Cost of Living - Day 11
Day 11 - Monday, January 22
Read Luke 16:1-13
Highlight
This parable is widely considered to be Jesus’ most difficult parable because it appears to commend sinful and selfish behavior. To understand what’s going on, the key is to realize that Jesus is using a common style of teaching at the time. The technique was called ‘from lesser to the greater.’ The basic concept is to say - “if someone that is ill equipped to do something can figure it out, then how much more should someone who has the right tools?”
Think of what the manager did. He manipulated what resources were temporarily in his power to achieve ends that were to his long-term advantage.
His materialism and his sin are not what Jesus commends. His shrewd resourcefulness is. So.. If this dishonest, selfish reprobate of a manager is canny enough and smart enough to use his stewardship against his master’s will to make friends for the near future… How much more should we, with our good master’s wisdom and approval, use our master’s resources to make friends for eternity? They will stand at the edge of glory, welcoming us home when it is time to join them in the True Master’s presence!
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Luke 16:1-13
Highlight
This parable is widely considered to be Jesus’ most difficult parable because it appears to commend sinful and selfish behavior. To understand what’s going on, the key is to realize that Jesus is using a common style of teaching at the time. The technique was called ‘from lesser to the greater.’ The basic concept is to say - “if someone that is ill equipped to do something can figure it out, then how much more should someone who has the right tools?”
Think of what the manager did. He manipulated what resources were temporarily in his power to achieve ends that were to his long-term advantage.
His materialism and his sin are not what Jesus commends. His shrewd resourcefulness is. So.. If this dishonest, selfish reprobate of a manager is canny enough and smart enough to use his stewardship against his master’s will to make friends for the near future… How much more should we, with our good master’s wisdom and approval, use our master’s resources to make friends for eternity? They will stand at the edge of glory, welcoming us home when it is time to join them in the True Master’s presence!
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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