True Riches: Living for God's Kingdom
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into the parable from Luke 12, where Jesus addresses the issue of greed and the true value of life. We began by setting the context: Jesus is in Jerusalem, surrounded by thousands eager to hear Him. A man from the crowd asks Jesus to mediate a dispute over an inheritance, revealing his focus on earthly possessions. Jesus responds by telling a parable about a rich man whose land produced abundantly. The man decides to tear down his barns to build bigger ones to store his surplus, thinking he can then relax and enjoy life. However, God calls him a fool, saying his life will be demanded that very night, and questions who will get what he has prepared.
The core message is that life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. Jesus warns against greed and emphasizes that true life is found in being "rich toward God." We explored how our culture often blinds us to our own greed, as we compare ourselves to others and accumulate more than we need. The parable challenges us to reconsider what we are living for: our own kingdom or God's kingdom.
We also looked at practical ways to be rich toward God, such as being generous and investing in relationships and the gospel. The story of an 88-year-old woman in our church who gave generously despite her modest means served as a powerful example of living for God's kingdom. We concluded with a call to examine our lives, to see if we are storing up treasures in earthly barns or investing in eternal treasures.
### Key Takeaways
1. Life's True Value: Jesus teaches that life is not measured by the abundance of possessions but by being rich toward God. This challenges us to shift our focus from accumulating wealth to investing in our relationship with God and others. True fulfillment comes from aligning our lives with God's purposes, not from material success. [37:14]
2. The Danger of Greed: Greed blinds us to the true purpose of our lives. Jesus warns that the pursuit of more can consume us, leading us to miss out on what truly matters. We must guard our hearts against greed and recognize that our worth is not tied to our wealth. [38:01]
3. Generosity as a Spiritual Discipline: The Old Testament law and New Testament teachings both emphasize the importance of generosity. By intentionally leaving some of our resources for others, we break the hold of greed and align ourselves with God's heart for the poor and needy. [49:57]
4. Eternal Investments: Paul instructs Timothy to teach the rich to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for the future. Our earthly wealth should be used to do good, be rich in good works, and invest in eternal treasures that will last beyond this life. [52:13]
5. Living for God's Kingdom: The parable calls us to examine whether we are living for our own kingdom or God's kingdom. Our work, money, and possessions should serve God's purposes. We are encouraged to seek God's kingdom first, trusting that He will provide for our needs. [48:53]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[28:04] - Family Gathering Announcement
[29:02] - Introduction to the Parable Series
[30:04] - Context of Today's Parable
[31:25] - The Man's Request to Jesus
[32:45] - The Dispute Over Inheritance
[34:34] - Jesus' Response and the Bigger Issue
[36:19] - The Real Enemy and the Real Problem
[37:14] - Jesus' Warning Against Greed
[38:01] - Life's True Value
[41:59] - The Parable of the Rich Fool
[44:08] - The Rich Man's Mistake
[48:53] - Being Rich Toward God
[49:57] - Generosity in the Old Testament
[52:13] - Paul's Instructions to Timothy
[55:35] - John Piper's Message to College Students
[57:45] - The Story of Two Ladies in Cameroon
[01:01:18] - Who Is It All For?
[01:02:04] - Working for God's Kingdom
[01:06:58] - Seek God's Kingdom
[01:07:27] - C.T. Studd's Poem
[01:08:41] - Responding to God's Call
[01:10:00] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Luke 12:13-21
- 1 Timothy 6:17-19
- Leviticus 23:22
### Observation Questions
1. In the parable from Luke 12, what was the rich man's plan for his abundant crops? ([42:53])
2. How does Jesus describe the true value of life in Luke 12:15? ([37:14])
3. According to 1 Timothy 6:17-19, what are the rich instructed to do with their wealth?
4. What specific instruction does Leviticus 23:22 give regarding the harvest?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus call the rich man a fool in the parable? What does this reveal about God's perspective on wealth and possessions? ([44:08])
2. How does the instruction in Leviticus 23:22 to leave some of the harvest for the poor and the sojourner reflect God's heart for generosity?
3. In 1 Timothy 6:17-19, Paul advises the rich to be generous and ready to share. How does this align with Jesus' teaching in the parable of the rich fool? ([52:13])
4. What does it mean to be "rich toward God" as mentioned in Luke 12:21? How can this concept be applied in our daily lives? ([44:08])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be storing up treasures in earthly barns rather than investing in eternal treasures? How can you shift your focus? ([48:53])
2. The sermon mentioned an 88-year-old woman who gave generously despite her modest means. How can her example inspire you to practice generosity in your own life? ([01:03:53])
3. Jesus warns against greed and emphasizes that life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. What practical steps can you take to guard your heart against greed? ([37:14])
4. Paul instructs Timothy to teach the rich to be generous and ready to share. How can you apply this teaching in your community or church? ([52:13])
5. The parable challenges us to examine whether we are living for our own kingdom or God's kingdom. What changes can you make in your daily routine to prioritize God's kingdom? ([48:53])
6. Think about a specific relationship or area in your life where you can invest more intentionally for God's kingdom. What steps will you take this week to make that investment?
