- Home
- Bible
- Luke
- Chapter 16
- Verse 16
Luke 16:13
Verse
Context
The Parable of the Shrewd Manager
12And if you have not been faithful with the belongings of another, who will give you belongings of your own?13No 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.”
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
No servant can serve two masters - The heart will be either wholly taken up with God, or wholly engrossed with the world. See on Mat 6:24 (note).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
can serve--be entirely at the command of; and this is true even where the services are not opposed. hate . . . love--showing that the two here intended are in uncompromising hostility to each other: an awfully searching principle!
John Gill Bible Commentary
No servant can serve two masters,.... See Gill on Mat 6:24. . Luke 16:14 luk 16:14 luk 16:14 luk 16:14And the Pharisees also who were covetous,.... Or lovers of money, the love of which is the root of all evil; and that they were, is evident from their devouring widows' houses, under a pretence of making long prayers for them, Mat 23:14 heard all these things; as well as the disciples, being in company with them, Luk 15:2 even the parable concerning the unjust steward, and the application of it; and the directions given about using the things of this world, and the distributing of them to the poor, and showing a greater concern for riches of an higher nature: and they derided him: lift up their nose, or drew it out to him, as the word signifies, in a sneering way; they rejected and despised what he said about their injustice, in their stewardship; the calling of them to an account for it, and the turning of them out of it; and concerning the true use of worldly riches, and the contempt of them; they looked upon themselves safe and secure in the good opinion of the people, and happy in the enjoyment of worldly things; and looked upon him as a weak man, to talk in the manner he did.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
16:13 No one can serve two masters: Complete love and devotion can be given only to one master.
Luke 16:13
The Parable of the Shrewd Manager
12And if you have not been faithful with the belongings of another, who will give you belongings of your own?13No 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.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Basics) 45. God and Money Are Opposites
By Zac Poonen3.4K13:01PRO 22:7ECC 5:10MAT 6:24MAT 23:3LUK 16:131TI 6:10HEB 13:5In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making a choice between serving God or serving money. He compares money to fire, stating that while it can be a useful servant, it can also be a destructive master if not handled carefully. The speaker encourages listeners to be cautious and responsible in their handling of money, as it can have a significant impact on their lives. He uses Jesus as an example, highlighting that Jesus worked as a carpenter and earned a living, but was not attached to material possessions.
Our Kingdom Is Not of This Earth
By Zac Poonen3.2K1:02:35Kingdom Of GodMAT 6:33LUK 16:13REV 18:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not fighting for our rights in any area of life. He refers to Luke 16:13, where Jesus states that we cannot serve both God and wealth. The speaker also highlights the example of Abraham, who trusted in God's promises and inherited the land as a result. He encourages believers to be meek, not fighting for their rights, and to focus on loving and forgiving others. The sermon warns against the deception of the world and urges believers to separate themselves from its sins and pursue godliness and holiness.
(2006 Conference) 5.a Right Attitude to Money
By Zac Poonen3.2K1:00:48PRO 6:6LUK 16:13JHN 6:12ROM 13:81CO 10:262TH 3:101TI 6:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of being faithful with money, avoiding extremes of poverty or excessive wealth, and recognizing that money should not rule over our lives. It highlights the need to be balanced in our attitude towards money, to work hard, avoid wastage, and be faithful in financial matters to serve God effectively and receive true riches from Him.
The Secret of Devotion
By Zac Poonen3.1K59:05DevotionMAT 6:33LUK 16:131JN 2:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our hunger for God over worldly distractions, such as excessive television consumption. He shares the story of David Wilkerson, who was convicted by God to give up watching television and instead spend that time in prayer. This discipline led to God burdening Wilkerson's heart to help troubled youth in New York. The speaker encourages listeners to view things from an eternal perspective and not become entangled in earthly disputes. He also highlights the danger of accumulating knowledge without prioritizing the study of the Bible, which has resulted in a generation that lacks biblical understanding.
