Stewardship: Trusting God with Our Resources
Summary
Today’s focus is on one of Jesus’ most challenging and often overlooked parables: the story of the shrewd manager in Luke 16. While many are familiar with the parables of the lost sheep, coin, and son—each highlighting God’s relentless pursuit of people—Jesus follows these with a fourth parable that is less beloved, more perplexing, and directly addresses the subject of money. This story, though strange at first glance, is intentionally placed to reveal something vital about God’s heart and our role as stewards in His kingdom.
The shrewd manager is not commended for his dishonesty, but for his resourcefulness in a moment of crisis. Jesus uses this story to provoke us, to stir our curiosity, and to challenge our assumptions about money and stewardship. The parable teaches that money is not an end in itself, but a trust, a tool, and a test. As stewards, we are entrusted with resources that ultimately belong to God, and our faithfulness in handling them reflects our readiness for greater, eternal responsibilities.
Money is a trust: it is given to us not just for our own benefit, but to be managed for the sake of others and for God’s purposes. Like Paul, who saw himself as a debtor to those he had never met because God had entrusted him with a message for them, we are called to steward our talents, time, and treasure for the benefit of others and the glory of God.
Money is a tool: it is meant to be used purposefully, not wasted or hoarded. Jesus urges us to use worldly wealth to make friends and influence eternity, not by buying our way into heaven, but by investing in people and causes that matter to God. Money, like any tool, is emotionally neutral—it is neither to be loved nor hated, but to be put to work for good.
Money is a test: it reveals the priorities of our hearts. Throughout Scripture, God tests His people by asking for the first and the best, not because He needs our resources, but because He desires our hearts. God Himself modeled this by giving His first and best—His Son—for us. Our willingness to trust Him with our resources is a reflection of our trust in His character and our desire to become more like Him.
Ultimately, God’s heart is for people, not possessions. We are far more valuable to Him than money, and He calls us to reflect His generous, others-focused heart in all we do.
Key Takeaways
- Stewardship is Central to Our Identity
One of the core identities of a follower of Jesus is that of a steward—someone entrusted with resources, talents, and opportunities that ultimately belong to God. This means our lives are not our own; what we have is given to us for the benefit of others and the glory of God. Faithful stewardship is about recognizing that our possessions, abilities, and even our bodies are to be managed in a way that honors the Giver and serves His purposes. [01:06:00]
- Money is a Tool, Not a Master
Jesus challenges us to see money not as something to be loved or despised, but as a tool to be used for good. Money’s value lies in its ability to accomplish purpose—feeding the hungry, supporting ministry, educating children, and reaching the lost. When we detach our emotions from money and see it as a means to serve God’s vision, we are freed from its grip and empowered to use it wisely and generously. [01:16:25]
- Faithfulness in Small Things Prepares Us for Greater Things
The way we handle worldly wealth is a proving ground for deeper spiritual responsibilities. If we are trustworthy with little, we demonstrate readiness for true riches—those things that matter most to God, like people and eternal impact. Our daily decisions with money are not trivial; they are formative, shaping our character and our capacity for greater kingdom influence. [01:12:30]
- God’s Tests are Always About the Heart
Throughout Scripture, God asks for the first and the best—not because He needs our resources, but because He wants our hearts. Money is often the arena in which our priorities are revealed and refined. By giving God our first and best, we declare our trust in His provision and our desire to align our hearts with His, becoming more like Him in generosity and faith. [01:28:00]
- You Are More Valuable to God Than Anything You Own
God’s ultimate demonstration of value is seen in the cross—He gave His first and best, His own Son, for us. No matter your background or experience, you are far more important to your Father than money or possessions. God’s pursuit of you is relentless, and His desire is for you to know Him, to be found, and to become like Him in heart and action. [01:32:35]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Introduction: Parables and Their Purpose
[03:30] - Favorite Parables: The Lost Sheep, Coin, and Son
[07:10] - The Fourth Parable: The Shrewd Manager
[10:00] - Reading Luke 16:1-8
[14:00] - The Parable’s Puzzling Commendation
[17:30] - Jesus’ Explanation: Money and Eternal Dwellings
[21:00] - Money as a Trust: The Call to Stewardship
[27:00] - Paul’s Example of Stewardship
[31:00] - Stewarding Talents, Tongues, and Bodies
[36:00] - Money as a Tool: Purposeful Use
[41:00] - Money’s Power to Influence Eternity
[47:00] - Money as a Test: The Heart of the Issue
[53:00] - God’s Example: Giving His First and Best
[58:00] - You Are More Important Than Money
[01:02:00] - Invitation to Know the Father
[01:05:00] - Communion and Heart for the House
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Shrewd Manager and Kingdom Stewardship
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### 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.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In the parable, what specific actions did the manager take when he realized he was about to lose his job? What was the master’s surprising response? (Luke 16:1-8)
2. According to Jesus, what is the lesson he wants his followers to learn from the shrewd manager’s actions? (Luke 16:8-9)
3. What does Jesus say about being faithful with “very little” and “much”? How does this relate to handling money? (Luke 16:10-12)
4. The sermon points out that Jesus does not commend the manager’s dishonesty, but his resourcefulness. Why is this distinction important? [00:17:30]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says, “Money is a trust: it is given to us not just for our own benefit, but to be managed for the sake of others and for God’s purposes.” How does this idea challenge the way most people view their money and possessions? [00:21:00]
2. Jesus says, “No servant can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and money.” What does it look like in real life to serve money instead of God? How can someone tell which master they are serving? (Luke 16:13)
3. The sermon describes money as a tool, not a master. What are some practical ways believers can use money as a tool for God’s purposes rather than letting it control them? [01:16:25]
