Trusting God: Finding True Riches Beyond Wealth
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we continue our series, "God Help My," focusing on the common prayers and cries of our hearts, particularly around the topic of money. We often find ourselves in financial distress, living paycheck to paycheck, and struggling to make ends meet. This morning, we turn to Luke 12:13-34, where Jesus teaches us about money, possessions, and the way we should view them in relation to God.
Jesus begins by addressing a dispute over inheritance, using it as an opportunity to warn against greed and covetousness. He tells a parable of a rich man who hoards his wealth, only to die suddenly, leaving his stored riches useless. Jesus emphasizes that life is more than possessions and that we should be rich toward God rather than accumulating earthly wealth.
Jesus then reassures us not to be anxious about our needs, using examples from nature like ravens and lilies to illustrate God's provision. He reminds us that we are more valuable than birds and flowers, and if God cares for them, He will certainly care for us. Jesus calls us to seek God's kingdom first, promising that our needs will be met.
In practical terms, Jesus instructs us to live simply and generously. He challenges us to sell our possessions and give to the needy, emphasizing that our true treasure is in heaven. This radical generosity reflects the love of Christ, who gave His life for us. As a community, we are called to support one another, especially those in financial need, demonstrating God's love through tangible actions.
Jesus concludes by urging us to store up treasures in heaven, where they are secure and eternal. He calls us to shift our focus from earthly wealth to spiritual richness, trusting in God's provision and living for His glory. As we seek His kingdom, we will experience the depth of His love and the joy of participating in His work.
### Key Takeaways
1. Beware of Greed and Covetousness: Jesus warns us against the trap of greed, which can affect anyone regardless of their financial status. Greed leads us to prioritize our own comfort and pleasure over the needs of others, but true richness lies in being generous and rich toward God. [54:22]
2. Trust in God's Provision: Jesus reassures us that God values us more than the birds and flowers, which He faithfully provides for. Our anxiety about material needs is unnecessary because God knows our needs and will provide for us. This trust in God's provision frees us from the relentless pursuit of wealth. [51:50]
3. Live Simply and Generously: Jesus calls us to live simply, focusing on our basic needs rather than accumulating excess. By living simply, we can be more generous, using our resources to help those in need. This lifestyle reflects the sacrificial love of Christ and demonstrates our trust in God's provision. [01:18:32]
4. Seek First the Kingdom of God: Instead of fixating on our material needs, Jesus urges us to seek God's kingdom. This means prioritizing our relationship with God and His purposes over our own financial security. As we seek His kingdom, we will find that our needs are met in ways we couldn't have imagined. [01:12:51]
5. Store Up Treasures in Heaven: Earthly possessions are temporary and cannot satisfy our deepest longings. Jesus calls us to store up treasures in heaven by living for God's glory and serving others. This eternal perspective helps us to hold our material possessions loosely and focus on what truly matters. [01:28:24]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [47:48] - Introduction to Series
3. [48:22] - God's Provision in Unexpected Ways
4. [48:59] - Topic of Money
5. [49:25] - Financial Struggles and Anxiety
6. [50:07] - Reading from Luke 12:13-34
7. [51:05] - Parable of the Rich Fool
8. [51:50] - Do Not Be Anxious
9. [54:22] - Warning Against Greed
10. [55:26] - Parable of the Farmer
11. [56:58] - Temporary Nature of Wealth
12. [57:53] - Richness Toward God
13. [58:52] - Jesus' Sacrificial Love
14. [59:38] - Trusting Jesus' Command
15. [01:00:26] - Life is More Than Possessions
16. [01:02:27] - God's Care for Us
17. [01:03:19] - God's Control Over Our Lives
18. [01:05:13] - Clothed in Christ's Righteousness
19. [01:06:59] - Seek God's Kingdom
20. [01:08:24] - Practical Concerns
21. [01:09:14] - Jesus' Answer to Financial Needs
22. [01:12:51] - Seek First the Kingdom
23. [01:13:46] - Fear Not, Little Flock
24. [01:17:34] - Live Simply and Generously
25. [01:20:44] - Radical Generosity
26. [01:28:24] - Treasure Christ
27. [01:30:53] - Prayer and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Luke 12:13-34
### Observation Questions
1. What prompted Jesus to tell the parable of the rich man who hoarded his wealth? ([50:07])
2. According to Jesus, what is the relationship between anxiety and God's provision as illustrated by the ravens and lilies? ([51:50])
3. What does Jesus mean when He says, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"? ([52:41])