Reality Through the Cross
By T. Austin-Sparks2.4K44:35The CrossMAT 3:7MAT 13:24MAT 23:13LUK 16:13JHN 3:1EPH 6:17HEB 4:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reality in the kingdom of God. He explains that simply preaching the word or having knowledge of the Bible is not enough. Jesus desired a seamless connection between truth and life, doctrine and character. The speaker highlights the parables of the sower and the wheat and tares as examples of this principle. He concludes by stating that as we continue to walk with God, our concern for reality should deepen.
The Baptism of Fire
By Zac Poonen2.3K58:53LEV 9:24PSA 139:23JER 6:16JER 8:8MAL 4:5MAT 3:2MAT 7:23LUK 16:13GAL 2:20This sermon emphasizes the importance of repentance and preparing our hearts to receive Christ, drawing parallels to John the Baptist's ministry of preparing the way for Jesus. It highlights the need for genuine repentance, understanding the seriousness of sin, and the danger of neglecting the message of turning from sin. The sermon stresses the significance of fathers taking responsibility for their children's spiritual upbringing and the necessity of being baptized in the fire of God for true transformation and spiritual growth.
True Discipleship - Part 4
By William MacDonald2.0K24:43DiscipleshipMAT 6:33LUK 16:1LUK 16:10LUK 16:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life that is dedicated to God. He warns that it is possible for a person's soul to be saved but their life to be lost. The preacher highlights the idea that everything we have is a gift from God, but there will be a reward for our faithful stewardship at the judgment seat of Christ. He uses the parable of the unjust steward to illustrate the need for accountability and the danger of comparing ourselves to others. The sermon concludes with the reminder that we will be judged according to the principles of the Word of God, with Jesus Christ as our example and guide.
Beware of False Prophets
By Sandeep Poonen1.8K35:46JER 23:14MAT 7:13LUK 16:132CO 11:132TH 2:92PE 2:2This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing the problem of sin in all individuals, both Christians and non-Christians. It highlights Jesus as the solution to the problem of sin, past, present, and future. The speaker warns against false prophets and false teachers in the church, urging Christians to be vigilant and discerning. The message stresses the need to test all preachers, healers, writers, and singers against the metrics of God's word to identify false prophets and avoid deception.
(Kitchener, on 2012) a Servant / Sonship
By Zac Poonen1.8K57:57SonshipLUK 16:13ROM 6:22HEB 4:15HEB 11:40In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the promise of God to provide jobs for his grandchildren, based on his own experiences in India. He warns against making money the master of our lives, comparing it to fire that can be a good servant but a bad master. The three marks of being a servant of God are to be free from sin, free from the mastery of money, and not seeking the approval of men. The speaker also highlights the importance of seeking God's approval rather than worrying about what others think, using the example of a little boy playing the violin who only cared about his teacher's opinion.
Parables on Legalism - 2
By Zac Poonen1.7K1:00:26Legalism1SA 16:7MAT 9:16MAT 13:24MAT 25:1LUK 16:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of yielding to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to transform our lives. He uses the analogy of a child yielding to their artist father's guidance to write the alphabet perfectly. The preacher also discusses the parable of the wheat and tares, highlighting the significance of the inner life and how it distinguishes true believers from those living under the law. He further explores the parable of the good seed and explains that Jesus came to establish a new covenant and lead us away from legalism to a life led by the Spirit.
Two Churches: Babylon and Jerusalem
By Zac Poonen1.7K57:57LUK 16:13JAS 4:4REV 17:5REV 18:4This sermon delves into the concept of Babylon as a corrupt system that infiltrates Christianity, leading believers astray with worldliness, materialism, and false doctrines. It emphasizes the need to come out of this corrupt Christianity, focusing on devotion to Christ, obedience to God's word, and avoiding the traps of money, politics, and music that can lead to spiritual downfall. The message highlights the importance of being part of the true bride of Christ, ready in simplicity and purity of devotion.
Two Churches-Babylon and Jerusalem
By Zac Poonen1.5K57:57PSA 15:4LUK 16:13GAL 1:4JAS 4:4REV 18:4REV 19:2This sermon delves into the concept of Babylon as a corrupt system that infiltrates Christianity, leading believers astray with worldliness, materialism, and false doctrines. It emphasizes the need to come out of this corrupt Christianity, focusing on devotion to Christ, obedience to God's word, and avoiding the traps of money, politics, and music that can lead to spiritual downfall.
