The Reward of the Steward

Sermon. Carlisle Evangelical Free Church. JC Hicks.

Taking care of God's interests will lead to satisfying our own true needs

Luke 12:41-48

41 Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?” 42 And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. 44 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. 45 But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful. 47 And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. 48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.

v13 - man asking Christ to deal with inheritance issue
-man focused on himself
- Christ responds to materialism
--1. life is more than riches
--2. life is more than just survival
--3. life is about serving the Master

v41
who is this question directed at?

v42-44
God wants to reward the steward
- must put God's interests first
--there is great reward in putting God's interests first
---we will be give more responsibilities
----1 Corinthians 6:2-3
----2 Tim 2:12
----Matthew 5:5

v45-48 accountability
we don't earn our salvation but we are held accountable for what we are given
- we are given a responsibility
- Am I focused on a great God or myself?
--which is being accountable to God?

What to do:
- inventory our blessings
--recognize God's graciousness
--recognize our responsibilities to use our gifts
- pray for how to use those blessings
--accept lordship of Christ
--read Acts 4:32-37
--participate in ministry of church and its growth
---seek the kingdom first