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QUESTION: 87
 Luke 16:9, And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. What does this mean?

ANSWER:   Jesus had just given a parable of a servant who handled his lord affairs wisely.  So He make an application of it to the disciples that they should used mammon (riches) of this world wisely so that when they die there will be some treasures in heaven for them, Vs. 10-12 He tells them to faithfully handle earthly wealth in the work of the Lord. He teaches this all through His ministry. Matthew 6:19, 20 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: Luke 12:33  Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. 1 Tim 6: 18, 19   Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;   That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;  Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
    These verses fit well with Luke 16:9 above.  A Christian should not serve mammon, but what they have should be used in connection with the true riches and the gospel’s sake.
    His application was that the children of this world were wiser than His people.  You cannot buy your way to heaven, but your rewards there are determined by who you serve here.
    If you are not saved, then no service you could do would ever get you saved. You must repent of your sins or perish. Luke 13:3. You must trust Christ to be forgiven and have eternal life. Have you? Acts 16:31,   And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Got a question? Send it to: Harold Smith, Glenwood N.S. B0W 1W0.

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen