Using Money (2/24/2026) - Luke 16:1-13

Formatted Chapters

00:00 - Pre-sermon

00:00 - Wonders of God

00:22 - Luke 16:1

06:16 - Post-sermon

Chapter Breakdown

Wonders of God

This message is part of a series titled Worship by Subject

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Michael Koplitz is a Messianic rabbi. This message is a part of his series titled Worship by Subject. May the peace and love of Christ be with you.

Luke 16:1

Many churches often claim that money is inherently bad, yet they also require financial giving

00:22 - 06:16

Luke 16:1 13 contains the well known parable teaching that one cannot love both God and money. The way one uses money and the way one obtains it is can be morally problematic. The question is: Is money used for godly purposes or unrighteous money?

Transcript

Using Money

Luke 16:1-13

Rabbi Rev. Dr. Michael H. Koplitz

1 Now He was also saying to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and this manager was reported to him as squandering his possessions. 2 “And he summoned him and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an accounting of your management, for you can no longer be manager.’ 3 “And the manager said to himself, ‘What am I to do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig; I am ashamed to beg. 4 ‘I know what I will do, so that when I am removed from the management people will welcome me into their homes.’ 5 “And he summoned each one of his master’s debtors, and he began saying to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ 6 “And he said, ‘A hundred jugs of oil.’ And he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ 7 “Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ And he said, ‘A hundred kors of wheat.’ He *said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’ 8 “And his master complimented the unrighteous manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the sons of this age are more shrewd in relation to their own kind than the sons of light. 9 “And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by means of the wealth of unrighteousness, so that when it is all gone, they will receive you into the eternal dwellings.

Luke 16:10 “The one who is faithful in a very little thing is also faithful in much; and the one who is unrighteous in a very little thing is also unrighteous in much. 11 “Therefore if you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous wealth, who will entrust the true wealth to you? 12 “And if you have not been faithful in the use of that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? 13 “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”

Luke 16:1–13 contains the well‑known parable teaching that one cannot love both God and money. I have always found this parable interesting—both during my seminary studies and when hearing others preach on it. Many churches often claim that money is inherently bad, yet they also require financial giving. If money is so terrible, why does the church seek it? The truth is that Jesus never said money itself is evil. Rather, he taught that the way one uses money—and the way one obtains it—can be morally problematic.

It is also noteworthy that in this parable Jesus tells us to use money “to make friends.” That always struck me as odd. Yet this reflects the cultural practices of Jesus’ time. In that society, people often established friendships through gifts or what we might call bribes. In the parable, a household steward is accused of wrongdoing. He responds by visiting those who owed his master money or goods and dramatically reduced their debts. We must remember that he had the authority to do this. He wasn’t acting illegally or against the customs of the time. Yet many sermons portray him as committing serious wrongdoing.

Why did the steward reduce the debts? He recognized that, as the master’s chief administrator, he was about to be dismissed. Once he lost that position, who would hire him if word spread that he had been fired for dishonesty? Notice that nowhere in the parable are we actually told that he behaved dishonestly. He is simply instructed to present the account books, and no explicit wrongdoing is confirmed.

This ambiguity leaves a significant interpretive gap. We genuinely do not know whether the steward committed any offense. Over centuries, church tradition has often assumed guilt and used this parable to encourage increased giving. Meanwhile, in many mainline denominations, those in higher leadership appear to lack for little. When you see the Pope in full vestments, consider the amount of gold adorning his garments. It hardly seems that the Church of Rome is financially deprived. One might argue that funds should flow from the church’s wealthier institutions toward the local parishes that actually need them.

Again, in Jesus’ day, friendships were frequently formed through formal gestures of generosity. A person might host a banquet in a neighbor’s honor and invite the entire town. Afterward, a gift—essentially a socially acceptable bribe—would be presented. This was normal cultural behavior. We must remember that Jesus’ parables are set within his ancient context, not within our twenty‑first‑century worldview. Misunderstandings arise when people forget this.

