Beware Of Covetousness

Luke 12:13-21

I. Introduction

A. There is a man in the crowd following Jesus that petitions him to judge that his brother should split the inheritance with him.

i. (Deu 21:17 ESV) but he shall acknowledge the firstborn, the son of the unloved, by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the firstfruits of his strength. The right of the firstborn is his.

B. Jesus however, sees through his cry for justice, and points out his covetousness.

C. Jesus was a master at using every event, comment, etc to teach spiritual truths.

II. The rich man’s wealth is unexpected

A. The unexpectedness of it is evidenced in his wonder to himself – what shall I do?

B. It is also shown it that he wishes to tear down his barns. Had he known his crops would produce such an abundance he would have already built bigger barns.

C. Jesus warns us of covetousness – take care, be on your guard against all covetousness.

D. If we see temptation coming, we may be able to prepare for it – but that is not certain.

III. The rich man’s view of himself

A. He finds himself to be wise as he consults his own wisdom – what shall I do? I will do this.

B. He is his own best provider of needs. It all of his considerations he never thanks God or acknowledges his provisions.

C. He exalts himself – instead of giving the excess of his riches to the poor for the glory of God, his determined to tear down the smaller barns and build bigger barns so the world can see his success.

D. He has all that he needs – soul relax, eat, drink, be merry.

E. Illustration: Retirement.

i. The American dream. Retire early.

ii. Who does the American dream look like – Christ or the Rich Fool

IV. God’s view of the rich man

A. Fool

B. His soul is required of him for his riches, for his not acknowledging God.

(Psa 9:17 ESV) The wicked shall return to Sheol, all the nations that forget God.

(Psa 50:22 ESV) "Mark this, then, you who forget God, lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver!

C. He is a slave to his riches.

D. Whose will they be now.

(Job 1:21 ESV) And he said, "Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD."

E. He saw with his eyes, thought with his mind and desired with his heart – yet he forgot God.

F. He is not unique – so it is for the one who lays up treasure for himself

V. Be rich toward God

A. You are not under law. Being there does not make you rich toward God.

B. Faith and obedience in Christ does.