Bottom line: Jesus was not commending dishonesty, but was commending the person who focuses on eternity and uses the resources at his disposal accordingly. Our resources are Money, Talent, and Time—all of which are given to us by God. One day, when we are dead, none of them will be useful to us any longer. The wisest way for us to use resources entrusted to us temporarily is for us to invest them in eternal things—God's kingdom purposes. Jesus guarantees a return on our investment.
1. God gives us His resources so that we can prepare for our eternity.
Matthew 6:19-20
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
Not only is eternity a wise investment, only a focus on the eternal will enable us to endure the suffering of this world.
2. We need to use our resources to make and value eternal friendships.
Relationships based on Jesus and his gospel.
3. We need to use our resources to help people know Christ and walk with Him.
Mark 10:29-31
29 Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
Jesus is the True Steward.Jesus used everything he had to do the will of God and make a way for our salvation. He became poor so that we could become rich.
Discussion Questions:
- Take time to privately answer the following 2 questions:
How am I using my resources to invest in eternal things?
What prevents me from investing more deeply?
- Share and discuss any questions or insights you have with the group.
- Pray for each other
