Sermon 123

📖 Sermon 123 – The Unjust Steward (Part 1)

Date: [no date given]
Text: Luke 16:1–8

Introduction

Jesus presents one of His most challenging parables. A steward, careless and wasteful, is called to account and dismissed. Yet his master commends him — not for dishonesty — but for acting with foresight and decisiveness. The Lord uses this example to teach His disciples to be wise with earthly possessions.

I. The Steward’s Sin

A. He was accused of wasting his master’s goods
A picture of man as God’s steward, squandering time, gifts, and opportunities.

B. He is called to give account
Every life must one day answer to God.

C. He is dismissed from his position
Sin always leads to loss; unfaithfulness brings judgment.

II. The Steward’s Self-Reflection

A. He recognizes his coming need
“What shall I do?” A moment of crisis awakens thought.

B. He admits his weakness
“I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.” Honesty about one’s inability is the first step to wisdom.

C. He forms a plan
“I am resolved what to do…” He acts promptly while opportunity remains.

III. The Steward’s Plan

A. He calls his master’s debtors
He reduces their debts — securing their friendship for the future.

B. The motive is purely self-preservation
He seeks a place to go when removed from stewardship.

C. His plan succeeds
He ensures he “may receive me into their houses.”

IV. The Master’s Commendation

A. He does not praise dishonesty
The steward’s fraud is not approved.

B. He commends his foresight
“He had done wisely.” Foresight, decisiveness, and shrewd planning are admired.

C. Jesus applies the lesson to disciples
If worldly men show such wisdom for temporal gain, how much more should believers be wise in preparing for eternity.

Conclusion

The unjust steward warns us not to waste our stewardship and urges us to act with spiritual foresight. Life is short, judgment comes, and opportunities quickly pass. Let us use our earthly resources with an eye toward eternal gain.