How does Luke 15:14 illustrate the consequences of poor stewardship and planning?

Text of Luke 15:14

“After he had spent everything, a severe famine swept through that country, and he began to be in need.”

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The Crisis Exposed

- Spent everything —no savings, no margin.

- Severe famine—an external hardship he could not control.

- Began to be in need—destitution followed immediately.

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Marks of Poor Stewardship

• Impulsive use of resources (vv. 12–13)

• No contingency plan for predictable hardships

• Short-term pleasure trumping long-term security

• Isolation from wise counsel (Proverbs 13:20)

• Dependence on circumstances rather than God’s principles

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Biblical Warnings and Parallels

- Proverbs 21:20: “Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man consumes them.”

- Proverbs 6:6-8: Ants store in summer to survive winter.

- Genesis 41:34-36: Joseph’s planning saved nations during famine.

- 1 Timothy 5:8: Neglecting household provision is a denial of the faith.

- Matthew 25:14-30: Faithful servants multiply what the Master entrusts.

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Stewardship Principles Drawn from the Verse

1. Plan for scarcity before it arrives.

2. Preserve capital; avoid consuming the seed.

3. Live beneath income to build reserve.

4. Seek counsel; accountability curbs waste.

5. View every resource as God’s, managed for His glory.

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Practical Takeaways

- A crisis often reveals—not creates—poor planning.

- God calls His people to foresight, discipline, and generosity.

- Faithful stewardship is worship in action, trusting God over circumstance.