4. How does Jesus describe the value of human life compared to birds and flowers? ([51:50])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus warn against greed and covetousness, and how does this warning apply to both the wealthy and those in financial distress? ([54:22])
2. How does Jesus' teaching on seeking God's kingdom first challenge our modern-day priorities and financial goals? ([01:12:51])
3. What does it mean to be "rich toward God," and how does this contrast with accumulating earthly wealth? ([57:53])
4. How can Jesus' call to live simply and generously be practically applied in today's consumer-driven society? ([01:18:32])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt anxious about your financial situation. How did you handle it, and how might trusting in God's provision change your approach? ([51:50])
2. Jesus calls us to live simply and generously. What are some practical steps you can take to simplify your life and be more generous with your resources? ([01:18:32])
3. Think about your current financial goals. How can you align them more closely with the principle of seeking God's kingdom first? ([01:12:51])
4. Identify one possession or resource you have that you could sell or give away to help someone in need. How can you take action on this in the coming week? ([01:18:32])
5. Jesus emphasizes storing up treasures in heaven. What are some ways you can invest in spiritual richness rather than material wealth? ([01:28:24])
6. How can you support someone in your community who is experiencing financial distress, demonstrating God's love through tangible actions? ([01:22:56])
7. Reflect on the statement, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." What does this reveal about your current priorities, and what changes might you need to make? ([52:41])
Devotional
Day 1: The Danger of Greed
Greed is a subtle yet powerful force that can infiltrate our hearts, leading us to prioritize material wealth over spiritual richness. Jesus warns us against this trap, emphasizing that life is more than possessions. In Luke 12:13-34, He tells the parable of a rich man who hoards his wealth, only to die suddenly, leaving his stored riches useless. This parable serves as a stark reminder that earthly wealth is temporary and cannot satisfy our deepest longings. Instead, true richness lies in being generous and rich toward God. Jesus calls us to shift our focus from accumulating earthly wealth to seeking spiritual richness and living for God's glory. [54:22]
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: Think about a recent decision you made that was influenced by a desire for more material wealth. How might you have approached that decision differently if you were prioritizing spiritual richness over earthly possessions?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Provision
Jesus reassures us that God values us more than the birds and flowers, which He faithfully provides for. Our anxiety about material needs is unnecessary because God knows our needs and will provide for us. This trust in God's provision frees us from the relentless pursuit of wealth and allows us to focus on what truly matters. By trusting in God's provision, we can experience peace and contentment, knowing that our Heavenly Father cares for us deeply. Jesus uses examples from nature, like ravens and lilies, to illustrate God's provision and remind us of our value in His eyes. [51:50]
Matthew 6:26 (ESV): "Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you were anxious about your material needs. How did God provide for you in that situation? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness in times of anxiety?
Day 3: Living Simply and Generously
Jesus calls us to live simply, focusing on our basic needs rather than accumulating excess. By living simply, we can be more generous, using our resources to help those in need. This lifestyle reflects the sacrificial love of Christ and demonstrates our trust in God's provision. Jesus challenges us to sell our possessions and give to the needy, emphasizing that our true treasure is in heaven. This radical generosity not only meets the needs of others but also enriches our own spiritual lives as we align our priorities with God's kingdom. [01:18:32]
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: Identify one area of your life where you can simplify and reduce excess. How can you use the resources freed up from this simplification to help someone in need?
Day 4: Seeking First the Kingdom of God
Instead of fixating on our material needs, Jesus urges us to seek God's kingdom. This means prioritizing our relationship with God and His purposes over our own financial security. As we seek His kingdom, we will find that our needs are met in ways we couldn't have imagined. Jesus promises that when we seek God's kingdom first, all these things will be added to us. This requires a shift in focus from our own desires to God's will, trusting that He will provide for us as we align our lives with His purposes. [01:12:51]
Matthew 6:33 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can prioritize seeking God's kingdom in your daily life this week? How can you trust God to meet your needs as you focus on His purposes?
