Short Stories-Eternal Truths  

A Fool and His Money  

Luke 12:13-21 

How much is enough? 

Understanding This Parable 

• A _______________ (13)  • A _____________ and a _______________ (14-15)  • A _______________ (16-20)  • An _______________ (21) 

Two Perspectives: 

1. The Man’s Perspective - He thought of: 

• _______________  • _______________ 

He Forgot: 

• _______________  • _______________  • _______________ 

2. God’s Perspective: 

• The man lived his life as a ________________ 

From a purely human point of view, the things the man did made perfect sense; from God’s point of view (reality), the man’s actions were absolutely absurd. 

  The Core Warning: The Deception of Covetousness/Greed 

It is an unquenchable _______________ for getting more and more of something that one thinks they need to be truly satisfied. This desire can be for money, the things money can buy, or even position and power. 

Can be a greed for: 

• _______________ - Looking to money to provide safety and control in an uncontrollable world.  

• _______________ - Looking to money for self-worth, attractiveness, and approval. 

There is a form of _______________ greed. This is the opposite error of abhorring possessions as if they are inherently evil. This mindset misses the joy of stewardship and fails to recognize that God gives things to be enjoyed and employed. 

Covetousness is dangerous because it is hidden and deceptive. Jesus' warning, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed”, assumes that blindness to the condition is intrinsic to the condition. People who are greedy almost never feel they are greedy or materialistic. 

The Fundamental Choice: Rich Toward Self vs. Rich Toward God 

Laying Up Treasure for Oneself: This is the primary error condemned by the parable. The sin is not wealth itself, but wealth that is directed entirely toward the self, hoarded for personal security and spent on self-indulgence, with no thought for God or others. 

• Remember that life is _____________________ (15) 

• Never judge your self-worth by your ______________  Becoming Rich Toward God: This is the antidote to foolish materialism. It is synonymous with laying up treasure in heaven. It means acknowledging God as the source of all wealth and using it for His glory and the good of others. This involves investing in Christ's church, His people, and the needs of the poor. 

• Focus on what ____________________________ 

“as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18, ESV)  

Question: Is it possible to be wealthy and not materialistic? 

Answer: ______________________________ 

“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.” (1 Timothy 6:17–19, ESV)  

“But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” (2 Corinthians 8:7, NIV84)  

Giving is God’s _______________ to greed. 

God calls us to give to Him and His Kingdom causes first not because He needs the money, but to ________________ of greed/covetousness in our lives. 

  The secret to contentment and freedom from greed and covetousness is finding my identity, my security, and my satisfaction not in what I have but in ________________ 

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9, ESV)  

  Making It Personal: 

• Where am I looking for my identity, security, and satisfaction? 

• Do I find myself getting caught up in the comparison trap?      • Am I currently enjoying what I have? 

• Am I living with a focus primarily on what will last forever or on things that will not ultimately satisfy? 

• Is my giving helping me to break the grip of greed/covetousness in my life? 

• Who can you share these truths with? 

Ready to take your Next Step? 

• Go by the Next Steps area today after the service  • Fill out a Connect Card and drop it in the offering box  • Text Next to 803-637-8484  • Go to FBCFM.COM and click “Next Steps.”