True Riches: Investing in God's Kingdom Over Possessions

Summary

In Luke 12:13-21, Jesus is confronted by a man demanding fairness in the division of an inheritance. Rather than siding with him, Jesus warns against covetousness, teaching that life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. This moment reveals a deeper truth: God is not primarily concerned with our sense of fairness, but with the orientation of our hearts. The desire for fairness often masks a deeper covetousness, an idolatry that can enslave us and rob us of joy, peace, and freedom. Jesus exposes this by telling the parable of the rich fool—a man who, after a windfall harvest, plans only for his own comfort and security, neglecting God entirely. God calls him a fool, not because of his prosperity, but because he ignored the Giver and lived as if his wealth was the sum of his life.

This parable draws on Old Testament stories, especially the account of Nabal in 1 Samuel 25, whose name means “fool.” Like the rich man, Nabal hoarded his wealth, refused generosity, and died without recognizing God’s providence or participating in God’s purposes. The lesson is clear: to be “rich toward God” is to have a heart that values what God values—generosity, gratitude, hospitality, self-control, and a readiness to join in God’s work. It is not about the amount of wealth, but about the posture of the heart toward God and others.

Jesus’ warning is not just for the wealthy, but for anyone tempted by covetousness or the idol of fairness. Money is dangerous—not evil, but capable of shrinking our lives, making us forget God, and blinding us to eternity. The parable reminds us that death is imminent, and that all earthly treasures will be left behind. True, enduring wealth is possible, but it is found in investing in God’s kingdom. Where we put our treasure, our hearts will follow. Jesus, who was rich yet became poor for our sake, invites us to share in his riches—riches that bring contentment, enlarge our hearts, deepen our communion with God, and anchor us in eternity. The call is to let go of the world’s grip, to be free from the tyranny of mammon, and to live for the world to come, being truly rich toward God.

Key Takeaways

- The pursuit of fairness can often be a mask for covetousness, leading us to sacrifice relationships, peace, and even our own freedom for the sake of what we think we deserve. Jesus challenges us to let go of this idol, recognizing that clinging to fairness can enslave us, while letting go can set us free to live generously and joyfully. [46:39]

- Being “rich toward God” is not about the quantity of our possessions, but about the quality of our hearts. God values gratitude, generosity, hospitality, and a readiness to participate in his purposes. To be rich toward God is to see every blessing as an opportunity to serve him and others, rather than to indulge ourselves. [57:26]

- The greatest danger of wealth is not its presence, but its power to make us forget God. The world, the flesh, and the devil do not always tempt us to deny God outright, but to ignore him—to live as if he is irrelevant to our daily decisions, especially regarding money and possessions. This subtle godlessness is the true spiritual peril of prosperity. [01:01:08]

- Death is real and imminent, and wisdom begins with reckoning honestly with our mortality. We know in principle that we cannot take our possessions with us, but we rarely let this truth shape our lives. Remembering our death—memento mori—frees us to live for what truly endures and to invest in treasures that cannot be lost. [01:17:59]

- Where we invest our treasure, our hearts will inevitably follow. If we pour our resources into ourselves and this world, our hearts will be anchored here; but if we invest in God’s kingdom, our hearts will be drawn heavenward. Jesus, who became poor so that we might become rich, invites us to experience true abundance—contentment, communion with God, and a vision that stretches into eternity. [01:20:41]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[42:48] - Reading Luke 12:13-21
[44:02] - The Inheritance Dispute and Jesus’ Response
[44:54] - The Disappointment of Jesus’ Counsel
[45:54] - The Idol of Fairness and Covetousness
[47:36] - The True Cost of Clinging to Fairness
[48:18] - The Devastation of Divine Condemnation
[49:24] - Living for the World to Come
[50:00] - The Parable of the Rich Fool
[52:35] - Nabal: The Old Testament Rich Fool
[55:07] - What It Means to Be Rich Toward God
[57:26] - God’s Values vs. Man’s Values
[59:00] - Isaiah 22 and the Danger of Ignoring God
[01:01:08] - The Subtlety of God-Ignoring Prosperity
[01:05:17] - The Dangers of Money
[01:10:18] - True Life Is Found in Knowing God
[01:15:20] - The Imminence of Death and Memento Mori
[01:18:38] - Investing in Enduring Wealth
[01:20:41] - The Snowball Effect of Investing in God’s Kingdom
[01:22:54] - The Freedom and Abundance of Christ
[01:23:51] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
[01:30:56] - Announcements and Final Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Rich Toward God (Luke 12:13-21)

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### Bible Reading

- Luke 12:13-21 (The Parable of the Rich Fool)