Another curious detail in the parable is that we are never told who made the accusations against the steward. It would be helpful to know who examined the accounts or what they thought they discovered. Why did the master immediately assume his steward was cheating him instead of granting the benefit of the doubt? Perhaps Jesus is teaching that while trust is important, verification is also necessary. It is unfortunate that such caution may be needed even among fellow believers.

I believe Jesus is also highlighting that attachment to material wealth can be so powerful that it tempts people into unjust behavior. Perhaps he recognized that the moral and ethical standards of his society did not always align with God’s ideal. An oppressed people—such as the Jews living under Roman rule—might feel pressured to act in ways that were unethical or unbiblical. Using money to harm others is one example. Consider the practice of bribing judges: since many judges were unpaid, they relied on bribes for income. Justice often went not to the righteous party but to the highest bidder. Such judges valued the corrupting influence of money more than justice or righteousness.

Accountability is another important subject. In a nearby church, a treasurer once decided to “borrow” money from the offering plate. It began with twenty dollars to get through the week—this was wrong from the start, but rationalized as temporary. Over five years, this led to $75,000 in embezzled funds. The power of money overtook this person’s ethics, and it assumed the person would never be caught.

Stories like this are not uncommon: money disappearing before it reaches the bank deposit. It is tragic, especially within a church setting, but it happens. The lesson is clear: do not allow money to override your morals and ethics. Use your resources for good—for yourself, your family, and your friends. If you have excess, share it. Give to worthwhile causes, and verify that your donations are actually used for their intended purpose. Many charities misuse funds, as you likely already know.

We must live in a material world, and that requires money. Ultimately, the question is this: Are you using righteous money—money used for godly purposes—or unrighteous money—money obtained or used in ways that violate God’s word? Each of us must answer that for ourselves. If you are unsure whether your use of money aligns with God’s will, simply pray about it and ask for guidance.

7-Day Devotional: Money, Stewardship, and Kingdom Values

Day 1: The Heart Behind Our Resources

Scripture: Luke 16:1-2 "Jesus told his disciples: 'There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. So he called him in and asked him, "What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer."'"

Reflection: The parable begins with accountability. The steward faced a moment of reckoning—his management was being questioned. This reminds us that we are all stewards, not owners, of what God has entrusted to us. Whether it's our finances, time, talents, or relationships, we will one day give an account.

Notice that the text doesn't explicitly confirm wrongdoing—only an accusation. Yet the master demanded an accounting. This teaches us that transparency and integrity matter, even when we believe we've done nothing wrong. Our financial practices should be so clear that they can withstand scrutiny.

Application: Take time today to review your financial practices. Are your accounts in order? Could you explain your spending and giving patterns if asked? More importantly, how would you explain them to God?

Prayer: Lord, help me remember that everything I have belongs to You. Give me wisdom to manage Your resources faithfully and the courage to live with complete transparency. Show me any areas where I need to improve my stewardship. Amen.

Day 2: Shrewd for the Kingdom

Scripture: Luke 16:3-7 "The manager said to himself, 'What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I'm not strong enough to dig, and I'm ashamed to beg—I know what I'll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.' So he called in each one of his master's debtors."

Reflection: The steward faced a crisis and responded with strategic thinking. He used his remaining authority to secure his future by reducing debts owed to his master. While this may seem questionable to us, Jesus commends his shrewdness—his ability to think ahead and act decisively.

The lesson isn't about dishonesty but about urgency and wisdom. The steward understood his situation and acted while he still had opportunity. How much more should we, as followers of Christ, be strategic about using our resources for eternal purposes?

Application: Are you being shrewd about your spiritual future? Are you investing in relationships and causes that have eternal value? Consider one way you can use your resources today to build God's kingdom and strengthen relationships that matter.

Prayer: Father, give me the wisdom to be shrewd for Your kingdom. Help me see opportunities to use what You've given me for eternal purposes. May I act with urgency and intentionality in advancing Your work. Amen.

Day 3: Friendship and Generosity

Scripture: Luke 16:9 "I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings."

Reflection: This verse initially seems strange—Jesus telling us to use money to make friends? But understanding the cultural context helps. In Jesus' time, generosity was a pathway to relationship. Hosting feasts, giving gifts, and showing hospitality built genuine community bonds.

