Theme: Wisdom in Action
Text: Luke 16:1-8
By: Itseghosimhe, Charles
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OPENING
Key Scripture: Luke 16:1-8
Jesus tells the story of a rich man’s steward who was accused of wasting his master’s resources and was about to lose his job.
In verse 2, the master said: “What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.”
Realizing that his dismissal was imminent, the steward quickly reduced the debts owed by his master’s debtors so that they would later receive and assist him.
Although the steward acted dishonestly, verse 8 says: “So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light.”
The master did not commend his dishonesty, but his shrewdness, urgency, and strategic thinking.
Jesus used this parable to reveal a painful reality: worldly people often pursue temporary things with greater seriousness, urgency, wisdom, and foresight than believers pursue eternal matters.
The lesson is clear: Believers must become wise, intentional, strategic, and forward-thinking in how they use opportunities, relationships, resources, gifts, and time for God’s kingdom and eternal purposes.
Anchor Thought
“Every believer is a steward, and every steward will give account.”
This is not merely a story—it is a divine warning wrapped inside a parable.
CONTEXT & EXEGESIS
Understanding the Parable (Luke 16:1–8)
Jesus tells the story of a rich man and his steward (manager).
The steward:
- Was accused of wasting his master’s goods
- Was called to give account
- Realized judgment was imminent
- Acted strategically to secure his future
KEY EXEGETICAL INSIGHTS
“Steward” (Greek: Oikonomos)
A steward is:
- A manager of another man’s resources
- Not the owner, but accountable to the owner
Spiritual Meaning
We are not owners of our lives, gifts, opportunities, positions, finances, or resources. We are managers under God.
Everything we have has been entrusted to us temporarily.
“Give Account” (Luke 16:2)
This refers to:
- A formal audit
- A demand for explanation
This points directly to:
- Judgment Day
- Romans 14:12:“Every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”
One day, every believer will stand before God to explain how they managed what He entrusted to them.
“The children of this world are wiser…” (Luke 16:8)
This is one of the most sobering statements Jesus made.
Jesus was not praising dishonesty.
Rather, He was emphasizing:
- Urgency
- Intentionality
- Foresight
- Strategic thinking
Today:
- Business people strategize seriously
- Fraudsters plan carefully
- Politicians pursue goals passionately
- Some students pursue careers aggressively
Yet many believers approach spiritual matters casually.
Modern Contrast
For business:
- No sleep
- Full commitment
- Planning
- Sacrifice
- Consistency
But for God: “Let me see if I can make it.”
That is exactly what Jesus was exposing.
The Unjust Steward Did Three Things
- He planned ahead
- He acted decisively
- He used available opportunities strategically
But many believers:
- Delay spiritual action
- Waste divine opportunities
- Live without eternal consciousness
Core Exegetical Truth
God expects spiritual wisdom to be expressed through responsible stewardship with eternity in view.
WHO IS A STEWARD?
Every person in church is a steward of something entrusted by God.
STEWARDSHIP OF TIME
Reality Today
Many believers spend:
- Five hours on phones and social media
- Several hours on movies
- Endless time on gossip, arguments, trends, and entertainment
Yet:
- Cannot pray consistently
- Cannot study scripture faithfully
- Cannot attend Bible study regularly
Still, we say: “I don’t have time.”
The problem is not lack of time. The problem is poor stewardship of time.
Modern Example
A student may spend the whole night on:
- TikTok
- Football analysis
- Betting updates
- Endless chatting
A trader may spend day and night actively pursuing business.
A businessman may remain highly focused at work throughout the week.
Yet the same person:
- Sleeps during worship
- Avoids home fellowship, and prayer meetings
- Misses Bible study
- Avoids Sunday worship under self-justified excuses such as:
- “I want to rest”
- “I want to wash clothes”
- “I have social engagements”
That is mismanaged stewardship.
Spiritual Implication
The enemy does not only destroy through sin. He also destroys through distraction.
Many destinies today are not dying because of witchcraft or demonic attack, but because of:
- Carelessness
- Misplaced priorities
- Wasted time
Ephesians 5:16 says: “Redeeming the time…”
One day, God will ask: “What did you do with the time I gave you?”
STEWARDSHIP OF GIFTS & TALENTS
1 Peter 4:10 says: “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
Many believers are gifted but inactive.
God has given people:
- Voice
- Wisdom
- Leadership
- Evangelism grace
- Creativity
- Teaching ability
Yet many bury these gifts.
Modern Example
A youth member may organize office events excellently or run online business activities efficiently, yet become careless concerning church assignments.
- Late to rehearsals
- Late to meetings
- No seriousness toward kingdom responsibilities
Why? Because many believers unconsciously value earthly platforms more than eternal assignments.
Dangerous Reality
Unused gifts gradually become dormant.
Not because God removed them, but because neglect weakens capacity.
Spiritual Implication
God can replace a careless steward.
Just as:
- Saul was replaced by David
- Judas lost his position
STEWARDSHIP OF MONEY & RESOURCES
Some believers think stewardship only concerns church offering.
No.
God watches:
- How we spend
- What controls our appetites
- What we prioritize
Modern Scenario
Someone earns ₦300,000 or more monthly, yet:
- Has no savings
- Supports no kingdom work
- Contributes nothing to ministry relief efforts
- Neglects family responsibilities
- Makes no investment
- Helps nobody
Yet spends heavily on:
- Expensive phones
- Betting
- Clubbing
- Appearance competition
That is not prosperity.
