In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding and fulfilling the stewardship of the gospel. He highlights how wealthy individuals often give large sums of money to charitable causes, but emphasizes that no gift is greater than paying the debt of the gospel to others. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about trying to impress his girlfriend by buying matching shirts, only to find out that the event they were attending was free. He uses this story to illustrate that people often spend their lives striving for satisfaction, when the greatest thing they can receive is the free gift of the gospel. The speaker then delves into the Gospel according to Luke, emphasizing the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the core message of the gospel.

William MacDonald emphasizes the importance of wise stewardship in his sermon, drawing from the parable of the unjust steward in Luke 16. He highlights that while the steward acted dishonestly, he was commended for his foresight in preparing for his future, which serves as a lesson for Christians to invest in eternal matters rather than earthly wealth. MacDonald encourages believers to use their resources to make friends in heaven by supporting the work of the Gospel, thus ensuring a welcoming community in the afterlife. He stresses that true riches lie in spiritual investments rather than material possessions, urging the congregation to prioritize their stewardship in light of eternity.

Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of being spiritually awake and prepared for the Lord's coming, urging believers to recognize the riches available through Christ. He draws from the parable of the shrewd steward in Luke 16, illustrating how the steward acted wisely in preparing for his future despite his unjust actions. Beach encourages the congregation to believe in God's promises and to be faithful stewards of what has been entrusted to them, highlighting that true riches come from faithfulness in small things. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding of God's grace and the need to act shrewdly in our spiritual lives, making friends through our resources in preparation for eternity.

Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the critical need for personal encounters with God over mere religious observance, warning against the dangers of being unfaithful stewards of God's gifts. He highlights how Jesus weeps for those who reject His call and fail to recognize their need for Him, urging believers to listen for God's voice and respond with obedience. The sermon stresses that true faithfulness involves acknowledging our shortcomings and actively seeking God's grace to fulfill our stewardship. Beach Jr. calls for a deep introspection of our lives to ensure we are not merely practicing a hollow religion but are genuinely engaged in a relationship with Christ.

Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes that true stewardship is not about the physical church building but about recognizing ourselves as the living temple of God. He calls for believers to be fully devoted to Christ, resisting distractions and worldly wisdom that can defile our spiritual lives. The sermon highlights the importance of understanding our identity in Christ and the stewardship we have been entrusted with, which is to express His life through us. Beach warns against the dangers of valuing worldly success over spiritual faithfulness, urging the congregation to focus on serving others and living out the love of Christ. Ultimately, he challenges listeners to assess their priorities and ensure that their lives reflect the true calling of being stewards of God's mysteries.

Shane Idleman addresses the critical topic of money in his sermon 'Money - Cirrhosis of the Giver,' emphasizing the importance of stewardship and the dangers of allowing money to become a master rather than a servant. He draws parallels between cirrhosis of the liver and the spiritual condition of a stingy giver, advocating for a heart of generosity that reflects God's blessings. Idleman warns against the prosperity gospel, reminding believers that true wealth is not merely financial but found in a relationship with God and the blessings of a well-stewarded life. He encourages the congregation to give cheerfully and to prioritize their giving as a reflection of their faith and trust in God. Ultimately, he calls for a heart transformation that recognizes everything belongs to God and that we are merely stewards of His resources.

D.L. Moody emphasizes the importance of being diligent and faithful in our service to God, as illustrated in the parable of the talents. He reminds us that God evaluates us not solely on our current abilities or possessions, but on our potential and the opportunities we have to grow and serve. The contrast between the faithful servant and the slothful servant serves as a call to action for believers to maximize their gifts and responsibilities in the Kingdom of God.

R.A. Torrey expounds on the parable of the Unjust Steward in Luke 16:1-18, emphasizing the importance of wise stewardship of earthly wealth in light of eternal consequences. He highlights that while the unjust steward acted shrewdly to secure his future, believers should be even more prudent in using their resources to benefit others and prepare for eternity. Torrey warns against the dangers of covetousness and the love of money, which can lead to spiritual ruin and a lack of true riches. He stresses that all stewards will be held accountable for their management of God's resources, and that faithfulness in small matters leads to greater opportunities in God's service. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a choice between serving God or wealth, urging believers to prioritize their eternal stewardship.

