Francis Chan: Financial Decisions With Eternal Consequences

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message highlights the importance of making wise financial decisions with eternal consequences in mind. The parable of the dishonest manager in Luke 16 teaches us to use our worldly possessions and resources to set ourselves up for a life after this one, where we are welcomed into eternal dwellings. We must be trustworthy with what little we have, and if we can't handle earthly wealth, how will God trust us with true riches?

Key Scripture References

• Luke 16:1-8 - Jesus tells the parable of the dishonest manager who uses his power to set himself up for a life after this one. He reduces debts owed to his master, securing his own future and demonstrating wisdom in the worldly system.
• Luke 16:9 - Jesus says that people of this age are wiser and more shrewd than those of the light, implying that believers often lack worldly wisdom when it comes to managing their resources.
• Luke 16:10-12 - Jesus teaches that whoever can be trusted with little can also be trusted with much, but if someone is dishonest with what they have, they will not be trustworthy with more. He contrasts earthly wealth with true riches in heaven, emphasizing the importance of handling our resources wisely.
• Luke 16:13 - Jesus says that no servant can serve two masters, implying that we must prioritize our loyalty and commitment to God above our attachment to earthly possessions.
• Matthew 10:16 - Jesus instructs his disciples to be as shrewd (or wise) as serpents yet as harmless as doves, demonstrating the importance of using our god-given wisdom and intelligence for kingdom purposes.

Key Takeaways

• We must make wise financial decisions with eternal consequences in mind, using our resources to set ourselves up for a life after this one.
• We are called to be trustworthy with what little we have, demonstrating wisdom and loyalty to God.
• If we can't handle earthly wealth, how will God trust us with true riches?
• Earthly possessions must not distract us from our commitment to God; no servant can serve two masters.

Application

As you consider your own financial decisions and priorities, ask yourself:

* Am I using my resources to set myself up for a life after this one?

* Am I trustworthy with what little I have, or am I being dishonest in my management of earthly wealth?

* How can I prioritize my loyalty and commitment to God above my attachment to earthly possessions?

By applying the principles of this parable and scripture references, you can make wise financial decisions that honor God and prepare yourself for a life after this one.