Spoken at SGBC, 201 Yuma St., Globe, Az

5-24-98, Luke 115 - 16:1-13

The Unjust Steward

(Learning from the unbeliever)

As Christ relates to us the parable of the unjust steward we must not forget what has gone before. In chapter fifteen He rebuked the Pharisees for their lack of love for the lost. By the use of three parables He illustrated the love of God for sinners and spoke of joy in heaven when even one sinner repents.

The Pharisees had been given a stewardship. They had been entrusted with the word of God, the Old Testament scriptures, the Gospel. Their Master, God, had put them in charge of teaching, shepherding and comforting His sheep with His word. But instead, they took care of themselves. They partook of the fruit of labor they did not perform and pretended to be lovers of God and His law. They neglected and, in fact, despised God's lost sheep. As we study this parable remember that the Pharisees are still very likely within earshot and were in fact unjust stewards of what God had given them.

The parable of the unjust steward was spoken primarily to Christ's disciples. By this parable they and we are called to the practice of good stewardship. As you will see the stewardship given to the children of God includes all that we are, have and do. Let's begin.

(Luke 16:1-13 NASB) Now He was also saying to the disciples, "There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and this steward was reported to him as squandering his possessions. {2} "And he called him and said to him, 'What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, (Bring me your books.) for you can no longer be steward.' (You&rsquore fired!) {3} "And the steward said to himself, 'What shall I do, (How shall I live?) since my master is taking the stewardship away from me? I am not strong enough to dig; I am ashamed to beg. {4} 'I know what I shall do, so that when I am removed from the stewardship, they (the master's debtors) will receive me into their homes.'

The Strongs Greek dictionary defines the word steward as follows. "To manage; the manager of a household, or a treasurer." Webster says about the same thing. "A steward is a person who manages another's property, finances, or other affairs. A person in charge of the household affairs of a large estate, club, hotel or resort." A steward then is a person trusted by another, his master or employer, with his treasure, his business and lively-hood. On the human and material side of things an unjust steward could bring his master to poverty or bankruptcy. Surely we can see the seriousness of the situation described in the parable.

This man was trusted implicitly with the master money. Instead of being frugal and wise, on his master's behalf, he squandered his resources. The word squander has in it the idea of scattering as in sowing seed to the four winds. In other words, this man wasted, spent, gave away or did not collect his masters money as he had been hired to do. He was at least a poor manager and likely an out and out thief. We are not surprised to hear that he is fired. His days of living high on the hog at the expense of his master are over. What will he do for a living, how will he survive? He is, in his own estimation, to weak to dig and would be ashamed to beg. What can he do? Well, he decides to make his master's debtors beholden to him so that when he finds himself in need he will have someone that owes him a favor.

{4} 'I know what I shall do, so that when I am removed from the stewardship, they, (those who owed his master money or goods), will receive me into their homes.' {5} "And he summoned each one of his master's debtors, and he began saying to the first, 'How much do you OWE MY MASTER?' {6} "And he said, 'A hundred measures of oil.' And he said to him, 'Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.' {7} "Then he said to another, 'And how much do you owe?' And he said, 'A hundred measures of wheat.' He said to him, 'Take your bill, and write eighty.'

Can you believe it? This man has no conscience! He has cost his master dearly while he worked for him and he continues to rob him after he is fired! He has no right to discount these people's debts! He has no right to mess with what is owed to another! This man is an unjust steward, he is a thief! But he is not a dumb thief. On the contrary he is quite clever, something which the master noticed right away. {8} "And his master praised the unrighteous steward because he had acted shrewdly; (He praised him for his ingenuity, cleverness, and prudence in concocting a way to get food and shelter after he has lost his job. He was not praising him for his dishonesty, he fired him for that.

