True Wealth: Finding Contentment Beyond Possessions
Summary
Today’s teaching centers on Jesus’ parable of the rich fool from Luke 12, a story that challenges our culture’s obsession with possessions and success. The narrative begins with a dispute over inheritance, prompting Jesus to warn, “Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” This is a radical statement in a world that equates success with material gain. The parable describes a farmer who, after a bumper crop, decides to build bigger barns to store his wealth, believing he can then “eat, drink, and be merry.” Yet God calls him a fool, for that very night his life is demanded of him, and all his accumulated wealth is left behind.
The lesson is not that wealth or hard work is evil. In fact, Scripture affirms the value of diligence, wise management, and even enjoying the fruits of our labor. The problem arises when possessions become the primary focus of our lives—when our identity, security, and happiness are tied to what we own rather than to God. This is a temptation for everyone, regardless of income level. The pursuit of more is endless; there is always another level, another possession, another goal. If our hearts are set on accumulating, we will never find true contentment.
Four false promises of possessions are exposed: they promise happiness but breed discontent; they promise security but produce worry; they promise self-esteem but often lead to egotism; and they promise friendship but can create contention and mistrust. The story of the rich fool is a warning to guard against all kinds of greed, not just for the wealthy but for all of us. Money is a tool, not a master. It can be used for great good, but it is a terrible foundation for life or eternity.
Ultimately, everything we accumulate will be left behind. The death rate is 100% for all, regardless of wealth. What matters is not how much we have, but whether we are “rich toward God”—using what we have for His purposes, with eternity in view. Jesus’ call is to get our perspective right, to use our resources as stewards, and to find our true treasure in Him.
Key Takeaways
- Wealth is Not Evil, but Perspective Matters
Scripture never condemns wealth or hard work; in fact, it affirms diligence and wise management. The issue is not how much we have, but how we view and use what we have. When possessions become our focus, we lose sight of God’s purposes and our true identity as stewards, not owners. [31:17]
- Possessions Promise Contentment but Deliver Discontent
The pursuit of more is a never-ending cycle. No matter our financial status, there is always “more” to be had, and if our hearts are set on accumulation, we will never be satisfied. True contentment is found not in what we own, but in trusting God and being grateful for what He provides. [38:13]
- Security is Not Found in Abundance
Wealth can create the illusion of security, but it cannot protect us from life’s uncertainties or from death itself. In fact, more possessions often bring more anxiety and responsibility. Real security is found in God alone, who holds our future and provides for our needs beyond what money can buy. [44:32]
- The Love of Money Distorts Relationships and Self-Worth
When our value is tied to what we own, we become self-centered and may even use others or be used by them. Wealth can breed arrogance, mistrust, and division—even among families and friends. Our worth is not in our possessions, but in our relationship with God and our generosity toward others. [52:38]
- Eternal Perspective Transforms How We Handle Resources
Everything we accumulate will be left behind; we cannot take it with us. Jesus calls us to be “rich toward God,” investing in what lasts for eternity. Money is a tool to be used for God’s kingdom, not a master to be served. Our hearts follow our treasure, so we must choose carefully where we invest our lives. [01:00:57]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:55] - Prayer for Church Family and Community
[03:10] - Introduction: The Parable of the Rich Fool
[05:48] - Setting the Scene: Success and the American Dream
[07:51] - Jesus’ Warning Against Greed
[09:41] - The Value of Hard Work and Wealth
[12:23] - Wealth is Not Evil: Biblical Perspective
[14:02] - The Real Danger: Making Possessions Our Focus
[16:44] - Four False Promises of Possessions
[18:13] - The Endless Pursuit of More
[20:23] - Contentment and Ambition
[22:23] - The Illusion of Security
[24:32] - Self-Esteem, Ego, and Generosity
[27:32] - Wealth and Relationships
[30:57] - The Eternal Perspective
[32:58] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
[36:00] - Announcements and Giving
[40:00] - Final Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Parable of the Rich Fool (Luke 12)
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### Bible Reading
Luke 12:13-21 (ESV)
> 13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 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.” 16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 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. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
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.