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### Observation Questions

1. In the parable, what does the rich man decide to do after his land produces a plentiful harvest? What is his reasoning?
2. How does Jesus respond to the man who asks him to settle the inheritance dispute? What warning does he give?
3. What is God’s verdict on the rich man at the end of the parable, and why does He call him a fool?
4. According to the sermon, what Old Testament story does Jesus’ parable allude to, and what are the similarities between the two stories? [[52:35]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon suggests that the pursuit of fairness can sometimes be a mask for covetousness. How does Jesus’ response to the inheritance dispute reveal this deeper issue? [[46:39]]
2. What does it mean to be “rich toward God” as opposed to being rich toward men? How does the sermon describe the qualities God values? [[57:26]]
3. The parable warns about the dangers of wealth, not because wealth is evil, but because of its power to make us forget God. How does this forgetting happen, according to the sermon? [[01:01:08]]
4. The sermon talks about “memento mori”—remembering our mortality. How does honestly reckoning with our death change the way we live and invest our lives? [[01:17:59]]

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### Application Questions

1. Think about a time when you felt something was unfair and wanted to fight for your “rights.” Looking back, was there any covetousness or idolatry of fairness in your heart? How did it affect your relationships or peace? [[46:39]]
2. The rich fool and Nabal both failed to recognize God’s providence and opportunity to participate in His purposes. Are there areas in your life where you might be missing God’s invitation to generosity, gratitude, or hospitality? What would it look like to respond differently? [[55:07]]
3. Jesus warns that money can shrink our lives and make us forget God. Are there ways your financial decisions or desires have pushed God to the margins of your life? What practical step could you take this week to put God back at the center? [[01:01:08]]
4. The sermon says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Where are you currently investing most of your time, energy, or resources? How is that shaping your heart? [[01:20:41]]
5. The parable reminds us that death is real and imminent, and that we can’t take our possessions with us. How might remembering your mortality change the way you approach your possessions, plans, or priorities? [[01:17:59]]
6. Jesus became poor so that we might become rich in Him. In what ways do you struggle to believe or live out of the abundance and freedom Christ offers? What would it look like to let go of the world’s grip and live “rich toward God” this week? [[01:22:54]]
7. The sermon highlights that being “rich toward God” is about the posture of our hearts—gratitude, generosity, hospitality, self-control, and readiness to join God’s work. Which of these qualities do you sense God inviting you to grow in right now? What is one specific action you could take? [[57:26]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for freedom from the idol of fairness and covetousness, for hearts that are rich toward God, and for the courage to invest in what truly endures.

Devotional

Day 1: Guard Against Covetousness and the Idol of Fairness
Covetousness often disguises itself as a desire for fairness, leading us to pour our energy into conflicts over possessions or perceived injustices, while missing the deeper spiritual danger at work in our hearts. Jesus warns us to be on guard, for the pursuit of fairness can become an idol that enslaves us, robbing us of joy, peace, and freedom. True freedom is found not in clinging to what we think we deserve, but in letting go and trusting God with our needs and our hearts. When we release our grip on fairness, we are set free from the master of covetousness and can see our lives and relationships in the light of God’s greater purposes. [47:36]

Luke 12:13-15 (ESV)
Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 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.”

Reflection: Is there a situation in your life where your desire for fairness is actually masking covetousness? What would it look like to let go of that today and trust God with the outcome?

Day 2: The Folly of Ignoring God’s Providence
It is easy to believe that our success and prosperity are the result of our own efforts, but Scripture warns us that ignoring God’s providence is the path of the fool. Like Nabal and the rich man in Jesus’ parable, we can become self-indulgent, stingy, and blind to the opportunities God gives us to participate in His purposes. True wisdom is found in recognizing that all we have is from God, and that He calls us to gratitude, generosity, and hospitality. When we see our resources as gifts from God, we are freed to use them for His glory and to join in what He is doing in the world. [56:10]

1 Samuel 25:36-38 (ESV)
And Abigail came to Nabal, and behold, he was holding a feast in his house, like the feast of a king. And Nabal’s heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk. So she told him nothing at all until the morning light. In the morning, when the wine had gone out of Nabal, his wife told him these things, and his heart died within him, and he became as a stone. And about ten days later the Lord struck Nabal, and he died.

Reflection: In what area of your life have you been tempted to take credit for your own success or blessings? How can you intentionally acknowledge God’s providence and use what He’s given you to bless others today?

