Steve Krantz’ sermon on Luke 12:13-21
Sermon notes:
What does it mean to be “rich toward God”?
1. Jesus is teaching us that relationship with God brings the only security that really counts. “People who are satisfied only with the things that money can buy are in great danger of losing the things that money cannot buy” (Warren Wiersbe)
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
2. It means to acknowledge gratefully that everything we have comes from God and belongs to Him. The antidote for the poison of greed is gratitude.
By creation: “The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” — Psalm 24:1
By redemption: “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” — 1 COR. 6:19b-20
3. The Bible teaches that we are stewards of all our possessions and responsible to God for what we do with them. We use what He gives—our time, talents, and treasure—for the good of others and the glory of God. Wealth can be enjoyed and employed at the same time if our purpose is to honor God (1 Tim. 6:10ff.).
4. All of God’s people will be called to give a reckoning of the nature of their service to Him.
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” — Heb. 4:13
5. Human life is on loan from God. It is a gift, not a right. The rich man in the parable assumed he owned his self/soul and all his material possessions. He discovered his mistake when God suddenly asked for the loan of his life to be returned. Don’t make the same mistake. Make your life count for God’s kingdom!
