Bible Reading
Luke 12:15-21 “And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
[52:52]Luke 12:22-34 “And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
[01:03:18]Mark 7:21-23 “For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
[47:10]Observation questions
- In Mark 7:21–23, where does Jesus say greed and the other destructive behaviors come from, and what does that show about greed?
- In Luke 12:15–21, what warning does Jesus give before telling the parable, and what does he say life does not consist of? [52:52]
- What does the rich man decide to do when his land produces an abundant harvest, and what words reveal that he is focused mainly on himself?
- According to Luke 12:22–34, what examples does Jesus use to remind his disciples of God’s care and provision? [01:03:18]
Interpretation questions
- Jesus warns against “all kinds of greed.” How does that warning expand greed beyond money to include attention, affirmation, influence, power, or control? [53:09]
- The rich man’s barns were once enough, but he tears them down to make room for more. What does this reveal about a heart that keeps moving the definition of “enough”? [56:12]
- Why can the desire to become completely independent from need also become resistance to dependence on God and healthy dependence on other people? [57:26]
- Jesus connects freedom from worry with trusting the Father’s care in Luke 12:22–34. Why might gratitude be a stronger response to greed than simply trying harder to want less? [01:03:23]
Application questions
- Think about a recent small conflict at home, work, or church. Was there something deeper beneath the surface—such as a desire to be appreciated, heard, comfortable, secure, or in control? What might that reveal? [40:28]
- Where does the desire for “more” show up most strongly right now: money, time, comfort, attention, influence, affirmation, or something else? What fears or needs seem connected to it? [48:50]
- Is there a relationship in which it is easy to focus on what the other person has not given or done? What would it look like to move from quietly keeping score to giving, listening, and serving with greater generosity? [01:04:34]
- What would it mean for “enough” to become enough in one specific area of life this week? Is there a spending choice, work habit, comparison, or pursuit of recognition that could be placed in God’s hands? [01:00:46]
- Make a short list of ways God has provided in the past. How could remembering those moments change the way current financial pressures, uncertainty, or unmet desires are viewed? [01:03:43]
- Giving can become an act of worship and gratitude rather than an attempt to earn God’s favor. What is one practical way to practice open-handed generosity—with money, time, attention, encouragement, or hospitality—this week? [01:08:25]
- Christ gave himself freely so that his people can trust God and risk needing one another. Where might it be hard to admit a need or receive help, and what would a faithful next step toward healthy dependence look like? [01:16:33]
