GOD AND MONEY
PART 1
LUKE 16
Introduction
Have you ever taken a close look at your
relationship with money? Let me phrase it
another way, have you ever considered that the
way you spend your money is a litmus test of your
relationship with God? In the parable of the unjust
steward (Luke 16) Jesus exposes the relationship
between our handling of this world’s possession
and our love for God. This parable also reveals
that our spending is either an investment into the
Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of Self. What is
your wallet revealing about you?
DOES YOUR SPENDING REFLECT GOD’S
OWNERSHIP OF EVERYTHING?
VERSES 1-8, 12
• PLANNING
• ACCOUNTABILITY
• PURPOSE
The M & M Parable
•
•
•
•
Giver #1- Stingy the Stockpiler “Scrooge”
Giver #2- Bare Minimum “Barry”
Giver #3- Normal Giver “Norm”
Giver #4- Blank Check “Bob”
3 Truths to Remember
• God Gave you Everything—All the M&Ms are HIS
• God at any time could take everything away from
you—He could take away your M&Ms by force
• God at any time could multiply His giving to you—He
could cover you up with M&Ms
DOES YOUR SPENDING ACCOMPLISH
ANYTHING ETERNAL?
VERSES 10-12
• RELATIONSHIPS
• GREAT COMMISSION
• GOD’S PROGRAM
DOES YOUR SPENDING WARRANT
FUTURE, GENUINE INVESTMENT?
VERSES 10-12
• (ROI) RETURN ON INVESTMENT
• TRUSTWORTHY AND FAITHFUL
DOES YOUR SPENDING GIVE PRIORITY
TO GOD?
VERSES 13-15
• WHERE DOES YOUR MONEY TRAIL LEAD?
• WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH A MILLION
DOLLARS?
• WHAT DO YOU DO WITH YOUR PAYCHECK
AND POSSESSIONS?
Conclusion
• Jesus uses this parable to help us discover
that our finances can be used on either the
Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of Self.
Jesus put it plainly, “Do not lay up for
yourselves treasures on earth, where moth
and rust destroy and where thieves break in
and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures
in heaven…For where you treasure is, there
your heart will be also,” Matthew 6:19-21.
Conclusion
• How would you evaluate your stewardship
this past year? Have you been investing in
your family, your church and God’s priorities
or throwing it all away on the Kingdom of
self? God is calling you to invest in His
Kingdom; what is 2013 going to look like for
you?