Prove Me Now - Part 2
By Keith Daniel1.2K09:301SA 2:30PSA 41:1PRO 11:24PRO 19:17MAT 6:24MAT 19:24MRK 8:36LUK 16:13ROM 12:21TI 6:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of honoring God in business decisions, even when faced with pressure to compromise. It tells the story of a man who chose to show kindness and compassion to the poor, leading to unexpected blessings and financial success despite initial opposition and ridicule. The narrative highlights the principle of God honoring those who honor Him, even in the realm of finances and business.
Hidden Sin - Part 2
By Joshua Daniel1.1K08:50JHN 3:30EXO 30:12PRO 16:18MAT 16:26LUK 16:13ROM 6:231CO 1:181TI 6:10JAS 4:10This sermon emphasizes the dangers of unmitigated prosperity and the moral decline that can result from it, highlighting the importance of acknowledging the Bible's role in shaping concepts like liberty and true freedom. It warns against hypocrisy, the corrupting influence of wealth, and the need to prioritize humility and decrease oneself while allowing Jesus to increase in our lives. The message also touches on the significance of recognizing our sins, paying a ransom for our souls, and the responsibility of preachers to uphold righteousness.
New Covenant- Repentance & Heavenly Kingdom -4
By Zac Poonen1.1K09:38DEU 14:23HAG 2:8MAT 6:19MAT 6:24MAT 6:33MAT 19:24LUK 16:13ACT 3:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of putting God first in all aspects of life, particularly in money matters, and seeking His kingdom and righteousness above all else. It warns against the pursuit of worldly possessions and the dangers of being consumed by material desires. Repentance is highlighted as a crucial step towards turning away from a self-centered life and aligning one's mind and values with God's will.
Freedom From the Love of Money
By Zac Poonen7561:28:37JOB 1:9LUK 16:13HEB 13:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of being free from the love of money, highlighting the need to serve God wholeheartedly and not be enslaved by material possessions. It encourages believers to trust in God's provision, be content with what they have, and boldly declare that the Lord is their helper, not fearing what man or the devil can do. The message underscores the significance of being free from the love of money to make spiritual progress and live a life dedicated to serving God.
The Church: A Light in the Darkness
By Zac Poonen7351:19:52LUK 16:13ROM 6:14JUD 1:3This sermon emphasizes the importance of wholehearted commitment to God, highlighting the dangers of serving two masters, particularly God and money. It stresses the need to choose to serve God alone, not allowing money or material pursuits to distract from true faith. The speaker shares the journey of their church, focusing on upholding biblical values, financial integrity, and a genuine pursuit of godliness, rather than seeking personal gain or popularity. The message warns against false grace that permits sin and urges believers to contend earnestly for the faith delivered to the saints.
Can You Pass the Test of Faith With Your Money
By Tim Conway73557:54LUK 16:131TI 6:102TI 3:2HEB 13:5This sermon emphasizes the battle to keep our lives free from the love of money and the importance of being content with what we have. It challenges believers to trust in God's provision and not to fear what man can do, highlighting the need to serve God rather than money. The message focuses on the root of all kinds of evil being the love of money and the impact it has on various sins, urging believers to despise money and make it serve God. Ultimately, it calls for a deep trust in God's faithfulness and provision, encouraging a lifestyle of faith over financial security.
Two Priorities in 2013
By Ken Miller72645:10PrioritiesMAT 6:19MAT 6:24LUK 12:15LUK 16:13JHN 6:66HEB 12:1In this sermon, the focus is on making a choice between serving God or serving wealth. The speaker emphasizes that there is no middle ground and we must make a decision. The sermon then moves on to discuss two concerns: the needs of the natural life and the importance of using our time wisely. The speaker encourages the audience to think seriously about how they spend their time and to live in a way that redeems it, so that at the end of their lives they can say they have lived a significant life.