From this point on Jesus begins to apply the parable to all who hear, specifically the disciples. They were and we are to look at this creative unbeliever and learn something. But what are we to learn? It has to do with stewardship, with using our time, talents and money in a way that pleases our Master, our God. The parable has to do with honesty, faithfulness, prudence, and shrewdness in living the Christian life.) for the SONS OF THIS AGE (non-Christians) are more shrewd in relation to their own kind than THE SONS OF LIGHT, (Christians).

Jesus points out something that has always been observable. Unbelievers all too often exhibit more forethought, wisdom, prudence, shrewdness, dedication and determination in the way they pursue their various interests than Christians do.

For instance, the football fan will often forsake his family and friends to watch or attend a game. While the Christian may only attend the stated worship services of the church if there is nothing better to do. The football fan is often seen sitting in the rain to watch a game while the slightest hint of inclement weather may very well keep the Christian home from church.

The serious, unbelieving, fishermen will spend thousands of dollars on first class equipment so he can enjoy his sport. He devotes time and energy to learning the lakes, the water temperature, the behavior of the fish so he can be a successful fisherman. The Christian, on the other hand, may devote little or no money to his spiritual pursuits. Neither does he train himself with bible study or corporate worship and fellowship with other believers. There are various tools he could purchase that would help him understand the scriptures more clearly but he has better places to put his money and better ways to use his time.

The unbeliever is often very shrewd and thoughtful when investing his money. While it is not uncommon for the Christian to be very careless and haphazard in the use of the money God gives him. The unbeliever will often work very hard for a promotion so he can better care for his family or give more to his particular political party or favorite charity. While the Christian, too often, performs his duties on the job in a disinterested, mediocre, fashion and then complains about being passed by at promotion time. The unbeliever will work very hard to recruit people to his cause, political persuasion, club or organization. While some Christians don&rsquot seem to care if anyone goes to heaven but them. These comparisons could go on and on.

Look around you ladies and gentlemen. What you see is the world charging ahead with determination and careful calculation. Though they are really headed nowhere you see them using every means and resource at their disposal to get there. They will stop at nothing to reach their goals and fulfill their dreams. Yes, they are motivated by the lust of their eyes and the pride of life. But look at them go. Surely those who are called to and want to live for the glory of God should be as determined and diligent as they are.

As believers in Jesus and worshipers of the one true God we need to be shrewd, prudent, wise and dedicated to working out our Christianity in the most God honoring and profitable way possible. For we have been entursted with both a physical and spiritual stewardship. The scriptures speak of both.

(1 Corinthians 4:1-2 NASB) "Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ, and STEWARDS OF THE MYSTERIES OF GOD. {2} In this case, moreover, IT IS REQUIRED OF STEWARDS THAT ONE BE FOUND TRUSTWORTHY." This text has to do with ministers but all Christians are stewards of the truth they have had revealed to them and the gifts given to them. We see this in the next reference.

(1 Peter 4:7-10 NASB) "The end of all things is at hand; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. {8} Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. {9} Be hospitable to one another without complaint. {10} As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, AS GOOD STEWARDS OF THE MANIFOLD (many faceted) GRACE OF GOD."

May it never be said of us as it was of the people of Israel, (Jeremiah 4:22 NASB) "For My people are foolish, They know Me not; They are stupid children, And they have no understanding. They are SHREWD TO DO EVIL, BUT TO DO GOOD THEY DO NOT KNOW." As stewards of the manifold grace of God let us be as clever in the pursuit of righteousness, holiness, growth in grace and knowledge, and general spiritual health as the unbeliever is in the pursuit of evil. Let us make good use of the time, talents, energy, and graces given to us by God. Let us make much use of the means of grace at out disposal. I speak of private bible reading and prayer. I speak of corporate worship, bible study, prayer and fellowship. These are the things that will help us become better stewards of the manifold grace of God entursted to each believing sinner.

