June 8, 2025

Luke 16:1-13

Shrewdness, Stewardship & Submission in the Kingdom

Sunday Sermons

In the three parables of Jesus in Chapter 15 of Luke’s gospel, we saw how precious lost people are to God. The parable of the prodigal son ended with the father explaining to his older son that all the father has already belongs to him. In Chapter 16, Jesus speaks to his disciples about faithfulness with money, a small thing compared to eternal treasure. We are reminded that righteous stewardship begins with the acknowledgement that all we have been given by our Father still belongs to Him and we are accountable for how we use it in His kingdom.

Speaker

Tom Yarbrough

Series

The Gospel According to Luke

Go to Series

Scripture

Luke 16:1-13

Topics
Community Life Growth & Discipleship

Sermon Notes

Luke 16:1-13

Shrewdness, Stewardship, & Submission in the Kingdom

Pastor Tom Yarbrough

Four Truths About Money in Luke 16:1-13

1. Money is certain to fail (vs. 9)
2. Money is a useful tool for eternal purposes (vs. 9)
3. Money is a small thing compared to eternal treasure (vs. 11)
4. Money is a terrible master (vs. 13)

“Shrewd” (gk – phronimos) = prudent or wise

Shrewdness here refers to astuteness, practical wisdom, or cleverness in navigating difficult situations, especially when dealing with people or resources. Shrewdness could be thought of as “street smarts.”

“…For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”
2 Corinthians 4:16 – 5:1

“All day long we are doing eternally important things without knowing it.”
Eugene Peterson, Reversed Thunder

“…autonomy is impossible for a steward, who manages the affairs of a household on behalf of its owner. Christian stewardship, then means managing all the affairs of the world, small and large, on behalf of its Owner. Accountability is essential to stewardship.”
E. Calvin Beisner, Prosperity and Poverty

Three Calls of Jesus to His Disciples in Luke 16:1-13

1. Shrewdness in eternal things.
2. Faithfulness in small things.
3. Submission in all things.

“Does it make sense to pray for guidance about the future if we are not obeying in the thing that lies before us today?”
Elisabeth Elliot

“How we use our money demonstrates the reality of our love for God. In some ways it proves our love more conclusively than depth or knowledge, length of prayers or prominence of service. These things can be feigned, but the use of our possessions shows us up for what we actually are.”
Charles C Ryrie, Balancing the Christian Life

“We are not called to be like the world, and the world does not need us to be like the world. We have something better to say because we have someone better to follow.”
Alistair Begg

“To the degree that you grasp the gospel, money will have no dominion over you. Think on his costly grace until it changes you into a generous people.”
Tim Keller

Discussion Questions

  • Luke 16:1-8 contains a story about a rich man and a manager. What is the difference between ownership and stewardship? Why is “…autonomy is impossible for a steward…(Calvin Beisner)” ? Why is accountability essential for a steward?
  • How can we use earthly wealth for eternal purposes?
  • Pastor Tom mentioned that “a lack of integrity when it comes to money should be like a fire alarm” and “the money that stays in our checking account is just as much a worship report as anything else in our lives.” Do you agree? Why?
  • Jesus warns us not to let money become our master (Luke 16:13). Pastor Tom adds, “money as a master demands everything and offers no rest.” Have you ever experienced money as a cruel master? How can you manage wealth while serving Jesus as your master?

Songs, Readings & Prayer

Songs

“Psalm 150” (Praise The Lord)
“Rejoice“ by Words and Music by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Ben Shive, Skye Peterson…
“Goodness Of God“ by Ed Cash and Jenn Johnson
“My Worth Is Not In What I Own“ by Graham Kendrick, Keith Getty, and Kristyn Getty
“Doxology” by Thomas Ken and Louis Bourgeois
All songs are used by Permission. CCLI License #2003690

Call To Worship: Congregational Prayer

Lord, fill our hearts with reverence for You. Make us hunger for Your Word and passionately desire to walk in Your ways. Forgive us our sins, for they are many. Give us a greater glimpse of Your glory as we offer You this praise and worship. We thank You for the way You have rescued us over and over, through many difficult things. Come now and help us in this: to place our trust, hope, and confidence in You. May Your name be honored in our conduct. May Your kingdom be made visible in our relationships. May Your will be done in our hearts and minds. This we pray in the Name above all names, Jesus Christ, to Whom belongs all glory, forever and ever, amen!

Classic Prayer: Augustine 354-430

Look upon us, O Lord,
And let all the darkness of our souls
Vanish before the beams of Your brightness.
Fill us with holy love,
And open to us the treasures of Your wisdom.
All our desire is known to You,
Therefore perfect what You have begun,
what Your Spirit has awakened us to ask in prayer.
We seek Your face,
Turn Your face unto us and show us Your glory.
Then will our longing be satisfied,
And our peace shall be perfect.

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