GOD AS AN INVESTMENT CAPITALIST(LUKE 19:11-27)

DR. J.L. WILLIAMSJL, PATT & FRIENDS

WWW.JLWILLIAMS.ORG

Introduction

1. Many people are very surprised to hear God spoken about in economic terms – much less in the terms of capitalism.

2. Most people do not associate God with business – that’s why we have a tragic divorce between God and business; between the church world and the business world; between the Christian ethic with the business ethic.

Introduction

3. If God can be properly spoken of in terms of capitalism, what does the term actually mean?

1. Capitalism is: “The economic system in which all or most of the means of production and distribution are privately owned and operated for a profit – under competitive conditions.”

2. Therefore, a capitalist is simply: “A person who has capital; an owner of wealth used in business.”  

3. By that definition then, God is a Capitalist! 

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and

widows in their distress and to keep oneself

from being polluted by the world”

(James 1:27).

Introduction

4. However He is a Benevolent Capitalist – rather than an exploitive capitalist.

“Who has a claim against Me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to Me” (Job 41:11).

5. “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Ps. 24:1; I Cor.10:26).

6. Why has capitalism developed a tarnished or a dirty image? Because it is often been exploitive rather than benevolent. God has invested in us for our good and His glory. We are to bring glory and honor to God by taking the investments that He has put in us and invest them for His glory. The Bible teaches compassionate capitalism – so the church must demonstrate compassionate capitalism.

Introduction

7. Therefore, as the ultimate owner of all of the earth’s wealth, God invests portions of His wealth in us. Because of His love and grace, He makes a specific deposit in each of us in order to make a profit for His honor and glory.  

8. We then bring Him honor and glory when we use His deposit in us to accomplish those “good works” He created us for before the creation of the world (Eph. 2:10).

9. In this particular parable, we find Jesus telling a story that demonstrates God’s benevolent investment in the lives of some of His servants like you and me.

1. The Perspective of the PeopleA. “While He was listening to this, He went

on to tell them a parable, because He was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once.”

Luke 19:11

2. The Parable of Political Significance

A. “He said: ‘A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return.”

Luke 19:12

3. The Possessions of the MasterA. “So he called ten of his servants and

gave them ten minas.” Luke 19:13

4. The Partnership of the ServantsA. “Put this money to work,” he said, “until

I come back.”; “Occupy till I return” (KJV) ; “Do business with this until I come back” (NASV)

Luke 19:13

5. The Prejudice of the SubjectsA. “But His subjects hated him and sent a

delegation after Him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’”

Luke 19:14

6. The Power of the NoblemanA. “He was made king, however, and

returned home.” Luke 19:15

7. The Purpose of the AccountingA. “Then he sent for the servants to whom

he had given the money in order to find out what they had gained with it.”

Luke 19:15

8. The Profit of the InvestmentA. “The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your

mina has earned ten more.’” Luke 19:15

9. The Pleasure of the InvestorA. “Well done my good servant!”

Luke 19:17

10. The Promotion of the Faithful Servants

A. “Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.” The second came and said, ‘Sir your mina has earned five more.” His master answered ‘You take charge of five cities.’”

Luke 19:17-19

11. The Procrastination of the Lazy Servant

A. “Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina: I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth.”

Luke 19:20

12. The Problem of Wrong Thinking

A. “I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in a reap what you did not sow.”

Luke 19:21

13. The Penalty of Wrong Speaking

A. “His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’”

Luke 19:22

14. The Price of Lost OpportunityA. “Then He said to those standing by,

‘Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’”

Luke 19:24

15. The Protest of the Unenlightened

A. “Sir,” they said, ‘he already has ten.” Luke 19:25

16. The Principal of ParadoxA. “He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone

who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he as will be taken away.’”

Luke 19:26

17. The Punishment of the EnemiesA. “But those enemies of mine who did not

want me to be king over them – bring them here and kill them in front of me.”

Luke 19:27

Conclusion

1. God is a generous “Benevolent Investment Capitalist.” Because of His love, mercy and grace, He liberally invests His possessions in each of our lives.

2. He entrusts and invests in each of us life…time…talents…salvation…spiritual gifts…opportunities.

3.  As a result, He expects us to “redeem the time”… “Buy up every opportunity”… “Occupy until He comes”… “Do business until He returns.”

4.  He expects us to take what He has invested in us – and use it to create all of the spiritual and financial profit we can for His Kingdom and glory.

5. Because of His grace, He gives each of us “equal opportunity to be faithful…to be involved…to invest…to multiply His investment in us.

Conclusion

6. If He has given you an entrepreneurial spirit…business acumen…the ability to make money…create wealth – than He wants you to be His “missionary in the marketplace!”

7.  He wants you to b a wise capitalist, and leverage your opportunities and finances for His Kingdom and glory.

8.  One day we will each face Him personally to give an account – either through our own death, or at His Second Coming.

9.  What will you hear from His lips at that time? I trust that it will be “Well done, good and faithful servant!”