Isolation vs. Immersion
• [39:02] - Embracing Diversity as a Church
• [41:45] - The Power of Creativity
• [48:32] - The Importance of Decisiveness
• [57:49] - The Call to Full Commitment
• [62:50] - All of Life as Worship
• [67:01] - Invitation and Closing Prayer
• [69:29] - Prayer for Benjamin and Family
• [71:53] - Communion and Giving
• [76:04] - Devotionals, Podcast, and Life Groups
• [77:47] - Trunk or Treat and Community Outreach
• [81:10] - Youth Convention and Announcements
• [82:27] - Final Blessing and Dismissal

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.”

Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV) — Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV) — Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

Observation Questions

1. In the parable, what specific actions did the manager take after learning he was going to lose his job? ([25:51])
2. According to Jesus, why did the master commend the dishonest manager, and what point was Jesus making to his listeners? ([27:50])
3. What does Colossians 3:23-24 say about the attitude we should have in our work and service?
4. In 1 Corinthians 15:58, what does Paul say about the kind of commitment we should have in serving the Lord?

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus chose to use a story about a dishonest manager to teach his followers about life in God’s kingdom? What qualities does Jesus want us to imitate, and which ones does he warn us against? ([27:50])
2. The sermon mentioned that people often put more energy and creativity into temporary, worldly things than into the things of God. Why do you think that is, and what does it reveal about our priorities? ([29:00])
3. The pastor talked about the dangers of living in extremes—either isolating ourselves from the world or becoming so immersed in it that we lose our distinctiveness as Christians. What does it look like to find a healthy balance? ([34:06])
4. How does seeing all of life as worship (not just church activities) change the way we approach our daily routines, work, and relationships? ([01:02:50])

Application Questions

1. The manager in the parable was perceptive—he recognized his situation and honestly assessed his abilities and limitations. Is there an area in your life right now where you need to be more honest or self-aware? What would it look like to take a step of perception this week? ([30:28])
2. The sermon challenged us to use our creativity for God’s purposes, not just for personal gain. What is one creative gift or idea you have that could be used to serve others or advance God’s kingdom? How could you take a first step toward using it? ([43:23])
3. Decisiveness and courage were highlighted as qualities that open doors for God’s work. Is there a decision you’ve been putting off—maybe out of fear or uncertainty—that you sense God is prompting you to make? What’s holding you back, and what would it look like to move forward in faith? ([49:51])
4. The manager acted with urgency and energy, not just good intentions. Think of a ministry, relationship, or area of your life where you’ve had good intentions but haven’t taken action. What is one practical step you can take this week to move from intention to action? ([58:10])
5. The sermon warned against compartmentalizing our faith. In what area of your life (work, home, community, etc.) do you find it hardest to live out your faith as an act of worship? What is one way you can invite God into that area this week? ([01:02:50])
6. The pastor shared about the church’s willingness to embrace change and take risks for the sake of reaching all people. Is there a change or risk God might be calling you to embrace for the sake of the gospel? How can your group support you in this? ([39:48])
7. Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters.” What is one “master” (such as money, career, approval, comfort) that sometimes competes with God for your devotion? What would it look like to put God first in that area this week? ([27:28])