We are also to be good stewards of the physical things God trusts us with. Listen to this advice; (Proverbs 27:23-27 NASB) "Know well the condition of your flocks, And pay attention to your herds; (Don&rsquot take the means of your livelihood for granted. Be diligent, work hard at what you do. Make your job as profitable as possible while you are able to.) {24} For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations. {25} When the grass disappears, the new growth is seen, And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in, {26} The lambs will be for your clothing, And the goats will bring the price of a field, {27} And there will be goats' milk enough for your food, For the food of your household, And sustenance for your maidens."

If you do not take care of your job, be it shepherding or rocket science, you will not have it long. Therefore, there will not be enough food for your household. The Christian who works at his job with the awareness that it was given to him by God to care for and manage well will be the best employee or employer around. For by this job he glorifies God and by this job God provides his material needs. Remember, as an employee you have been entrusted with your master's (employer, company's) treasure, money or income. You can either help or harm the man or the business. His goods are not yours to do with as you please. His time is not yours to do with as you please. You and I are stewards only, whether of the things of God or of the things that belong to our earthly masters. We must be good stewards on both counts. No matter what human we work for or how hard a character he might be we must perform our duties for the Lord.

(Colossians 3:22-24 NASB) "Slaves, (employees) in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but WITH SINCERITY OF HEART, FEARING THE LORD. {23} Whatever you do, do your work heartily, AS FOR THE LORD RATHER THAN FOR MEN; {24} knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve." When a person serves Christ by being a good and faithful steward of his job he will be blessed with enough for himself and for others as well.

(Ephesians 4:28 NASB) "Let him who steals steal no longer; but rather let him labor, performing with his own hands what is good, in order that he may have something to share with him who has need." If you have been an unjust steward it is time for reform. If you have been accustomed to stealing from the company you work for it is time to stop. Stop stealing his goods and the time he pays you for. Begin now to labor hard for the glory of God, your own needs, and the needs of others and for the good of your employer. Be a good and faithful steward.

Lets take a look at the next verse in our text. Luke 16:9. "And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by means of the mammon of unrighteousness; (The "mammon of unrighteousness" is nothing more or less than money.) that when it fails, they (the friends you made by using your money wisely) may receive you into the ETERNAL DWELLINGS."

This is one of the most difficult statements Christ every made. What does it mean? Well, if you press the details of the verse too hard you will come up with something that Christ never intended to teach. Something like, "Make friends by giving them money so that when you die those who have gone before you will welcome you into heaven." Some respected commentators actually believe that is what Christ said and meant. I don&rsquot think so.

What one needs to do is hold the parable at arms length, as it were, to view the whole thing at once. As I did this I was inclined to agree with J C Ryle who said this, "The expression (the words of verse nine) appears to me to be general and indefinite, and to be borrowed from the conduct of the unjust steward, in order to make the lesson more pointed. The meaning seems to me to be no more than this. "Use your money with an eye to the future, as the steward did his. Spend your money in such a way that your expenditure shall be a friend to you, and not a witness against you in another world." This is the meaning of Christ's statement.

We are to use our money so that it does us good and is not a witness against us. We do this by using our money for the glory of God. We do that by using it according to the instructions given us in the Bible. Here are a few examples.

(Matthew 22:19-21 NASB) In answer to a question about paying taxes to the government Jesus says to his disciples, "Show Me the coin used for the poll-tax." And they brought Him a denarius. {20} And He said to them, "Whose likeness and inscription is this?" {21} They said to Him, "Caesar's." Then He said to them, "Then RENDER TO CAESAR THE THINGS THAT ARE CAESAR'S; AND TO GOD THE THINGS THAT ARE GOD'S."

(Romans 13:3-7 NASB) "For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same; {4} for it is a minister of God to you for good. . . {6} FOR BECAUSE OF THIS YOU ALSO PAY TAXES, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. {7} Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor."