That is poor stewardship.
Deep Spiritual Insight
Sometimes we pray: “Lord, bless me financially.”
But Heaven asks: “What happened to the last blessing?”
Luke 16 Connection
The unjust steward understood: “What I do with resources affects my future.”
Many believers separate spirituality from financial responsibility.
God does not.
Real-Life Church Connection
Some people owe:
- Rent
- School fees
- Food bills
- Debts
- Ministry contributions
- Association dues
- Cooperative obligations
Yet maintain false appearances in church.
True stewardship includes:
- Discipline
- Planning
- Accountability
- Integrity
SPIRITUAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Stewardship also includes:
- Parenting
- Leadership
- Ministry
- Service
The reality is: Nothing you have truly belongs to you.
Everything has been entrusted to you by God.
STEWARDSHIP OF INFLUENCE
Luke 16:11 says: “Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?”
Some people think influence belongs only to celebrities or leaders.
No.
Everyone influences someone.
- Parents influence children
- Friends influence friends
- Leaders influence members
Present-Day Reality
Some believers:
- Post ungodly content online
- Encourage immorality
- Promote gossip
- Normalize corruption
Then come to church on Sunday. That is misuse of influence.
Soul-Penetrating Question
If everyone in church behaved like you:
- Would the church grow spiritually?
- Would prayer survive?
- Would holiness remain?
STEWARDSHIP OF SALVATION
This is the deepest stewardship of all.
Salvation itself is a stewardship.
Many people received grace from God, yet are wasting it.
Dangerous Modern Trend
Some believers now live:
- Lukewarm lives
- Secret sinful lives
- Double identities
Church on Sunday.
Worldliness Monday to Saturday.
Reality Check
The unjust steward realized: “My position is about to expire.”
One day:
- Time will expire
- Opportunities will expire
- Life itself will expire
And every person will stand before God.
THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF A STEWARD
Accountability is Certain
No one escapes divine audit.
One major danger in church is assuming: “This message is for pastors, evangelists, deacons, ministry leaders, workers, or rich people.”
No.
This lesson is for:
- Students
- Youths
- Married people
- Businessmen
- Workers
- The unemployed
- Song ministry members
- Singing class participants
- Evangelists
- Deacons
- Parents
- Elders
Because every human being is managing something entrusted by God.
In Today’s World
- You can hide from your boss
- You can manipulate systems
- But you cannot escape God’s record
Accountability is Personal
- You will not answer for others
- There will be no group defense
Examples:
- A song ministry member or a singing class participant— your voice is your stewardship
- A worker — your commitment is your stewardship
- A youth — your time and focus are your stewardship
Accountability is Based on Faithfulness
1 Corinthians 4:2 says: “It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”
God will not judge:
- Your popularity
- Your noise
- Your title
He will judge:
- Your faithfulness
- Your management
- Your accountability
SPIRITUAL IMPLICATIONS
Mismanagement Leads to Loss
The steward was about to lose his position.
Today many are losing:
- Spiritual authority
- Opportunities
- Divine favor
Examples:
- An unused gift becomes dormant
- A neglected calling becomes distant
Wisdom Must Be Applied, Not Admired
Many believers:
- Know scriptures
- Hear sermons
- Attend programs
Yet never act.
The unjust steward acted immediately.
Eternal Consequences Are Real
2 Corinthians 5:10 says: “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ…”
Your stewardship affects:
- Eternal reward
- Eternal relevance
Urgency is Required “In a Time Like This”
Today’s realities include:
- Social media distractions
- Comfort culture
- Spiritual laziness
- Misplaced priorities
The world is strategic. The church must become intentional.
PRACTICAL LIFE APPLICATION
Ask Yourself
- What has God entrusted to me?
- Am I wasting what God gave me?
- What am I doing with my life?
- What am I doing with my:
- Time?
- Money?
- Spiritual gifts?
- Am I faithful or careless?
- If God audits my stewardship today, what will He find?
- If God calls me today, what account will I give?
- Am I prepared to give account?
Modern Scenarios
- A worker who attends church but has no impact
- A leader occupying position without productivity
- A youth full of potential but consumed by distractions
- A Christian with resources but no kingdom investment
This is wasted stewardship.
Many Believers Want
But avoid:
- Responsibility
- Sacrifice
- Accountability
Yet in scripture:
Reward follows stewardship.
ACTION STEPS
- Take Inventory
Identify what God has entrusted to you.
- Correct Mismanagement
Repent where necessary.
- Act with Urgency
Start now—not later.
- Invest for Eternity
Invest in:
- Souls
- Service
- Kingdom work
CONCLUSION
“One day, God will not ask what you wished to do. He will ask what you did with what He gave you.”
God will not ask about:
- Excuses
- Complaints
- Mere intentions
He will ask about:
- Your management
- Your faithfulness
- Your accountability
Final Charge
“A careless steward enjoys today and loses tomorrow. A wise steward prepares for eternity.”
“You are not the owner—you are a steward. And your account is coming.”
The unjust steward acted to secure his future.
The question is: Will you act to secure your eternity?
Closing Scripture
Luke 16:10 says: “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much…”
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