Chapter Study & Analysis
Overview
Luke 16 addresses the use of money and the reality of the afterlife through the Parable of the Unjust Steward and the account of the Rich Man and Lazarus. It emphasizes that we cannot serve both God and Mammon.
CONTEMPORARY APPLICATIONS
1. Stewardship of Wealth: We are called to use "unrighteous mammon" (earthly wealth) for eternal purposes (v. 9). Our spending reflects our true priorities and our trust in God’s provision.
2. The Great Gulf: The story of the rich man (v. 26) warns that our choices in this life have eternal consequences. There is a fixed state after death where no further change is possible.
3. The Sufficiency of Scripture: If people will not hear Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even by a resurrection (v. 31). We must value and obey the Word of God we already have.
Practical Lessons
FORMAL PRAYER
O God, who art the owner of all things: teach us to be faithful stewards of the resources Thou hast placed in our hands. Deliver us from the love of money and keep our eyes fixed on the eternal realities of Thy Kingdom. May we hear and obey Thy Word today. Amen.