R.A. Torrey expounds on the Parable of the Talents, emphasizing the responsibility of believers to utilize the gifts entrusted to them by God during His absence. He contrasts the faithful servants who invested their talents and were rewarded with joy and authority, with the unprofitable servant who, out of fear and laziness, buried his talent and faced condemnation. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing our gifts, the accountability we have to God, and the consequences of neglecting our responsibilities. Torrey encourages believers to actively engage in using their God-given abilities for His glory, as all will ultimately give an account of their stewardship. The message serves as a reminder that faithfulness in small things leads to greater opportunities in the Kingdom of God.

J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of actively using the talents and opportunities God has entrusted to us, as illustrated in the parable of the pounds. He explains that life is a trust, and we must account for how we have utilized our gifts, with the expectation that faithful use will lead to greater responsibilities and rewards. Miller warns against the dangers of disuse, highlighting that failing to engage with our gifts can lead to their loss and spiritual stagnation. He encourages believers to strive for growth and to make the most of their lives in service to Christ, as true fulfillment comes from diligent effort and faithfulness. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a proactive approach to living out our faith and maximizing our potential for God's glory.

T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the vital role of stewardship in the life of every believer, highlighting that stewards are responsible for representing their Master and meeting the needs of others. He explains that stewardship requires faithfulness, a deep understanding of both the needs of people and the resources available to meet those needs, which comes through personal experience and training. Sparks encourages believers to recognize their calling as stewards, reminding them that their experiences are not just for personal growth but to enrich and support others. He underscores that faithfulness, rather than eloquence or special gifts, is the key qualification for a steward, as exemplified by the Apostle Paul. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to actively engage in their stewardship, sharing the blessings they have received with those around them.

Andrew Murray explores the profound meaning of consecration, emphasizing that it is a divine privilege to return to God what is inherently His. He reflects on David's prayer in I Chronicles 29:14, highlighting that all we possess comes from God, and our ability to give back is a miracle of grace. Murray outlines four key insights: God's ownership of all, our dependence on Him, the honor of giving back, and the joy God experiences when we return what He has given us. He encourages believers to apply these truths to their lives, encompassing their wealth, property, and entire being.

John Wesley emphasizes the wise use of money, urging Christians to view themselves as stewards of God's resources. He explains that money itself is not evil, but the love of it can lead to sin, and encourages believers to gain, save, and give wisely. Wesley outlines three key principles: gain all you can without harming yourself or others, save all you can by avoiding unnecessary expenses, and give all you can to support the needy and the work of God. He warns against the dangers of indulgence and encourages a life of generosity that reflects one's faith in Christ. Ultimately, Wesley calls for a faithful stewardship that prepares believers for eternal life.

William MacDonald emphasizes that disciples of Christ are stewards of God's property and interests, as illustrated in the parable of the unjust steward. The parable teaches that while the steward acted dishonestly, he was wise in planning for his future, contrasting the worldly focus on earthly security with the eternal perspective of Christians. MacDonald urges believers to use their material possessions to win souls for Christ, thereby laying up treasures in heaven. He stresses that faithfulness in handling material things reflects one's character and ability to be trusted with spiritual riches. Ultimately, disciples must choose between serving God or wealth, as divided allegiance is impossible.

K.P. Yohannan emphasizes Jesus' teachings on money management, illustrating how Jesus prioritized spending for immediate needs and aiding the poor, as seen during the Last Supper. He highlights the misunderstanding of the disciples regarding Judas' actions, revealing that Jesus viewed money as a tool for the kingdom rather than personal gain. Yohannan challenges the modern mindset that equates income with personal lifestyle, urging Christians to pray about their spending habits as they do for charitable contributions. He critiques the double standard in financial decisions, both personally and within the church, advocating for a mindset that prioritizes God's work over personal pleasure. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a reevaluation of how we handle money in light of Christ's example.

Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of being faithful with money, explaining that under the new covenant, we are called to give 100% of our resources to God rather than just tithing. He highlights that everything we possess ultimately belongs to God, and our love for Him should motivate us to manage our finances in a way that reflects our commitment to Him. Poonen warns against the dangers of materialism and encourages believers to avoid wastefulness, as faithfulness in handling money is a test of spiritual responsibility. He asserts that many churches lack prophetic insight because their leaders have failed the 'Mammon-test' by being unfaithful in their financial stewardship. Ultimately, a pure heart is one that prioritizes God above all earthly possessions.

