A Good ExampleOf A Bad Example

The Prudent ProdigalLuke 16:1-13

I. Context

Prodigal, Lk.15 Steward, Lk.16

Inherited money Entrusted w. money

Lived for present Lived for present

Wasted / lost all Wasted / lost some

No real friends Bought friends

Talked to himself Talked to himself

Repented / returned Retirement plan

Received by father Praised by boss

Salvation of sinners

Service of saints

Incompetent? Dishonest? (v.2)

“What shall I do?” (v.3)

Who would trust him w. another job? Unfit for physical labor Ashamed to beg

“I know!” (v.4-7) Discounts for master’s debtors Quickly: desperate to secure future

Debtors: eager to save money Debtors now owe manager

Brief window of opportunity

His life at stake

His master commends him (8)

NOT for treachery NOT for wastefulness BUT FOR ‘smarts’

Wisely, cleverlyForesight: provided for future

Manager used master’s moneyto buy earthly friends (9)

Master’s money gains eternal friends

“What is another’s” (10-12) Everything we have is God’s

Pharisees (13-14): devoted to…

Money

God

I. Context

II. Characters

Children of world are often more . . .

1. Prudent in pursuing plans. Jn.12:6

2. Passionate in practicing plans.

3. Persistent in promoting plans.

Children of light . . . Make no plans . . .? General principle

I. Context

III. Conclusions

II. Characters

1. Steward is accountable forway he manages blessings, 1-2

1. Body, 2 Co.5:10

2. Money, 1 Tim.6:17

3. Friends, Lk.12:33; 18:22; Mt.25

Rich man did not make a friend of Lazarus – to his loss

2. We cannot live merelyfor the present, 3

1. Possess goods

2. Will lose all

3. Must prepare for that time

4. Must use what we have now

Teaching: Pro.2:3-4, study, file, teach

Elders (wives): know Scrip., people…

Children: warn, train… 2 T.1:5; 3:15

3. Worldly people pursue worldly goals; do they outdo us? 8

More zealous than I?

Do I spend as much

1. Determine to do better.

2. Remember what is at stake. Lk.13:26; 17:32

TimeMoneyEnergy

On spiritual things

As on hobby? sports?

4. Faithfulness is often measuredby little things, 9-10

Lv.10; 2 Sm.6 Hot temper Grudges Apathy Mt.25 Time

Waste 15 min./day:328,500 seconds/year

5,475 min./year91.25 hours/year

3.802083 days/year

5. Choose masters carefully, 13

Manager could not pleasemaster and debtors

Cannot waste master’s goods and please him too

Cannot please himself and his master World cannot satisfy, Lk.12 World’s success is not eternal, Lk.16