Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionCovetousness, often understood as an intense desire for wealth or possessions, is a recurring theme in biblical teachings, warning against the spiritual dangers of greed and materialism. The parable of the Unjust Steward, found in the Gospel of Luke, serves as a poignant illustration of the perils of covetousness and the importance of faithful stewardship. Biblical Context The parable of the Unjust Steward is located in Luke 16:1-13. Jesus tells this account to His disciples, highlighting the shrewdness of a steward who, upon learning of his impending dismissal, manipulates his master's debtors to secure his own future. This narrative is set within a broader discourse on wealth, faithfulness, and the kingdom of God. The Parable In the parable, a rich man accuses his steward of wasting his possessions. The steward, facing termination, devises a plan to ingratiate himself with his master's debtors. He reduces their debts, hoping they will welcome him into their homes once he is jobless. Surprisingly, the master commends the steward for his shrewdness, not for his dishonesty, but for his foresight and resourcefulness. Key Themes 1. Stewardship and Accountability: The parable underscores the responsibility of managing resources wisely. The steward's initial failure is his mismanagement, reflecting a lack of accountability. This serves as a cautionary tale for believers to be faithful stewards of God's gifts. 2. Shrewdness vs. Dishonesty: While the steward's actions are dishonest, his shrewdness is acknowledged. Jesus uses this to illustrate the need for believers to be wise and discerning in their dealings, particularly concerning eternal matters. 3. Covetousness and Material Wealth: The parable warns against the love of money and the temptation to prioritize material wealth over spiritual riches. Jesus concludes with a powerful statement: "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money" (Luke 16:13). 4. Eternal Perspective: The narrative encourages an eternal perspective, urging believers to use worldly resources to gain eternal rewards. The steward's foresight in securing his future, albeit through unjust means, serves as a metaphor for the believer's need to invest in the kingdom of God. Moral and Spiritual Implications The parable of the Unjust Steward challenges believers to examine their attitudes toward wealth and possessions. Covetousness, as depicted in the steward's initial actions, leads to spiritual and moral compromise. The account calls for a heart aligned with God's purposes, emphasizing that true riches are found in faithfulness and devotion to Him. Conclusion The parable of the Unjust Steward remains a profound teaching on the dangers of covetousness and the call to faithful stewardship. It invites believers to reflect on their priorities, urging them to serve God wholeheartedly and to use their resources for His glory. Nave's Topical Index Luke 16:1-8And he said also to his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused to him that he had wasted his goods. Nave's Topical Index Library The Unjust Steward - Dives and Lazarus - Jewish Agricultural Notes ... The Unrighteous Mammon The Rich Man and Lazarus. His Life Private Property and the Common Good The Use of Money The Three Last Parables of the Per??an Series: the Unrighteous ... On the Danger of Increasing Riches The Lord's Supper Epistle Lxiii. Limenius, Bishop of Vercell??, Having Died, the See ... Resources What is the difference between envy and jealousy, biblically speaking? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Rich Fool? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about the prosperity gospel? | GotQuestions.org Covetousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Covetousness in Building Fine Houses While the House of the Lord Lay Waste Covetousness in Buying Esau's Birthright Covetousness in Deceiving Jacob in Wages Covetousness in Deceiving Jacob when he Served Him Seven Years for Rachel Covetousness in Defrauding Esau of His, Father's Blessing Covetousness in Defrauding Laban of his Flocks and Herds Covetousness in Exacting Usury from Their Brethren Covetousness in Following Jesus Merely for the Loaves and Fish Covetousness in Giving Rebekah to be Isaac's Wife Covetousness in Keeping Back the Portion of the Levites Covetousness is Inconsistent in Saints Covetousness is Inconsistent: Specially in Ministers Covetousness is Never Satisfied Covetousness is the Root of all Evil Covetousness: A Characteristic of the Slothful Covetousness: A Characteristic of the Wicked Covetousness: Achan, in Hiding the Treasure Covetousness: Ahab, in Desiring Naboth's Vineyard Covetousness: Avoid Those Guilty of Covetousness: Balaam, in Loving the Wages of Unrighteousness Covetousness: Comes from the Heart Covetousness: Commended by the Wicked Alone Covetousness: David, of Bath-Sheba Covetousness: Demas in Forsaking Paul for Love of the World Covetousness: Demetrius, in Raising a Riot Against Paul and Silas Covetousness: Eli's Sons, in Taking the Flesh of the Sacrifice Covetousness: Engrosses the Heart Covetousness: Eve, in Desiring the Forbidden Fruit Covetousness: Excludes from Heaven Covetousness: Festus, in Hoping for a Bribe from Paul Covetousness: Gehazi, in Taking a Gift from Naaman Covetousness: General Scriptures Concerning Covetousness: Judas, in Betraying Jesus for Twenty Pieces of Silver Covetousness: Leads to Departure from the Faith Covetousness: Leads to Domestic Affliction Covetousness: Leads to Foolish and Hurtful Lusts Covetousness: Leads to Injustice and Oppression Covetousness: Leads to Poverty Covetousness: Lot, in Choosing the Plain of the Jordan Covetousness: Money-Changers in the Temple Covetousness: Nobles of the Jews Covetousness: Reward of Those Who Hate Covetousness: Samuel's Sons, in Taking Bribes Covetousness: Saul, in Sparing, Agag and the Booty Covetousness: Shall Abound in the Last Days Covetousness: Simon Magus, in Trying to Buy the Gift of the Holy Spirit Covetousness: The Rich Young Ruler Covetousness: The Sorcerers, in Filing Complaint Against Paul and Silas Covetousness: The Unjust Steward Covetousness: To be Mortified by Saints Covetousness: Woe Denounced Against Related Terms Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences) Licentiousness (10 Occurrences) |
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