Managing What Matters

Luke 16:1-13 "Managing What Matters: Growing as Faithful Stewards."

1. The parable of the shrewd manager challenges us to reflect on how well we manage our spiritual growth and the things God has entrusted to us

• We live in a world obsessed with management—time management, money management, career management , retirement management

• But Jesus asks a deeper question: How well are you managing your soul? John Wesley often ask the parishioners how is it with your soul?

• In Luke 16, Jesus tells a story that seems strange at first—a look at that dishonest manager praised for his shrewdness.

• God cares deeply about how we steward what He’s given us, especially our spiritual growth.

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2. Jesus calls us not to waste the stuff God has given us (vv. 1–2)

• “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions.”

• Jesus begins with a manager who’s been careless. He’s not accused of stealing—he’s accused of wasting.

• How often do we waste the gifts, time, and opportunities God gives us?

• Are we wasting our prayer life? Our time in the Word? Our chances to love others well?

• God will one day ask for an account—not to condemn us, but to see how we’ve grown.

3. Jesus encourages making wise decisions (vv. 3–8)

“The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly.”

• He is wise enough to get something back that he wasted

• Are we as followers preparing for eternity with the same urgency we prepare for retirement or success?

• One scholar said, “You don’t drift into spiritual maturity. You choose it. You plan for it. You pursue it.”

• Think of a garden. If you don’t plant, water, and weed intentionally, it doesn’t grow—it dies. So does your faith.

4. Big Growth starts with small obedience Faithfulness in the small can make us faithful in the big stuff (vv. 9–12)“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.”

• God may ask us Are you faithful in the “small” things—daily prayer, quiet acts of kindness, resisting temptation when no one’s watching?

• God says I will reward

5. Jesus tells us in this text to Choose Your Master (v. 13) “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money.”

• Jesus encourages us to have a heart that is seeking first the kingdom

• Jesus encourages us to have a heart that is not split but fully sets it mind on thing above.

• What in our life is competing with God for your attention? Comfort? Success?

• Who’s shaping our decisions—Faith or something else

6. How is it with our soul of how are we managing our faith?

• Are we growing? • Are we faithful? Are we preparing for eternity?

• Are we loyal to God? Are we wasting our faith?

• Are we managing what matters? Are we making wise decisions?

• What master are we serving let’s choose Jesus

🧎 Closing Prayer:

“Lord, help me to be faithful with what You’ve entrusted to me. Teach me to grow, to prepare, and to serve You with undivided loyalty. May my life reflect Your wisdom, Your grace, and Your purpose. In Jesus’ name, amen.”