Day 3: The Danger of a God-Ignoring Life
The greatest danger is not outright rejection of God, but simply ignoring Him—living as if He is absent from our daily decisions, especially regarding our money, time, and priorities. The world subtly trains us to push God to the periphery, but the biblical worldview calls us to make Him the blazing center of our lives. When we ignore God, we risk making ourselves the focus and missing the true purpose of our existence. Instead, we are called to see every aspect of our lives as belonging to God and to seek His will in all things, remembering that our possessions, plans, and very lives are meant for Him. [01:04:19]

Isaiah 22:13-14 (ESV)
And behold, joy and gladness, killing oxen and slaughtering sheep, eating flesh and drinking wine. “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” The Lord of hosts has revealed himself in my ears: “Surely this iniquity will not be atoned for you until you die,” says the Lord God of hosts.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can bring God back to the center of your daily routine, especially in an area where you’ve been living as if He is absent?

Day 4: Remember Death and Live for Eternity
We are prone to live as if this life is all there is, forgetting the reality and imminence of death. Jesus’ parable and the wisdom of the ages urge us to “remember death” (memento mori), not to be morbid, but to live wisely and with eternity in view. When we reckon with our mortality, we are freed from the illusion that our possessions or achievements can secure lasting happiness. Instead, we are invited to invest in treasures that endure beyond this life, anchoring our hearts in God’s kingdom and living with a vision that stretches into eternity. [01:18:38]

Luke 12:19-21 (ESV)
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.

Reflection: How does remembering the reality of your own mortality change the way you view your priorities and possessions today? What is one step you can take to invest in what truly lasts?

Day 5: The Call to Be Rich Toward God
To be rich toward God is to have a heart eager to please Him, eyes looking for opportunities to join His work, hands extended in generosity, and lives marked by gratitude, hospitality, and self-control. Jesus, though rich, became poor for our sake so that we might become truly rich in Him—rich with treasures that do not fade, anchored in heaven, and free from the dangers of worldly wealth. As we invest our resources, time, and love into God’s kingdom, our hearts are drawn upward, and we experience the freedom, contentment, and communion with God that He desires for us. This is the abundant life Jesus offers: to let go of this world and cling to Christ, becoming truly rich in what matters most. [01:22:54]

2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

Reflection: What is one tangible way you can be “rich toward God” today—whether through generosity, hospitality, gratitude, or seeking His purposes above your own?

Quotes

He is concerned with more important things than fairness. And this has been something I've had to reckon with and come to peace with on early and often as a minister of his word, because one of the things God does for those who are called into ministry is that he provides them with opportunities to provide counsel from his word to those who need wisdom. [00:44:49]

And as I have had this experience of trying to apply the word of God to people's lives, one of the things that I run into most is how it conflicts with people's views of fairness. Because we either often have a skewed view of fairness or an overly inflated view of fairness. Because we often, well, sometimes we have both, don't we? What is fair? And then we care way too much about it. [00:45:57]

People are willing to blow up their lives over this idol of fairness. And Jesus's advice often is almost anti -fair, right? To bless those that curse you, that is anti -fair. And I've realized that a big part of what we disguise as a desire for justice or fairness is really covetousness. [00:46:23]

I have personally witnessed people sacrifice joy and peace and relationships and all the good in life in order to bicker over money or possessions for the sake of fairness. People are enslaved to this idol. It's not fair. It's not right. So what? So you're going to pour out your whole heart and soul into this conflict and waste your life and bring ruin in your wake because of the concept of fairness? Let it go. Be free. [00:47:02]

And once you are off that leash and you see your former master from a distance for what he really is, you'll notice that he was wearing the disguise of fairness, but he really was covetousness. And so you assume that Jesus is on your side in your righteous quest and you call him to say so. And instead he calls you a fool. [00:47:52]

Something so normal in our day results in devastating divine condemnation. This is why ministers of the word are regularly disappointing people. Not because it's fun, but because our hearts are broken. And the repair takes a radical reorientation. [00:48:50]

But as we do, we'll have to keep shaking off the thinking of this world again and again, like it's barnacles that will cover our boat if we don't keep moving heavenward. [00:49:48]

It's the kind of story told by an inspirational speaker at a business conference. It's a picture of the American dream. But then Jesus gives one final twist. The man dies unexpectedly and enjoyed exactly none of the wealth he had stored up for himself. And God calls him. And God calls him a fool. [00:50:16]

God values hearts that are eager to please him. God values eyes that are looking for opportunities to join. God values hands that are extended in generosity. God values homes that are open in hospitality. God values lips that are full of thankfulness and gratitude. God values bellies that are self -controlled. God values ears that are listening for wisdom. God values plans that take him into account first and foremost. [00:57:26]

And with these, you can be rich toward God whether you are rich toward men or not. Nabal had none of these. He was rich toward men, but he was poor toward God. And he lived up to his name. He was a fool. [00:58:04]