4. The sermon says, “God’s tests are always about the heart.” Why do you think God uses money as a test of our hearts? What does our attitude toward money reveal about our relationship with God? [01:28:00]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says, “Faithful stewardship is about recognizing that our possessions, abilities, and even our bodies are to be managed in a way that honors the Giver and serves His purposes.” What is one area of your life (money, time, talents, or even your body) where you sense God is calling you to be a more faithful steward? What is a practical step you can take this week? [01:06:00]
2. Jesus urges us to “use worldly wealth to make friends and influence eternity.” Can you think of a time when you used your resources to bless someone or support a cause that matters to God? How did it impact you and them? Is there a new opportunity God is putting on your heart right now? [01:16:25]
3. The sermon says, “Money is a test: it reveals the priorities of our hearts.” If someone looked at your bank statement or your calendar, what would they say your priorities are? Is there anything you want to change about how you spend your money or time? [01:28:00]
4. The parable challenges us to be resourceful and intentional with what we have. Are there resources (not just money, but skills, connections, or opportunities) you have been “wasting” or not using for God’s purposes? What could you do differently? [00:14:00]
5. The sermon reminds us, “You are more valuable to God than anything you own.” Have you ever struggled to believe that your value is not tied to your possessions or achievements? How can you remind yourself of your worth in God’s eyes this week? [01:32:35]
6. The pastor shared that God gave His first and best—His Son—for us. How does this example of generosity inspire you to give your “first and best” to God? What might that look like in your life right now? [01:28:00]
7. The sermon mentions that Paul saw himself as a debtor to people he had never met because God had entrusted him with a message for them. Is there someone in your life or community that God might be calling you to serve or reach out to with what He has given you? What is one step you can take this week? [00:27:00]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for hearts that are faithful stewards, for wisdom in using resources for God’s purposes, and for a deeper understanding of their value in God’s eyes.
Devotional
Day 1: Money is a Trust—Be Faithful with What God Entrusts
Each of us is given resources, abilities, and opportunities that ultimately belong to God, not to ourselves. We are called to be stewards—managers of what has been entrusted to us for the benefit of others and for the glory of God. This means recognizing that our money, talents, and even our bodies are not just for our own use, but are to be used in ways that honor God and bless those around us. Faithfulness in small things leads to greater trust, and God delights in those who steward His gifts well, knowing that true riches are found in people and relationships, not possessions. [01:11:00]
Luke 16:10-12 (ESV)
"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?"
Reflection: What is one area of your life—money, time, or talent—where you sense God is asking you to be a more faithful steward this week? How can you take a practical step today to honor Him with it?
Day 2: Money is a Tool—Use It Purposefully for Good
Money is not to be wasted or idolized, but used intentionally as a tool to accomplish good, to bless others, and to make God look good in the eyes of the world. Like the shrewd manager, we are called to use our resources to influence lives, build relationships, and even impact eternity. Whether it’s supporting a ministry, helping someone in need, or investing in your family, every dollar can serve a purpose beyond ourselves. The key is to see money as a means to an end, not an end in itself, and to use it in ways that reflect God’s generous heart. [01:16:25]
Luke 16:9 (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."
Reflection: Who is one person or cause you can bless with your resources this week, using your money as a tool to reflect God’s generosity and love?
Day 3: Money is a Test—Align Your Heart with God’s Priorities
Throughout Scripture, money is used as a test of our hearts, revealing what we truly value and where our trust lies. God is not after our money, but our hearts—He wants us to prioritize what matters most to Him: people, relationship, and Christlikeness. The way we handle our finances is a spiritual test, an opportunity to put first things first and to become more like our generous Father. When we give God our best and our first, we demonstrate trust in His provision and align our hearts with His purposes. [01:28:00]
Luke 16:13-15 (ESV)
"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. The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. And he said to them, 'You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.'"
Reflection: In what ways does your use of money reveal your true priorities? Is there a step you can take today to put God and people first in your financial decisions?
Day 4: You Are More Important to God Than Money
God’s heart is for people, not possessions. He values you far above any material wealth, and He proved this by giving His very best—His own Son—for your sake. No matter your background or what you’ve experienced, you are the treasure God seeks, the one He would sweep the house for, the sheep He would leave the ninety-nine to find, the child He runs to embrace. God’s love for you is extravagant, and He wants you to know that you are His priority, not your performance or your possessions. [01:32:35]
Romans 8:32 (ESV)
"He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?"
Reflection: Do you truly believe that you are more valuable to God than anything you could ever give or do? How might embracing this truth change the way you approach Him and others today?
Day 5: Stewardship Is About Reflecting God’s Generous Heart
Being a faithful steward is not just about managing resources well, but about sharing in God’s heart for people and His house. When we steward what we have—our money, time, and gifts—we become living testimonies of God’s generosity and goodness. Our actions can help others see how good God is, drawing them closer to Him. Stewardship is an invitation to participate in God’s mission, to invest in what matters most, and to let our lives point others to the generous Father who gave everything for us. [01:36:00]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can reflect God’s generous heart to someone in your life this week, using what He has entrusted to you?
Quotes
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