7. How can you use your resources, such as time, money, and talents, to serve God's purposes and help those in need around you? ([01:02:46])
Devotional
Day 1: Life's True Value
Life is not measured by the abundance of possessions but by being rich toward God. This challenges us to shift our focus from accumulating wealth to investing in our relationship with God and others. True fulfillment comes from aligning our lives with God's purposes, not from material success. Jesus' teaching in Luke 12 reminds us that our worth is not tied to our wealth, and that the pursuit of material gain can distract us from what truly matters. Instead, we are called to be "rich toward God," which means prioritizing our spiritual growth and our relationships with others over the accumulation of possessions. [37:14]
Luke 12:15 (ESV): "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: What steps can you take today to shift your focus from material success to spiritual growth and relationships?
Day 2: The Danger of Greed
Greed blinds us to the true purpose of our lives. Jesus warns that the pursuit of more can consume us, leading us to miss out on what truly matters. We must guard our hearts against greed and recognize that our worth is not tied to our wealth. Greed can subtly infiltrate our lives, making us believe that we need more to be happy or successful. However, Jesus' parable of the rich fool in Luke 12 shows us that accumulating wealth for its own sake is futile. True contentment and purpose come from living a life that honors God and serves others. [38:01]
Ecclesiastes 5:10 (ESV): "He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity."
Reflection: In what ways has the pursuit of more affected your life? How can you guard your heart against greed today?
Day 3: Generosity as a Spiritual Discipline
The Old Testament law and New Testament teachings both emphasize the importance of generosity. By intentionally leaving some of our resources for others, we break the hold of greed and align ourselves with God's heart for the poor and needy. Generosity is not just about giving money; it's about a lifestyle of open-handedness and compassion. When we give generously, we reflect God's character and demonstrate our trust in His provision. The story of the 88-year-old woman in the church who gave generously despite her modest means is a powerful example of living for God's kingdom. [49:57]
Proverbs 11:24-25 (ESV): "One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered."
Reflection: How can you practice generosity in your daily life? What resources can you share with others today?
Day 4: Eternal Investments
Paul instructs Timothy to teach the rich to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for the future. Our earthly wealth should be used to do good, be rich in good works, and invest in eternal treasures that will last beyond this life. This teaching challenges us to view our resources as tools for God's kingdom rather than ends in themselves. By investing in eternal treasures, we align our lives with God's purposes and experience the joy of contributing to His work. [52:13]
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (ESV): "As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."
Reflection: What are some ways you can use your resources to invest in eternal treasures? How can you be rich in good works today?
Day 5: Living for God's Kingdom
The parable calls us to examine whether we are living for our own kingdom or God's kingdom. Our work, money, and possessions should serve God's purposes. We are encouraged to seek God's kingdom first, trusting that He will provide for our needs. This means prioritizing God's will in every aspect of our lives and being willing to let go of our own ambitions for the sake of His kingdom. The story of the two ladies in Cameroon who lived sacrificially for God's kingdom is a powerful reminder of what it means to live for God's purposes. [48:53]
Matthew 6:33 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are building your own kingdom rather than God's? How can you seek God's kingdom first in your daily decisions?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When you follow Jesus, when you believe in Jesus, he begins to reorient your life, change your life from the inside out. Your purpose has changed. Your goals are different. Your outlook is different. And he begins to turn you around and help you think about things the way God does. The way he desires them to be. And so you start seeing life different." [29:34] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What if the fight that you're fighting or the battle that you think you face in an earthly sense is not the right fight and it's not the right enemy? Are you with me? Just ask yourself the question what if the thing that feels so important that you're working so hard for or fighting for or battling praying about just what if what if it's the wrong fight and the wrong enemy?" [35:05] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Watch out. Don't be greedy. Because life doesn't life is not made out of all the stuff you collect. And you know what? You and I go well I got that. I know that's true. Jesus is saying guard yourself against greed because more stuff does not mean a better life. And you may say well I know that already. I know money doesn't make you happy." [38:01] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You can enjoy what God's given you in this world but when you store up things store up things that last. When you give generously you know what? I learned from this verse I was looking at when you give generously you're not actually giving. You're storing up treasure not in earthly barns." [53:06] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Only one life will soon be passed only what's done for Christ will last. I don't even know what the application for you is today but God does God needs you quit putting your hope in earthly things and let go and use it for His kingdom and His glory and see what happens don't buy the dream that the world tells you." [01:08:16] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Sometimes the thing that you think is worth fighting over sometimes the thing that you're so focused on the rights or the hurt that you've been given or the argument that you want to win might not be the biggest issue at play." [35:05] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "In fact, sometimes I believe God allows the struggle or the fight or the battle in order to unearth the real problem that's in our heart. What if the problem was never with our brother who's withholding it from us and what if it's in our own heart?" [36:19] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You see this rich guy was successful. That's good. He had done well. His crops had produced. God had blessed him. Right? His salary was good. His bank account was full but he just ran out of space. His crops were so plentiful that he didn't have enough room to store all the grain and the goods so he said to himself notice he's talking to himself I'll tear them down tear down the barns that I have and I'll build bigger ones and then it'll hold all my produce." [44:33] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You can't serve both God and stuff. So he's telling us that again like you'll either lay up treasure for yourself or you'll have a treasure here or you'll have a rich relationship with God investing that way. But you won't do both. So how can I be rich toward God?" [48:53] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So how do I lay up treasure in heaven? And my dad said what's in heaven? Well the people here. Like there are people that like what can I do in my life that will position treasure in heaven? Well I invest in relationships with people invest in the gospel of Jesus in people's lives then maybe that's the treasure in heaven." [54:26] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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