CONNECT: How can you put Jesus ahead of your relationships and in everything you do?

WARM-UP  Question

1. What do you think of when you hear someone described as ‘shrewd’?
2. Is there any time in your life, or in a particular context of your life, that required you to be particularly shrewd? Was that a good or bad thing?

READ Luke 16:1-7

1. Can you remember anything about the manager’s social situation? Why was the manager’s livelihood potentially under threat?
2. What was so shrewd about the way in which the manager acted in response to his situation? How is ‘shrewdness’ here different to how we might use the word today?
3. How is Jesus’ use of this parable not an outright endorsement of the manager’s moral behaviour?
   What aspect of the manager’s actions is Jesus highlighting as a good example for the disciples?
4. What are common ways in which people (including yourself) are astute with worldly resources for - what is ultimately - temporary outcomes? How much more should we be astute with our resources in order to help achieve eternal outcomes?
5. Can you think of any examples of being astute with our lives with a Kingdom perspective in mind? What do you think it would look like to live more shrewdly as disciples? What negative traps might you need to avoid in doing this?

READ Luke 16:8-15

1. What is meant by verse 10? What riches do you think God has trusted you with?
2. Can you think of an example of someone you have known who demonstrates being incredibly trustworthy with all that God has given them? What fruit is evident in their lives?
3. Do you think it is possible to serve both God and money? Why or why not? Do you think that this is a particular challenge for us today?
4. Why do you think the pharisees were sneering at Jesus? Do you think we’re ever capable of this? How is the knowledge that God knows our heart a great antidote for cynicism?
5. How does being generous with our resources help prevent us from treating wealth as a master?

APPLY: What is one way that you could be shrewd for the Gospel this week?

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On Your Frontline This Week: Is there an act of kindness you could do to bless people on your front line?

Audio and Video 

• AUDIO: “Investing for Eternity” by Alistair Begg
  Part 1 // Part 2
• AUDIO: “Generosity and Wealth” by Tim Keller
• AUDIO: “Use Your Resources and Finish Well” by William Taylor
• AUDIO: “Jesus was Shrewd” by Mark Dever
  

Other Helpful Resources (For Series)

• 13-Week Series on Luke by Gary Millar (QTC):
• ARTICLE: “The 6Ms - Uncovering Fruitfulness Where You Are”
• BOOK: Overview of Luke by the Bible Project
• BOOK: “Luke (Read, Mark, Learn Series)”
  

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