Day 5: Storing Up Treasures in Heaven
Earthly possessions are temporary and cannot satisfy our deepest longings. Jesus calls us to store up treasures in heaven by living for God's glory and serving others. This eternal perspective helps us to hold our material possessions loosely and focus on what truly matters. By investing in God's kingdom, we are securing treasures that are eternal and cannot be taken away. Jesus urges us to shift our focus from accumulating earthly wealth to seeking spiritual richness, trusting in God's provision and living for His glory. [01:28:24]
Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV): "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Reflection: Consider your current financial goals and priorities. How can you reorient them to focus more on storing up treasures in heaven rather than accumulating earthly wealth? What practical steps can you take to invest in God's kingdom today?
Quotes
1. "Throughout this whole series, the reality behind this was to know that we have a God who both knows that we have a need and desires for us to call to Him. To ask Him. To seek Him for the needs that we have. But often what we've been talking about also is that God meets our needs in ways that are different than what we expect. And sometimes different than what we want. Different than our understanding." [48:22] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus is warning us, calling us to beware of the easy trap of greed and coveting, of coveting, of desiring what is selfishly for myself. Of putting myself above others, my gain above others. And this is a trap. This is something that all of us can struggle with. All of us do struggle with, regardless of how much or how little we might have. We have this natural tendency sometimes to act in greed and coveting, to keep for ourselves, for our comforts, for our ease, for our pleasure, to want what we don't have, to want more of what we don't have, to want what someone else has, to want more and more and more and more." [54:22] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus, in coming to us, coming to be like us, to live the life that we could not live, he frees us from what is temporary, from what is fleeting. From what doesn't last. And gives us eternal life. With him. In him. Forever. Richness towards God looks like Jesus, our Savior." [58:52] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are so prone to preservation, to have some sort of certainty and control of the future, especially with our money, to ensure that we have enough that we'll be okay, whether tomorrow or a few years from now or decades from now, to set ourselves up, to set our families up. But Jesus confronts us with this question, can I even add a single hour to my life? No, none of us can. God is the one who holds our life in his hands. We didn't have control of when it would begin. We don't have control about what today will bring. We don't have control about tomorrow, let alone the end of our life." [01:03:19] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Christian, you are adorned forever in something beyond our comprehension. We are cared for in ways that we can hardly imagine by our Father. Jesus continues, 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." [01:06:24] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Instead of grasping at more like the world around us does, like the culture around us does, instead of falling into the trap of greed and coveting, instead of being anxious about what we have or don't have, about trying to store up things to have a security in our future, instead of attempting to do the things on our own, instead of trusting in the providence of our God, seek him and his kingdom. Seek him, seek Christ and the kingdom of God." [01:13:14] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "In the midst of our financial needs, we have the opportunity to seek greater and deeper reliance on Christ. Like, don't miss this. This can be hard. This can be a hard truth for us and not always the thing we want to hear. And I understand that. But the reality is, and we've talked about this over the course of all these weeks, for us to, these are opportunities when we are in need, including when we are financially in need, these are opportunities for us to learn what it means to rely more deeply and fully and only on Christ and to know that he is who we truly need." [01:16:01] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "We cling not to possessions and money, but to Christ. And the more we cling to Christ, the more tightly we hold on to Him and all that we have in Him as He infinitely more tightly holds on to us. The more we cling to Him, the more we look to Him, the more we rely on Him, the more we seek after what He has for us, the less we have and the more we need, the more we find freedom and simplicity. And we find joy in being a people who give generously." [01:20:02] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Christian, we are a people who are called to be marked by radical generosity that is so otherworldly, I'm sorry, that is so otherworldly because of the love of Christ that is so otherworldly for us. We're called to be marked by extravagant generosity because we live simply trusting in the God who is with us, who provides for us, and who will continue to provide for us." [01:21:23] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "May we, as children of God, learn to shift our prayer from God help my finances to something more like what Christ is calling us here. God, help me to seek first your kingdom, to trust that you have and will provide for me. Help me, Lord, to seek your kingdom to live more simply for the basic things I actually need. Give me clarity and wisdom there. Help me, Father, to live generously, to see all that I have, not for myself, but for somebody else, just like you." [01:30:53] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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