Read Luke 16:1-31
Introduction: In this Sixteenth chapter of the book of Luke we find three powerful, lessons, which are needed by each of us. Let us look carefully, taking heed, that we may understand and then be wise in behaving appropriately. The first matter under consideration involves an "unjust steward." A person is called to give an account for his stewardship, because the report is that he has "wasted" his master’s goods. (Lk. 16:1-12). While he is still a steward he makes provision for the future. There may be some elements of this difficult for us to understand. However, Jesus gives the lesson that he wants us to get: Be wise, take advantage of the opportunity to make provisions for eternity over laying up for the present; wise, as children of light! A sad situation is pointed to: "for the children of this world are in their generation wiser then the children of light." (V. 8) The real point: Be faithful with whatever you have! The second is About the need to serve the Lord, being SURE, one can’t serve two masters! Some Pharisees heard Him and "derided" Him (v.14). He told them" ye are they which justify yourselves, before men; but God knoweth your hearts:.." Continuing ,He told them: "that which is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God." (16:12-18-5).In verse 16 He makes a statement about the change that is taking place. The "law and the prophets" were till John, but "since that time the kingdom of God is preached," and men are pressing toward or "into" that new order.
In verse 17 He affirms that heaven and earth could pass away "easier" than for the smallest part of the law to fail to be fulfilled!
In verse 18 He affirms that if one puts away his lawfully wedded mate, they commit adultery!
The third lesson is about where our spirit goes at death and the conditions are based on what our relationship to the Lord is here on earth before we die. (Lk. 16:19-31)
Two men lived and died. In life one lived in luxury while the other was a beggar of crumbs from the rich man’s table, miserable with sores . Yet, conditions are drastically different after death; in fact they are in reverse to what they were on earth. The hadean world is where the spirits go, and one part of that is pleasant while the other is torment. When the one could not change his condition, he wanted one to speak to his five brothers so they would NOT come where he is. The holy scriptures tell the story, and if one will not accept the terms and respond appropriately, nothing else will be provided and would not work if there was. Take Heed beloved! Be ready! Eternity is up ahead!
QUESTIONS:
1. What did the "unjust steward" do that showed that he was "wise" in his "generation" (Vs. 1-8)?
2. What does the Lord say about being "faithful" with what one has --if it be "least" or "much"?
3. How many masters can one server, and what are the choices (v. 13)?
4. How are the "pharisees" described (v. 14) and how did they respond to Jesus’ teachings?
5. What is the point at which things begin to change, according to (v. 16); What is "easier" (v. 17)
6. What did Jesus say is the result of one putting "away his wife," and marrying another (v. 18)
7. How did the two, which are described (vs. 19-21) live in their lifetime on the earth?
8. Who found himself in "torment," begging for help but was told it was impossible (vs. 22-26)?
9. The man in torment last request (v. 27-28)?
10. Abraham’s response to the request about the man’s "five brethren" (vs. 29-31) ?