Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Parable of the Shrewd Manager (Luke 16)
Bible ReadingLuke 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- In the parable, what specific actions did the manager take after learning he was going to lose his job? ([25:51])
- According to Jesus, why did the master commend the dishonest manager, and what point was Jesus making to his listeners? ([27:50])
- What does Colossians 3:23-24 say about the attitude we should have in our work and service?
- In 1 Corinthians 15:58, what does Paul say about the kind of commitment we should have in serving the Lord?
Interpretation Questions- 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])
- 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])
- 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])
- 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- 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])
- 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])
- 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])
- 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])
- 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])
- 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])
- 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])
Close in prayer, asking God for perception, creativity, courage, and wholehearted commitment as you serve Him together.
