READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l Stewardship is re-directing earthly resources using eternal perspectives. It is an integral part of God’s mission whereby we share what we have, with glad, generous and grateful hearts. All that we have – time, talent, treasures – are from God and so our stewardship is to help the church achieve its vision.
The parable of the shrewd manager who is described as unrighteous, dishonest or unjust was told to the disciples and the Pharisees. What does this parable teach us about stewardship as an expression of intentional discipleship?
- Seize opportunities wisely (vs. 1-9)
- Jesus teaches that many unbelievers are wiser in how they manage money than believers (vs.8). He was not praising this steward for his dishonesty.
- People of light are commanded to invest wisely for spiritual purposes.
- The worldly-wise steward appraised the situation. He then looked ahead, planned and acted quickly as he realised that his generosity would bring him welcome in future.
- Window of opportunity seized. Act quickly in light of eternity. Honour God with our resources.
- Be shrewd. We cannot earn heaven but we can make friends by helping those in need.
- Seize the opportunity before it is gone. All that we have belongs to God. Our wealth and resources will not last forever. We certainly cannot take it with us at the end of our earthly lives. We are to be shrewd to invest in what lasts and is of eternal significance, such as impacting others’ lives through the gospel and helping the poor and needy.
- Honour God by investing in causes and ministries. Expect to receive a heavenly welcome (vs.9) and gain trust with true riches (vs.11).
- Show trust-worthiness whole-heartedly
- Stewardship is a test of accountability. 2 Cor. 5:10 reminds us that we will all appear before the judgment seat of Christ one day. Apart from material resources, we are also stewards of time (Eph. 5:15-16), gifts (1 Pet.4:10) and the Gospel (1 Thess. 2:4).
- Stewardship is also a test of integrity. God can use money to test our integrity. These material resources are not ours but placed in our care by God to meet the needs of others. God watches us to see how we use what He has entrusted to us.
- Serve God wholly (vs.13)
- The Pharisees’ response. These teachers of the law are described as greedy and “lovers of money”. When they heard Jesus say, “You cannot serve both God and money”, they derided him.
- Jesus rebuked the Pharisees (vs. 15). Money is never neutral. It is either our master or our servant.
- Honouring God with His money wins our devotion to God. If what I have isn’t serving God, then I am serving money.
Stewardship is everything I do after I say I believe.
Ask God to show each of us how to honour Him through our stewardship.
(Sermon notes by Angela Goh)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. How would you describe yourself as a steward of God? Share how you are currently stewarding your time, talents and treasures.
2. Stewardship is sharing in God’s mission with glad, generous and grateful hearts. What steps can you take to intentionally help the church achieve its vision?
3. How can you apply these Three Principles Of Shrewd Discipleship?
i. Seize Opportunities Wisely (Luke 16:1-9)
ii. Show Trust-Worthiness Whole-heartedly (Luke 16:10-12)
iii. Serve God Wholly (Luke 16:13)
4. Stewardship is a test of Accountability and Integrity. How are you doing in showing trust-worthiness?
5. What would it mean for you to say “Stewardship is everything I do after I say ‘I believe’”. List down steps you would take in making stewardship a way of life.
