Make to Yourselves Friends of the Mammon of Unrighteousness

Introduction:  This story of the unjust steward has caused a great deal of trouble for many.  Lee stated that it was, “the most difficult of all the Lord’s parables”.  Another author stated that he “gave up the matter in despair, affirming a solution of them impossible.”  I will not claim that I have nailed down the interpretation of the passage perfectly, but I will say that there are some things here that when considered in light of the story make a whole lot more sense than some of the interpretations that have been set forth in other places.

1. THE AUDIENCE FOR THE LESSON (Luke 16:1)
1. The Audience of Luke 15 (Luke 15:1-2)
2. The Audience of (Luke 16:14)
3. The Audience for This Lesson (Luke 16:1)
2. THE ACCUSATION OF THE STEWARD (Luke 16:1)
1. The Accuser
1. We are not given any details
2. This person must have been a trusted source
2. The Accusation
1. He alone was responsible for the mans goods
2. He had wasted the rich mans goods
3. THE ACCOUNTING OF THE STEWARD (Luke 16:2)
1. The Calling of the Steward
2. The Concern of the Rich Man how is it that I hear this of thee?
3. The Demand of the Rich Man
1. Give an account of thy stewardship
2. Thou mayest be no longer steward
4. THE ACTIONS OF THE STEWARD (Luke 16:3-7)
1. The Ponderings of the Steward (Luke 16:3)
1. What shall I do?
2. My lord taketh away from me the stewardship
3. I cannot dig
4. I am ashamed to beg
2. The Preparations of the Steward (Luke 16:4)
1. When I am put out
2. They will receive me
3. The Performance of the Steward (Luke 16:5-7)
1. The calling of the debtors (Luke 16:5)
2. The changing of the bill (Luke 16:5-7)
1. The first goes down from 100 to 50 (Luke 16:6)
2. The second goes down from 100 to 80 (Luke 16:7)
5. THE ADMIRATION OF THE RICH MAN (Luke 16:8)
1. The Commending of the Unjust Steward
1. This commendation was not by the Lord.
2. This commendation was by his lord.
3. Perhaps he had become rich by using the same principles.
2. The Steward was Commended for His Wisdom
1. The Bible deals with two types of wisdom.
2. The steward is not necessarily using godly wisdom, but he is using wisdom (Deuteronomy 32:29).
6. THE APPLICATION OF THE LORD (Luke 16:8-9)
1. The Comparison of Children (Luke 16:8)
1. The children of this world are wiser
2. Than the children of light
2. The Preparation for Future (Luke 16:9)
1. The interpretation must be in context
1. The story was about a man whos stewardship was about to be up.
2. Before it was over he made preparations for his future.
3. The Lord instructed the disciples to make similar plans.
2. The principle of the story
1. The children of this world often consider their actions today in light of what happens later.
2. Gods people ought to live today in preparation for the treasures awaiting them when their stewardship is over.

Conclusion:  Are you using the principle of wisdom that the unjust steward used?  Are you willing to make preparations for the future for when your time of stewardship is up?