Jesus isn't endorsing bribery or manipulation. He's teaching that our material resources should serve relational and spiritual purposes. When we use money generously—supporting ministries, helping those in need, blessing others—we're investing in relationships that transcend this life.

The phrase "eternal dwellings" suggests that our generosity here creates connections that continue into eternity. The people we help, the ministries we support, the lives we touch—these investments outlast our bank accounts.

Application: Who can you bless financially this week? Consider supporting a missionary, helping someone in need, or contributing to a ministry that's making an eternal difference. Don't just give—build relationship through your generosity.

Prayer: Lord, teach me to see money as a tool for building Your kingdom and blessing others. Help me be generous in ways that create genuine relationships and point people toward You. May my giving reflect Your heart. Amen.

Day 4: Faithfulness in Small Things

Scripture: Luke 16:10-12 "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?"

Reflection: Jesus establishes a profound principle: how we handle small matters reveals our character for larger responsibilities. This applies especially to money. If we can't manage $100 with integrity, why would God entrust us with $10,000?

Notice the progression: worldly wealth leads to "true riches"—spiritual blessings, kingdom responsibilities, eternal rewards. Our faithfulness with physical resources demonstrates our readiness for spiritual authority.

The mention of "someone else's property" reminds us that everything we have belongs to God. We're managing His resources. Our faithfulness in this stewardship determines what He can trust us with in the future.

Application: Examine your handling of "small things" today. Do you return extra change when a cashier makes a mistake in your favor? Do you accurately report expenses? Do you tithe on all income? Faithfulness begins with the details.

Prayer: God, help me be faithful in the small things. Show me any areas where I've been careless or dishonest, even in minor ways. I want to be trustworthy with everything You've given me, knowing it all belongs to You. Amen.

Day 5: The Impossibility of Two Masters

Scripture: Luke 16:13 "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."

Reflection: Jesus presents an absolute: we cannot serve both God and money. This isn't about whether money is inherently evil—it's about what controls our hearts. Money becomes a false god when we allow it to dictate our decisions, compromise our values, or replace our trust in God.

The word "serve" is key. We all use money, but do we serve it? Does the pursuit of wealth drive your choices? Do financial concerns override obedience to God? Does your sense of security come from your bank account or from your heavenly Father?

Money is a demanding master. It promises security, significance, and satisfaction—but it can never deliver what only God can provide. When we serve money, we inevitably drift from serving God.

Application: Ask yourself honestly: What drives my major decisions—God's will or financial considerations? When these conflict, which wins? Identify one area where money may have too much influence in your life and surrender it to God today.

Prayer: Lord, I choose to serve You alone. Forgive me for the times I've allowed money to become my master. Help me hold my resources loosely and trust You completely. You are my security, my provider, my everything. Amen.

Day 6: Righteous vs. Unrighteous Wealth

Scripture: Proverbs 13:11 "Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow."

Reflection: The sermon challenges us to consider whether we're using "righteous money" or "unrighteous money." How we obtain our resources matters as much as how we use them. Money gained through exploitation, deception, or injustice carries a spiritual weight.

Throughout Scripture, God condemns dishonest business practices, unfair wages, and taking advantage of the vulnerable. The prophet Amos spoke against those who "trample on the needy" and "do away with the poor of the land" (Amos 8:4). Our income sources should align with biblical values.

But it's not just about how we earn monehttps://youtu.be/AL_hEtdC2pMy—it's also about how we spend it. Are we supporting businesses and causes that honor God? Are we using our purchasing power to promote justice and human flourishing?

Application: Evaluate your income sources and spending patterns. Is your work honest and ethical? Are you paying fair wages if you employ others? Do your purchases support companies that align with your values? Make one change today toward more righteous use of money.

Prayer: Father, examine my financial life. Show me if I'm obtaining or using money in ways that displease You. Give me courage to make changes, even if they're costly. I want every dollar to honor You. Amen.

Day 7: Accountability and Community

Scripture: Hebrews 13:17 "Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you."

