THAT
VERSE—LUKE 16:8!
Luke 16:1-13
Introduction
1. This
particular story Jesus tells is different from other parables in that it finds
an unrighteous man complemented.
2. The
complement is in no way to be understood as an endorsement of sinful practices.
3. The
context shows why Jesus took the unusual tact, as well as revealing the point
we most need to understand.
4. Jesus’
main point in this parable is that the unrighteous people of the world do a
better job with their selfish, secular agendas than God’s people do with
Deity’s selfless, spiritual priorities.
5. In
this telling story, the key verse—THAT VERSE—is the eighth.
6. We
need to let the implications of “THAT VERSE” have their way with us.
I. The
Story, And Jesus’ Application (Lk. 16:1-13).
A. The
story itself (vv. 1-8).
1. This
is a parable dealing with an aspect of the world of mammon—material concerns.
2. However,
while the setting is secular, the point that Jesus drives home is very much for
the spiritual world.
3. Simply
stated, worldly people commonly do better with their personal concerns than do
the people of the world!
4. This
ought not to be!
B. Jesus’
application (vv. 9-13).
1. We are
to be wise in our handling of the secular side of life.
2. Additionally,
our stewardship of the material aspects of our life should be seen as an
opportunity to find favor with those who look first to mammon.
3. The
way worldly people commonly react to us becomes a factor relating to our being
received in heaven (cf. Acts 2:47; 5:13).
4. The
stewardship of material things, though of obvious importance, is, nevertheless,
a small thing when compared to spiritual priorities (cf. Jn. 3:10-12).
a. We
will not be successful spiritually if we cannot first handle the more readily
manageable concerns of the temporal world (cf. I Tim. 3:4-5).
b. The
unseen side of life has greater significance than the seen (II Cor. 4:16-5:10).
c. Spiritual
attainments are permanent, temporal gains are, by their very definition,
temporary.
5. There
is a very basic kind of choice to be made in life between God and mammon (Matt.
6:24).
II. That
Verse!
A. If
there is one verse in all the Bible that ought to serve as a very cold slap in
the face to Christians, it is Luke 16:8!
1. Of all
people, Christians ought to excel with their professed loyalties.
2. If we
are letting the world out do us in using wisdom to achieve success, we need to
feel a profound sense of shame and disgrace!
B. Better
to light a candle than curse the darkness (cf. Josh. 7:6-13; II Kings 22:11-13;
23:1-3).
1. Will
we merely bemoan the unimpressive, common condition found among the children of
light; or will we rise up in indignation and commitment to make a change?
2. Will
we take care of the Lord’s business with an excellence, dispatch, and
perseverance that will turn the world upside-down (Acts 17:6); or will we
devote our primary energies to self-willed, secular pursuits?
3. Will
we sacrifice or compromise (Josh. 24:14-15)?
4. Will
we just acknowledge whatever be the biblical truth of this present lesson; or
will we go beyond acknowledgment to accomplishment (I Jn. 3:18; Matt. 7:21; Lk.
6:46)?
5. Will
leadership boldly challenge us and personally show us the way of wisdom and
resolve, or it do what, in effect, merely perpetuates the status quo?
6. Will
preachers and teachers sharpen their call with clarity of purpose and passion
of conviction; or will the ministry of the word serve knowledge yet supply no
motivation for action?
7. Will
the Restoration Principle continue its good work toward “growing up in ALL
aspects unto Him who is the Head—Christ” (Eph. 4:15); or will we be satisfied
with but a skeleton of what Jesus intended for His church?
8. Will
we “hock the ox” of God’s mandate for
the church by adopting a merely ordinary program of work; or will we understand
and act upon the challenging certainties that God has promised His people (Eph. 3:20-21)?
9. Will
the love of Christ control us (II Cor. 5:14-15; Jn. 14:15); or will we be more
moved by the love of this present world (cf. II Tim. 4:10).
10. At this place, will Jesus be able to say,
“…for the sons of this age are more shrewd in relation to their own generation
than the sons of light;” or, at this place, will Jesus be able to say, “I know
your deeds, behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut,
because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My
name” (Rev. 3:8)?
Conclusion
1. THAT
VERSE haunts me at times.
2. THAT
VERSE frightens me.
3. THAT
VERSE motivates me to do better.
4. Let us
live in a way so THAT VERSE does not describe those who meet at this place!
ESJ
2/20/00
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