1 Timothy 6:17 (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.
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### Observation Questions
1. In the parable, what prompts Jesus to tell the story of the rich fool? ([25:48])
2. According to Jesus, what is the main warning he gives before telling the parable? ([26:57])
3. What does the rich man decide to do with his abundant harvest, and what is his reasoning? ([27:51])
4. How does God respond to the rich man’s plan, and what is the outcome for the man? ([28:34])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus says, “Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions”? How does this challenge the way our culture defines success? ([26:57])
2. The sermon points out that the problem isn’t wealth itself, but making possessions the focus of life. What are some ways people—regardless of income—can fall into this trap? ([34:02])
3. The rich man talks only about himself and his plans. What does this reveal about his heart and his relationship to God and others? ([50:57])
4. The sermon lists four false promises of possessions (happiness, security, self-esteem, friendship). Which of these do you think is most tempting in your own life, and why? ([36:44])
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### Application Questions
1. The pursuit of “more” is described as a never-ending cycle. Can you think of a time when you thought a new purchase or achievement would bring lasting happiness, but it didn’t? What did you learn from that experience? ([38:13])
2. The sermon says that wealth can create the illusion of security, but often brings more worry. Are there things you own or want to own that actually cause you more stress than peace? How can you shift your sense of security to God instead? ([44:32])
3. When have you seen money or possessions cause tension or division in relationships—either in your own life or in others’? How could those situations have been handled differently? ([54:11])
4. The rich man’s identity and self-worth were tied to his possessions. Are there things you own (or wish you owned) that you feel define your value? How can you remind yourself of your worth in God instead? ([50:18])
5. Jesus calls us to be “rich toward God.” What does that look like in practical terms for you? Are there specific ways you can use your resources—money, time, skills—for God’s purposes this month? ([28:34])
6. The sermon says, “Money is a tool, not a master.” Is there an area of your finances or possessions where you feel mastered or controlled, rather than being the steward? What is one step you could take to regain a healthy perspective? ([01:00:57])
7. Everything we accumulate will be left behind. How does keeping an eternal perspective change the way you make decisions about money, giving, or what you pursue in life? ([57:56])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you see your possessions as tools for His kingdom, to find your security and identity in Him, and to be “rich toward God” in all you do.
Devotional
Day 1: Life Does Not Consist in the Abundance of Possessions
True fulfillment is not found in accumulating material wealth.
Jesus teaches that while our culture often equates success with the abundance of possessions, real life is not measured by what we own. The parable of the rich fool in Luke 12 reminds us that focusing on material gain can distract us from what truly matters—being "rich toward God." No matter how much we accumulate, it cannot secure our future or define our worth. Instead, we are called to keep our possessions in proper perspective, using them as tools rather than making them the focus of our lives. [26:57]
Luke 12:15-21 (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.” 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.”
Reflection: In what ways have you been tempted to measure your life or your worth by what you own, and how can you intentionally shift your focus to being "rich toward God" today?
Day 2: The False Promises of Possessions
Material things promise happiness and security but often bring discontent and worry.
Possessions lure us with the promise of happiness, security, self-esteem, and friendship, but these are illusions. No matter how much we have, there is always the desire for more, leading to a cycle of discontent. Wealth can also increase our worries, as we become preoccupied with protecting and managing what we own. True contentment and peace are not found in accumulating more, but in trusting God and using what we have for His purposes. [36:44]
Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 (ESV):
He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.
Reflection: Is there something you are pursuing or holding onto because you believe it will finally make you happy or secure? What would it look like to surrender that pursuit to God today?
Day 3: The Danger of Greed and the Love of Money
Greed, not wealth itself, leads to all kinds of evil and spiritual harm.
Scripture never condemns wealth itself, but it warns us to guard our hearts against greed and the love of money. When money becomes our master, it can lead to destructive behaviors and broken relationships. The love of money is at the root of many evils in our world, from crime to exploitation. Instead, we are called to use money as a tool for good, keeping our hearts set on God and His kingdom. [59:23]
1 Timothy 6:17 (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.
Reflection: Where in your life do you sense the pull of greed or the temptation to put your hope in money? How can you actively guard your heart and put your hope in God instead?
Day 4: You Can’t Take It With You—Live for Eternity
Earthly wealth is temporary; only what is done for God lasts forever.
No matter how much we accumulate, we all leave it behind when we die. The value of our lives is not in what we possess, but in how we use what God has entrusted to us for His purposes. Jesus reminds us that gaining the whole world is worthless if we forfeit our souls. Living with eternity in mind helps us make wise decisions, invest in what truly matters, and bless others for God’s kingdom. [01:01:48]
Matthew 16:26 (ESV):
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
Reflection: If you knew you would stand before God tonight, what would you wish you had done differently with your resources and opportunities? What step can you take today to live with eternity in view?
Day 5: Generosity and Stewardship—Using Wealth for God’s Glory
True joy comes from managing God’s blessings well and blessing others.
God provides us with resources not just for our own enjoyment, but so we can bless our families and others, and advance His kingdom. Generosity is not about the amount we have, but about our willingness to use what we have for good. When we hold our possessions loosely and steward them faithfully, we experience the joy and freedom God intends for us. [53:32]
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (ESV):
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
Reflection: Who is someone you can bless this week—through your time, resources, or encouragement—and how will you take a concrete step to do so?
Quotes
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