The Parable of the Rich Fool

Blessed to be bless othersLuke 12:13-34

What did the rich man do wrong?

1.He put his trust in the gift rather than the giver

Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions (vs 15)

Self, you have ample goods laid up. Eat drink and be merry. (vs. 19)

How often do we think/act this way ourselves?

What did the rich man do wrong?

1.He put his trust in the gift rather than the giver

2.He possessed it for himselfThe earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world and all who live in it. (Psalm 24:1)

Do we treat the things we have internal and external as if they belong to God or to us?

What did the rich man do wrong?

1.He put his trust in the gift rather than the giver

2.He possessed it for himself

3.He didn’t give it away to those who needed itEph 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

What did the rich man do wrong?

1.He put his trust in the gift rather than the giver

2.He possessed it for himself

3.He didn’t give it away to those who needed itEph 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Do we regularly share the blessings God has given us with others?

22 He said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.

24 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! 25 And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? 26 If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest?

27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!

How can we overcome this fear of lack?

1.Pray - Phil 4:6-72.Renounce the lies we’re believing3.Ask for Truth to be set into our hearts4.Change bad habits

32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

How can we Bless with the Blessings we have received this Christmas?

1.Buy a family a goat – World Vision2.Adopted a Child – Compassion3.Hold a Church Christmas Rummage Sale – sell your possessions and give to the poor4.Buy one less gift and give the money to the Howards