Dr. Godwin Izuegbunam  

Theme: Perfecting and Equipping the Saints  

Topic: Accountability (Part 2)  

Text: Luke 16:1–8 (NKJV)

 

Scripture Reading: Luke 16:1–8 (NKJV)

⁠“There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods. So he called him and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.’  

⁠Then the steward said within himself, ‘What shall I do? For my master is taking the stewardship away from me. I cannot dig; I am ashamed to beg. I have resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.’  

⁠So he called every one of his master’s debtors to him, and said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ And he said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ So he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’  

⁠Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ So he said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ And he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’  

⁠So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light.”

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Introduction

Accountability is a powerful Kingdom principle designed by God for the good, growth, and preservation of mankind. When embraced by faith and intentionally cultivated, it produces measurable growth in our knowledge of God, strengthens relationships, enhances ministry effectiveness, and brings credibility to business ventures.  

True accountability:  

•⁠  ⁠Sharpens integrity  

•⁠  ⁠Aligns our hearts with God’s purposes  

•⁠  ⁠Causes us to shine as lights in a corrupt world (Matthew 5:14–16; Philippians 2:15)

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Accountability and Related Kingdom Concepts

A. Responsibility

•⁠  ⁠Rooted in our creation in God’s image (Genesis 1:26)  

•⁠  ⁠Involves ownership of duties, choices, and outcomes  

Key traits of responsibility (1 Corinthians 9:16–27):  

•⁠  ⁠Appetite for God’s truth (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16–17)  

•⁠  ⁠Deep sense of obligation (Romans 1:14)  

•⁠  ⁠Selflessness and focus on God’s glory  

•⁠  ⁠Clear priorities and unwavering focus  

•⁠  ⁠Flexibility in ministry  

•⁠  ⁠Strong discipline and inward restraint  

•⁠  ⁠Accountability to God and a clear conscience  

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B. Stewardship

•⁠  ⁠God owns all things (Psalm 24:1)  

•⁠  ⁠We are managers entrusted with divine assets  

Characteristics of faithful stewardship (Matthew 25:14–30; Luke 12:42–48):  

•⁠  ⁠Divine wisdom (James 3:13–18)  

•⁠  ⁠Growing competence and excellence  

•⁠  ⁠Reliability and commitment  

•⁠  ⁠Compassion for others  

•⁠  ⁠Humility and integrity  

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The Shrewd Steward: A Lesson in Accountability

Luke 16:8 — The steward was commended not for dishonesty, but for his wise, timely, and decisive response to accountability.  

Jesus highlighted:  

•⁠  ⁠Alertness  

•⁠  ⁠Self-evaluation  

•⁠  ⁠Prompt action  

 

Cultivating Personal Accountability (A.C.T.)

1.⁠ ⁠Acknowledge – Honest evaluation of life, values, goals, and stewardship (Ephesians 5:13–17)  

2.⁠ ⁠Confess – Truthfulness before God, rejecting denial and blame-shifting (Psalm 51:6)  

3.⁠ ⁠Take Corrective Action – Translate faith into decisive steps (James 2:17; Luke 15:20)  

Supporting Scriptures:  

1 Corinthians 11:31–32; James 1:23–25; John 13:15–17  

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Personal Reflection

•⁠  ⁠Is there an area of your life or stewardship that has been neglected?  

•⁠  ⁠What part of your calling requires honest evaluation and improvement?  

•⁠  ⁠Will you continue in denial, or take corrective steps?  

Reminder:  

“Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise.” — Proverbs 6:6–11  

Wise stewardship of time, opportunities, and resources is a Kingdom mandate.