Seven Truths That Every Christian Must Know
By Zac Poonen65849:23MAT 18:23LUK 9:23LUK 16:13JHN 14:6ACT 20:21EPH 5:181JN 2:281JN 3:31JN 4:20This sermon emphasizes the importance of key truths that every Christian must know. It covers the exclusivity of Jesus Christ as the only way to God, the necessity of repentance alongside faith, the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit, the requirement to deny oneself to follow Jesus, the warning against serving both God and money, the essentiality of loving and forgiving one another, and the preparation for Christ's second coming.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 56
By Zac Poonen64924:34MAT 16:18LUK 16:13ACT 2:1PHP 2:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of building the church as the body of Christ, not just an organization, by seeking God's interests above our own. It highlights the need for revelation from heaven, spiritual authority, and self-denial to truly build the church. The speaker challenges listeners to prioritize God's kingdom and trust Him to take care of their interests, reminding them of the eternal reward for living a life dedicated to God's work.
(Radical Jesus) 25 Radical Sacrifice
By Glenn Meldrum64727:58SacrificeMAT 6:24MRK 14:9LUK 7:36LUK 16:13JHN 1:6ACT 2:42In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of sacrificing our time, talent, and treasures for Jesus in order to build His kingdom. He highlights the low spiritual condition of many churchgoers in America and the lack of devotion and commitment to Jesus. The early church in Acts chapter 2 serves as an example of wholehearted devotion, as they were devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. The sermon also mentions the story of Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha, who demonstrated her devotion to Jesus by anointing His feet with expensive perfume.
Freedom From Serving Money
By Zac Poonen56040:00MAT 1:21MAT 6:19MAT 6:24LUK 16:13JHN 3:16ACT 17:302CO 9:7EPH 2:8PHP 4:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of not letting money become a master in our lives, but rather to view it as a servant. It addresses the deception in some preachers who prioritize money over true spiritual growth, highlighting the need to seek God's kingdom and righteousness above all else. The message stresses the significance of being saved from sin, not just forgiven, and encourages believers to live in a way that glorifies God and builds a testimony of faithfulness.
Some Lessons the Lord Taught Me
By Zac Poonen4311:07:13JOB 23:10PRO 26:11LUK 16:13ROM 8:281CO 10:13This sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's provision and strength during trials and temptations. It highlights the need to rely on God's faithfulness, the assurance that no trial is too much to handle with God's help, and the encouragement to push back against temptations to grow stronger in faith.
The True Church and Babylon
By Zac Poonen4221:06:38GEN 13:10MAT 6:24LUK 16:13REV 17:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the full purpose of God, focusing on the dangers of serving both God and money. It delves into the concept of Babylon as a system driven by political and financial influences, contrasting it with the true essence of the Church as a unified body serving God. The speaker highlights the need to prioritize God over wealth, address debts, resolve conflicts, and care for one's family before giving offerings. The sermon stresses the significance of building a church that mirrors the selfless nature of Jesus Christ, free from the love of money and dedicated to serving God wholeheartedly.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
No servant can serve two masters - The heart will be either wholly taken up with God, or wholly engrossed with the world. See on Mat 6:24 (note).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
can serve--be entirely at the command of; and this is true even where the services are not opposed. hate . . . love--showing that the two here intended are in uncompromising hostility to each other: an awfully searching principle!
John Gill Bible Commentary
No servant can serve two masters,.... See Gill on Mat 6:24. . Luke 16:14 luk 16:14 luk 16:14 luk 16:14And the Pharisees also who were covetous,.... Or lovers of money, the love of which is the root of all evil; and that they were, is evident from their devouring widows' houses, under a pretence of making long prayers for them, Mat 23:14 heard all these things; as well as the disciples, being in company with them, Luk 15:2 even the parable concerning the unjust steward, and the application of it; and the directions given about using the things of this world, and the distributing of them to the poor, and showing a greater concern for riches of an higher nature: and they derided him: lift up their nose, or drew it out to him, as the word signifies, in a sneering way; they rejected and despised what he said about their injustice, in their stewardship; the calling of them to an account for it, and the turning of them out of it; and concerning the true use of worldly riches, and the contempt of them; they looked upon themselves safe and secure in the good opinion of the people, and happy in the enjoyment of worldly things; and looked upon him as a weak man, to talk in the manner he did.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
16:13 No one can serve two masters: Complete love and devotion can be given only to one master.