Reflection: The sermon reminds us of the tragic reality of financial misconduct even within the church—the treasurer who embezzled $75,000 over five years, starting with just $20. This illustrates how small compromises can lead to devastating consequences when accountability is absent.

Accountability protects us from ourselves. The power of money can override our ethics if we're not careful. This is why transparency in financial matters is crucial, especially in ministry settings. Church leaders must give an account, but so must all of us.

Biblical community includes financial accountability. Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." We need trusted friends or mentors who can ask hard questions about our financial decisions. Pride tells us we don't need oversight; wisdom embraces it.

The early church modeled radical financial transparency. Acts 4:32-35 describes believers sharing everything and distributing to anyone in need. While we may not practice communal ownership today, the principle remains: our financial lives shouldn't be secret or isolated from our faith community.

Application: Who holds you accountable for your financial decisions? If no one does, identify a trusted Christian friend, mentor, or spouse and invite them into this area of your life. Consider joining or forming a small group where financial stewardship is discussed openly and honestly.

If you're in church leadership, ensure proper financial controls are in place. Multiple people should handle money, regular audits should occur, and transparency should be the norm, not the exception.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the gift of community. Help me embrace accountability rather than resist it. Give me humility to be transparent about my finances and wisdom to establish safeguards against temptation. Surround me with people who will speak truth into my life. Amen.

Group Leader Guide

Sermon Recap 🎬

Have you ever wondered if your relationship with money reflects God's heart? In this eye-opening message, Pastor Michael unpacks the misunderstood parable of the shrewd steward from Luke 16, challenging common assumptions about wealth in Christian life. Through fresh cultural insights from his unique perspective as a Messianic rabbi, he reveals how Jesus wasn't condemning money itself, but rather our hearts' attachment to it. Whether you're wrestling with financial decisions or seeking biblical wisdom about resources, this timely message offers practical guidance for using money righteously. Don't miss this transformative exploration of faith and finances—watch now to discover how to steward your resources in ways that honor God and serve others.

Ice Breaker 🧊

If you could win a lifetime supply of one non-essential item, what would it be and why?

Discussion Questions 💬

In Luke 16:1-13, Jesus teaches that we cannot serve both God and money. How does this sermon challenge the common interpretation that money itself is evil?

The sermon points out that Jesus never said money itself is evil, but rather teaches that how we obtain and use money can be morally problematic.
How do you personally balance your relationship with money and your relationship with God in your daily life?

The sermon discusses how the steward in the parable reduced people's debts to make friends. How does understanding the cultural context of Jesus' time change your interpretation of this story?

In Jesus' time, friendships were often established through gifts and gestures of generosity, which might seem like bribes to us today but were normal cultural practices then.
In what ways might your modern cultural assumptions affect how you interpret other biblical teachings?

The sermon mentions a church treasurer who embezzled $75,000 starting with just $20. What does this story teach us about the gradual nature of ethical compromise?

The treasurer started by 'borrowing' small amounts and rationalizing it as temporary, but over time this led to significant theft.
Can you think of a time when you've been tempted to compromise your values 'just a little bit'? How did you handle it?

How does the sermon's discussion of accountability in handling money apply to both religious organizations and individual believers?

The sermon emphasizes the importance of verification and proper oversight of funds, even among fellow believers.
What practices do you have in place to maintain accountability with your own finances?

The sermon introduces the concept of 'righteous money' versus 'unrighteous money.' How would you define these terms based on the message?

The sermon suggests that righteous money is used for godly purposes, while unrighteous money is obtained or used in ways that violate God's word.
What specific changes could you make to ensure your money is being used more righteously in your life?

Prayer 🙏

Let's take a moment to share our prayer requests:

• Ask God for guidance in using money as a tool for goodness and generosity.
• Request strength to resist earthly temptations and focus on spiritual wealth.
• Seek wisdom in making financial decisions that honor God's word.
• Pray for accountability in our personal and communal financial practices.