Good stewardship involves the cheerful support of our Government. It also involves the support of the church or giving to God. Giving to the church or to the Lord's work is not an option. However, the amount we give to God is determined by the individual. Hear the word of the Lord. (1 Corinthians 16:2 NASB) "On the first day of every week let each one of you put aside and save, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come." (2 Corinthians 9:6-11 NASB) "Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. {7} Let each one do (give) JUST AS HE HAS PURPOSED IN HIS HEART; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER. . . {10} Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; {11} you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God."

Those who have a heart for giving to the Lord and His work often say things like this. (1 Chronicles 29:14-17 NASB) "But who am I and who are my people that we should be able to offer as generously as this? For all things come from Thee, and FROM THY HAND WE HAVE GIVEN THEE. {15} "For we are sojourners before Thee, and tenants, as all our fathers were; our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no hope. {16} "O LORD our God, all this abundance that we have provided to build Thee a house for Thy holy name, IT IS FROM THY HAND, AND ALL IS THINE. {17} "Since I know, O my God, that Thou triest the heart and delightest in uprightness, I, in the integrity of my heart, have willingly offered all these things; so now with joy I have seen Thy people, who are present here, make their offerings willingly to Thee." I once owed a man two thousand dollars and wondered how I would pay him back. It wasn&rsquot long before I received a gift from the same man for more than what I owed him. I paid him back with his own money. When we give to the Lord we are just returning what He gave us in the first place. We are only stewards of what from and has always belonged to the Lord. How generous we ought to be when giving back to our Lord.

As stewards of the money God gives us we are also to support the poor. (Proverbs 19:17 NASB) "He who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed." Proverbs 28:27 NASB "He who gives to the poor will never want, But he who shuts his eyes will have many curses." (Proverbs 28:27 NASB) "He who gives to the poor will never want, But he who shuts his eyes will have many curses." Deuteronomy 15:7 NASB "If there is a poor man with you, one of your brothers, in any of your towns in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand from your poor brother; 8 but you shall freely open your hand to him, and shall generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks."

In the New Testament we find the same kind of instruction. (1 Timothy 6:17-19 NASB) "Instruct those who are rich (We are all rich in relation to people less fortunate than ourselves.) in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. {18} Instruct them (us) to do good, to be rich in good works, to be GENEROUS AND READY TO SHARE, {19} storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed." Here is the first hint that the use of our money has some very real spiritual implications. "{19} storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed."

One may think that the way he uses his money is a relatively little thing. However, the bible tells us that the way you think about money and the way you use it reveals a great deal about the condition of your soul. Do you use the material things God has given you in a faithful and godly fashion? This is an important question. For, {10} "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much. (This is a general truth for which it is rare to find and exception.) {11} "If therefore you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous mammon, (money) who will entrust the true riches to you? (True riches are spiritual riches. I speak of growth in grace and knowledge of God's word. I speak of the great treasure that is peace. What greater treasure can we own on this earth than peace of conscience toward God? If you do not deal faithfully and righteously with temporary treasure, money, it is highly likely that you are still a captive of your own lusts and no servant of God. That being the case you will not come to possess real and eternal treasure.) {12} "And if you have not been faithful in the use of that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own? (The steward was not faithful in managing his master's money. Therefore, he was fired and had nothing of his own. The believer's master is God and everything we have is His. We are only stewards or managers of our lives, talents, children, stuff, and in this case, money. What can we call our own? Only salvation, peace, contentment, maturity, wisdom, these gifts are given to the faithful steward. They are entrusted to the man who has been given a new heart. To the man who no longer serves his flesh but God and his fellow man.) {13} "No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon."

The Pharisees could not serve God because they were servants of themselves. The steward could not serve his master because of his love for money. We cannot serve God and anything or anyone else. There is no room for compromise here. To be a child of God and a good manager of our lives and things we must be totally devoted Him by faith in Jesus Christ. We must be given over to using all that we are and have to the Glory of God. In this way we will do ourselves the most good. In this way we will lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven which will be ours alone and which moths and rust cannot destroy.