The Unrighteous Steward

THE UNRIGHTEOUS STEWARD

Luke 16:1-13

INTRO: Charles Dickens wrote about a man who was very selfish. Ebenezer Scrooge. We use this term to describe someone who is a tightwad. Perhaps it could describe the unrighteous steward Jesus tells about in Luke’s Gospel. Let’s see three things about this steward: His dilemma, his decision, and his devotion.

I. THE STEWARD’S DILEMMA (vv. 1-3).

The steward was a house manager. He was in charge of the property of the master. He was called upon to give an account of his management.

If he was a good businessman he could make a good living for himself from what he saved with what he managed.

He was a poor manager and had misused his boss’s money. He was about to be fired.

ILLUS: Joseph in Potiphar’s house. He had charge of all things.

We are managers of God’s household—the universe. He has put us in charge of everything. We will be called upon to give an account. How are we managing it? Would it be necessary for God to “fire” us?

II. THE STEWARD’S DECISION (vv. 4-7).

About to be fired, he didn’t know what he was going to do. He couldn’t work, wouldn’t beg. He called in those who had an obligation to his boss and reduced their debts so they would “owe” him a favor.

ILLUS: Owing a favor is common in the business world and politics. This has been the downfall of many people.

Perhaps we have been unfaithful stewards of what God has committed to our care—as an individual or as a church.

This includes other things besides money. Natural resources, energy, environment, self, others, church, and especially the salvation of the lost.

III. THE STEWARD’S Devotion (vv. 8-13).

The one central attitude that is shown by the steward in this parable is: LOOK OUT FOR SELF. All that he did was to this end.

The boss commended his shrewdness in taking care of himself, not his dishonesty.

ILLUS: Little boy who got a big bag of Halloween candy but wouldn’t share one piece. It’s mine!

Jesus said we could learn from this steward, not to be dishonest, but the devotion he had. Our devotion should be directed toward God, and not toward ourselves.

As we examine our lives in light of the last few verses, can we say that God has confidence in us?

CONC: Luke sums up this parable in the last verse. Who do you serve? Money (self) or God?