Rewatch the Sermon 📼

Discussion Questions

Money, Morality, and the Parable of the Shrewd Steward"

Understanding the Parable (Luke 16:1-13)

What surprised you most about the speaker's interpretation of this parable? How does it differ from what you may have heard before?
The speaker notes we're never explicitly told the steward did anything wrong. How does this ambiguity change your understanding of the parable's message?
Why do you think Jesus commended the steward's shrewdness even though his actions seem morally questionable to modern readers?

Cultural Context and Application

How does understanding first-century customs about gift-giving and friendship help us interpret Jesus' teaching about "using money to make friends"?
What are the dangers of interpreting biblical parables through a 21st-century lens rather than their original cultural context?
The speaker mentions that judges in Jesus' time often relied on bribes. What parallels do you see in our modern systems where money influences justice or fairness?

Money and Morality

Discuss the distinction between "money is evil" and "the love of money is evil." Why is this difference important for Christians today?
The speaker asks whether we use "righteous money" or "unrighteous money." What does this mean practically in your daily financial decisions?
How can we balance living in a material world that requires money while maintaining Jesus' teaching that we cannot serve both God and wealth?

Accountability and Trust

The sermon mentions the church treasurer who embezzled $75,000 over five years. What safeguards should Christian communities have to prevent such situations while maintaining trust?
Why did the master in the parable immediately assume wrongdoing rather than giving his steward the benefit of the doubt? What does this teach us about accountability?
The speaker suggests "trust but verify." How do we practice healthy accountability in Christian community without becoming suspicious or judgmental?

Generosity and Stewardship

If you have financial excess, how do you determine which causes are "worthwhile" and verify donations are used properly?
The sermon critiques wealth concentration in church leadership (mentioning the Pope's gold vestments). How should church resources be distributed between institutional needs and local ministry?
What does it mean to use money "for good—for yourself, your family, and your friends"? Is it biblical to use money for ourselves, or should it all go to others?

Personal Reflection

The speaker encourages praying about whether our use of money aligns with God's will. When was the last time you actually prayed about your financial decisions?
What pressures in our society might tempt us toward unethical financial behavior, similar to how oppressed people in Jesus' time faced such pressures?
How can we prevent money from "overriding our morals and ethics" in practical, everyday situations?

Broader Theological Questions

Why do you think Jesus taught so frequently about money and possessions? What does this tell us about the spiritual dangers of wealth?
How does this parable challenge or confirm your understanding of Christian stewardship and generosity?

Closing Reflection: Take a moment to silently ask God to reveal any areas where money may have too much influence in your life, and pray for wisdom in using your resources according to His will.

Parent Guide

This guide is meant to equip you with discussion questions and conversation starters that you can use throughout the week to continue the conversation about what you and your kids learned on Sunday.

Sermon Summary

In case you missed it, or if you just need a refresher, here's a quick summary of what we talked about this week in the sermon:

Pastor Michael discussed the parable from Luke 16:1-13 about not being able to love both God and money. The focus was on how money itself isn't evil, but how it is used and obtained can be problematic. The sermon highlighted the cultural context of Jesus' times, where friendships could be formed through gifts, and pointed out the ambiguity in the steward's actions – whether he was really dishonest or not. The message also touched on modern parallels where misuse of money, even in churches, is a real issue. Overall, it's about using money in ways that align with God's teachings and being accountable for one's actions.

Conversation Starters

These are things you can talk about with your kids to help further the conversation about what they may have learned on Sunday.

During dinner time
- What do you think Jesus meant when he said you can't serve both God and money?
- This question is derived from the central theme of the parable discussed by Pastor Michael.
On a car ride home from school
- Why do you think the steward reduced the debts of others?
- This question relates to the discussion on the steward's actions and motives in the parable.
While doing chores together
- How can we use our money or resources for good, like Jesus taught?
- This stems from Pastor's message about aligning our use of money with God's ideals.
Before bedtime
- Why is it important to be honest with money, especially in places like church?
- This question touches on the modern examples shared about misusing funds within a church context.
During a walk in the park
- What is one way we can help someone who might need financial support?
- Derived from the sermon encouragement to use excess to share and give to worthy causes responsibly.

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