GETTING HOLD OF OPPORTUNITIES
Luke 16:8,9 ““The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings
INTRO: Many individuals try to use this passage in a way to take advantage of others and use get rich schemes for their personal gains. The Lord Jesus did not commend the steward for robbing his master or for encouraging others to be dishonest. Jesus commended the man for his wise use of opportunity. “The children of this world” are experts at seizing opportunities for making money and friends and getting ahead. God’s people should take heed and be just as wise when it comes to managing the spirituals affairs of life.
The children of this world are wiser only “in their generation”; they see the things of time, but not the things of eternity. Because the child of God lives “with eternity’s values in view,” he should be able to make far better use of his opportunities.
What is an opportunity? It is a combination of favorable circumstances or situations. We do believe that God is the one that uses His providence to establish His will in the lives of His children. His timing is important for all of us. Ecc. 4:1 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:”
How many times have we put aside an opportunity just because: 1) we needed time to think; 2) we did not like the person that offered it; 3) we did not believe that the person was godly; 4) we doubted God.
I. KNOWING THAT ALL OF US HAVE TALENTS GIVEN BY GOD
A. Mat 25:14,15 ““Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey.”
II. KNOWING THAT ALL OF US HAVE A MEASURE OF FAITH
A. Rom 12:5 “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.”
III. KNOWING THAT AS HIS CHILDREN EVERYTHING HAS A PURPOSE
A. Rom 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
IV. KNOWING THAT AS HIS CHILDREN WE ARE DESTINED TO SUCCEED
A. Dt. 28:13 “The Lord will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the Lord your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom.”
V. HOW CAN WE BE MORE SHREWD THAN THE WORLD
A. Shrewd - showing or possessing intelligence, insight, and sound judgment, especially in business or politics
B. Knowing that God’s favor is with us
C. Knowing that His Spirit is the one that guides us
D. Knowing that the wisdom from heaven is far greater than the wisdom of the world – Stg. 3:17 “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
E. Knowing that every plan we put in his hands will prosper- Psalms 20:4 “May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.
CONCLUSION:
