Feb.3, 2008

 

Intro:  Ch.12:13-21- Jesus speaks as Wisdom here-

Prov.15:6, 28:22, 27.

 

I. To many, including Jesus’ questioner, finances

take precedence over relationships. Vs.13

 

1. What is more important – money or people?

See I Cor.6:7-8

2. Covetousness can destroy a family- note Lk. 15 where

the two brothers are both covetous.  Also Jn.12:5

 

II. Jesus warns about the sin of covetousness. VS.15

1- Greed, avarice, jealousy, envy, materialism, craving,

 

2.Reflects the 10^th commandment—also Rom.13:8-9 and

Col.3:5 -   Both poor & rich may covet!

 

III. The rich man was blessed, but he was not

wise. Vs.16- “yielded plentifully”

1) Morality is NOT the basis of blessing- see Mt.5:45.

God sovereignly gives prosperity—Psa. 73:3-12

 

IV. The rich man failed to serve others with his

prosperity.  Vs.17-19 – he could not see the poor all

around him.

1) Proverbs challenges us to selflessness & giving-

Prov.11:24-26, 13:7, 16:8, 19:17, 29:7 and Lk.6:38.

 

V. This parable reminds us that while you cannot

take riches with you at death, as a believer you

can send your riches ahead. Vs.21

1) a scattering of NT references show our lives will be

evaluated at Judg.Seat of Christ with rewards given.

I Cor.3:10-15, Rom.14:12, II Cor.5:10, Col.3:24