When a level of success or prosperity came your way, you did everything you could to capitalize on it, but you did so without looking to him who sent it. Transfer this over to the man in Jesus' parable. His crops flourished, his fields prospered, but who made that prosperity happen? [01:00:02]

But God is the one who made it all. He's the one who sustains it all. He's the one it all exists for. He is the beginning and the end, and all perspectives that leave him out or push him to the periphery will be defective or shallow because he is the most important. He is the central reality of the universe, and we have breathed this godless air so long that we don't even realize how polluted our lungs are. Just how much we ignore him. [01:02:46]

But your money, your possessions, your very life is supposed to be all for God. God has often been pleased to bless people materially so that they could use that prosperity for his purposes. Wealth and money and possessions are not bad in themselves, but they are dangerous. [01:04:29]

Money is similar. We should note its unique dangers like we would with tigers or with fire so that we can relate to it well. And just as we know with tigers and fire what they can do if we aren't careful, that's what we'll do with money. There's four things that we see in this parable that it can do if you are not careful. It can make you covetous. It can shrink your life. It can make you forget about God, and it can make you short -sighted. [01:05:41]

He even says this. He says, take care and be on your guard against all covetousness. He's not just talking to those who have. He's talking to those who want. And he talks like a general leading you into a battle zone, doesn't he? Take care. Be on your guard. There is danger here. [01:06:54]

And I really think that our thinking should be adjusted by this fact more often than it is, that Jesus could have been rich if he chose to be. But he chose not to be. That simple fact alone, if we really reflect on it, should revolutionize our view of money. [01:07:56]

Your life does not consist in the abundance of your possessions. Men, your life does not consist in the abundance of your possessions. Women, your life does not consist in the abundance of your possessions. True life. Life that is really life. Life that is abundant life. It's not found in having more things. It is found in knowing your God. [01:09:53]

Money does this by tricking you into thinking that you don't need God. You just need more money. The satisfaction and dependence and the security and hope that are all supposed to be found in God, they are transferred over to mammon. [01:11:13]

But mammon is not capable of love. And what a horrendous trade to push the lover of your soul to the side to neglect the one who died for you. This is the real danger. [01:12:33]

We know that we will die and that it could happen at any moment and that we will lose all of our possessions at that moment. But we don't really let this reality affect us in any meaningful way. We stick our heads in the sand and consider ignorance to be bliss. [01:15:05]

Christ is saying through this parable that if you actually take death into account you will live more wisely. It is necessary to reckon with your death if you don't want to become a fool. [01:18:26]

You do not need to construct immortality for yourself in this world as John Calvin says. You do not need to make heaven here because heaven is coming. And instead you can make heaven your heaven. [01:19:01]

Where your treasure is there your heart will be also. He didn't say where your heart is your treasure will be also. That's true of course but what Jesus says is also true and we rarely reflect on that that where you invest your treasure your heart will move with it. If you invest your money into yourself and into this world your heart will be anchored here and if you invest your money into God's kingdom your heart will go with it. [01:20:03]

You need to be amazed that you can be rich toward God. Amazed! You! Puny! Pitiful! You! You! Can be rich toward the Almighty. How is that possible? How? Because though he was rich yet for your sake he became poor so that you by his poverty might become rich. This is the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. [01:21:24]

When you are rich with his riches with the treasure in the heaven that does not fail and with money bags that do not grow old it has the opposite effect on you from worldly wealth. Remember those four dangers of worldly wealth that can make you covetous it can shrink your life it can make you forget about God it can make you short -sighted. Well heavenly riches flips that each of those on their head because when you are rich with rich toward God those riches make you not covetous but they make you content. They don't shrink your life they enlarge your heart. It doesn't make you forget about God but rather you commune with God. It doesn't make you short -sighted but instead gives you a grander vision of your life that includes much more than you. This vaporous moment and includes eternity. [01:22:04]

This is how Jesus lived. And it is his good pleasure to share his life with you. He invites you into not just his kind of life, but into his very life. He says, my riches are yours. My standing with the Father is yours. You do not need to be afraid anymore. You are mine and I am yours. You don't need to make yourself something. You are valuable to me. You don't need to secure your own peace and pleasure. I've got you covered beyond your comprehension. I want to share with you my freedom, freedom to love with your whole heart and to love me and love the Father with my own love. And then to love the world with my own love. [01:22:54]

This is the good news if we have the courage to believe it, to let go of this world, cling to your Christ. You will not regret it. Not now and not for eternity. [01:23:41]

Chatbot

What does it mean to be rich toward God?

How does covetousness hinder spiritual freedom?

Why does Jesus prioritize divine judgment over fairness?