False Security
Luke 12:13-21
January 16, 2005
Luke 12:13-21 (NLT)
Then someone called from the crowd, "Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me."
[14] Jesus replied, "Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?" [15] Then he said, "Beware! Don’t be greedy for what you don’t have. Real life is not measured by how much we own."
And he gave an illustration: "A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. [17] In fact, his barns were full to overflowing. [18] So he said, ’I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store everything. [19] And I’ll sit back and say to myself, My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!’
[20] "But God said to him, ’You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get it all?’
[21] "Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God."
The Issue of Focus
• Inward
– What’s in it for me?
– When do I get mine?
– All about receiving my due
• Outward
– What can I give?
– What am I contributing?
– All about being what God wants me to be
Luke 12:15 (NLT)
Then he said, "Beware! Don’t be greedy for what you don’t have. Real life is not measured by how much we own."
Me, Me, Me
• Our world is fueled by greed
– Have it now...pay for it later
– He who has the most toys wins
• Material wealth is esteemed
• Image is esteemed
Luke 12:16-18 (NLT)
And he gave an illustration: "A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. [17] In fact, his barns were full to overflowing.
The Successful Fool
• The accumulation of wealth
– Wise management of resources
• Wealth can be used for selfish gain
• Wealth can be used for God’s glory
• How much is enough?
– The rich man had more than could use
– He was already saving for the future
Luke 12:18 (NLT)
[18] So he said, ’I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store everything.
If I Only Had....
• Focus on what you have
– The rich man focused on what he didn’t have
• Our world revolves on this principle
– The average American household carries $7,250 in credit card debt
– In 1990 the average American household carried $2,550 in credit card debt
Luke 12:19 (NLT)
And I’ll sit back and say to myself, My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!’
Long Range Planning
• The rich man limited his view to the short term and temporal
• Retirement planning is important, but eternity planning is critical
– Many save for their golden years, but neglect their eternal well being
• They will enter eternity empty-handed
Luke 12:20-21 (NLT)
"But God said to him, ’You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get it all?’
[21] "Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God."
Keeping First Things First
• What are you working for?
– When you’re gone...it’s gone
• Taxes
• Probate
• Maintaining a rich relationship with God
– Take advantage of opportunities to bless others
– Maintain a passionate personal relationship with Christ
– Give Christ lordship over your possessions
**Powerpoint available upon request