John Wesley warns about the spiritual dangers associated with increasing wealth, emphasizing that riches can lead to a heart that is set on material possessions rather than on God. He explains that true riches are not merely about monetary wealth but about the ability to do good and help others. Wesley urges individuals to examine their hearts and ensure that their increasing wealth does not lead to covetousness or a false sense of security. He encourages generosity and warns against hoarding wealth, reminding listeners that they are stewards of God's gifts. Ultimately, Wesley calls for a life of giving and serving, rather than one focused on accumulating wealth.

George Mueller emphasizes the teachings of Jesus regarding the importance of laying up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. He explains that earthly possessions are subject to decay and loss, while heavenly treasures are eternal and secure. Mueller encourages believers to invest their time, talents, and resources in God's work, as this not only enriches their spiritual lives but also aligns their hearts with heavenly values. He warns that where one's treasure is, their heart will follow, urging Christians to focus on their heavenly calling and inheritance. Ultimately, he calls for a life of stewardship that reflects a deep trust in God's wisdom and love.

Charles Finney emphasizes the concept of stewardship, explaining that all individuals are stewards of God's resources and must account for their time, talents, influence, and possessions. He warns that neglecting God's business for personal gain is a serious offense, equating it to fraud against God. Finney urges listeners to recognize their responsibilities in using their resources for God's glory and the welfare of others, rather than hoarding wealth or pursuing selfish interests. He concludes with a call to repentance, reminding everyone that they will ultimately be held accountable for their stewardship before God.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of the faithful use of God-given resources, reminding us that while God grants His gifts freely, we are accountable for how we utilize them. Each individual, regardless of the amount of talents or resources they possess, must answer for their stewardship before Christ's judgment seat. Tozer warns against the tragedy of neglecting our gifts, as seen in the parable of the man who buried his talent, and highlights the need for Christians to reflect on their use of money, which will also be scrutinized by God. He calls for self-auditing to ensure we are making the most of our time and resources before it is too late.

John Wesley emphasizes the concept of stewardship in his sermon 'The Good Steward,' urging believers to recognize their role as stewards of God's gifts. He explains that everything we possess—our souls, bodies, talents, and worldly goods—are entrusted to us by God, and we are accountable for how we use them. Wesley warns that our time as stewards is limited, and we must prepare to give an account of our stewardship when we stand before God. He encourages the congregation to use their gifts wisely and in accordance with God's will, as this is essential for true happiness and fulfillment. Ultimately, Wesley calls for a life dedicated to glorifying God through every aspect of our being.

F.B. Meyer emphasizes the dual nature of deposits in his sermon on 2 Timothy, illustrating how believers entrust their souls to Christ while He, in turn, entrusts His Gospel and glory to them. He encourages the congregation to be diligent stewards of the treasures God has given them, highlighting the importance of being 'meet for the Master's use.' Meyer reflects on the transformative power of Scripture, which is God-breathed and refreshes the soul, urging believers to maintain a high view of Christ as both Savior and Judge. He concludes with a call to live in a way that honors the trust placed in them by God, fostering a deep relationship with Him through prayer and service.

Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of understanding the use of money in the context of God's kingdom, highlighting that while money can be a cruel master, it can also serve as a tool for eternal purposes. He encourages believers to use their resources wisely, making friends through acts of generosity that will have lasting impact in heaven. Smith warns against the folly of hoarding wealth for oneself, reminding us that what we give for Jesus' sake is what truly lasts. He illustrates the concept of 'heavenly currency' and the significance of sacrifice in our giving, urging the congregation to consider how their financial decisions reflect their faith. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a shift in perspective on money, viewing it as a means to serve God and others.

J.R. Miller emphasizes the critical importance of how we use our money, warning that the love of money can lead to destruction. He illustrates this through the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, highlighting that wealth used solely for self-indulgence leads to spiritual poverty. Miller encourages believers to view their finances as a trust from Christ, advocating for generosity and selflessness as the true path to laying up treasures in Heaven. He concludes that giving is essential for spiritual vitality, contrasting the stagnation of hoarding with the life-giving nature of generosity.

A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of being faithful in small things, warning against the danger of underestimating one's abilities and opportunities. He illustrates that even those with seemingly little to offer, like the servant with one talent, can miss out on life's great meaning by choosing inaction. Simpson encourages individuals to recognize the value of their contributions, no matter how small, and to fulfill their responsibilities diligently. He reminds us that God holds us accountable for what we have, urging us to act rather than hide behind our perceived insignificance. Ultimately, faithfulness in even the smallest tasks can lead to great blessings.