Week of October 22, 2023
Kingdom Riches – Luke 16:1-13
To live well for Jesus’ kingdom is to be wise and strategic in how we use the resources God has given us. We have opportunities to impact the present and the future: meeting needs today, spiritually influencing others including younger generations, and gaining for ourselves a heavenly reward. It is a truly rich life that stores up treasures in heaven!
Monday | Luke 16:1-13
Author Craig Blomberg sums up Jesus’ teaching in this parable this way. 1) All of God’s people will be called to give a reckoning of the nature of their service to him. 2) Preparation for that reckoning should involve a prudent use of all resources, especially in the area of finances. 3) Such prudence, demonstrating a life of true discipleship, will be rewarded with eternal life and joy.
If you were to give an account to Jesus today of how you’ve stewarded his gifts, what would you be most proud of? What would you like to change? What might it mean to keep one eye on eternity as you use your earthly resources, especially your abilities and money?
Tuesday | Matthew 6:19-21, 24
Jesus teaches that the truly good life is one of investing in “heaven” rather than focusing on earthly wealth. What do you think it means to “store up treasures in heaven”? How can you best do that in this season of your life? What helps you to serve God and resist the allure of mammon (material wealth)?
Wednesday | Matthew 25:14-30
What is Jesus’ expectation as to how we are to use the resources he has given us? What is your emotional response to risk? In what way is financial giving risky? In what way is serving others risky? What investment, what risk(s) is God calling you to make in his Kingdom?
Thursday | Luke 12:22-34
What does our ability to be financially generous flow from? What helps you deal with anxiety with regard to finances and earthly needs? Jesus urges us to “seek his kingdom.” How are you doing that in this season of life? What are the benefits Jesus points to in verse 33?
Friday | 2 Corinthians 9:12-15
Paul is urging the Christians in Corinth with regard to generously support their fellow Christians in Jerusalem. What does he say would result from their generosity? What would such generosity communicate to those on the receiving end as well as others throughout the Roman Empire? What do you believe have been the results of your generosity throughout your life?
