The Priorities of Life Luke 12:15-21
Covetousness Is A Sin That Degrades Our Love For God
12:15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness:
Psalm 10:3 For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth.
Good Priorities Should Honor Life and God - 12:15b
...for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he
possesseth.
I Tim. 6:6-11 ¶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
The Wealthy Generally Seek More Wealth - 12:16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
*Notice that this man was already wealthy
*Notice that his name is anonymous
*Notice that he was becoming more wealthy
It Is Easy To Rationalize The Purpose For Your Wealth
12:17-18a And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do...
Wealth Leads To Self-Sufficiency and A False Concept of Life - 12:18 I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
Eph 5:3 ¶ But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Wealth Is Left Behind For Others, But Our Soul Is Eternal
12:20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
Job 1:21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.
James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
Labor For Spiritual Wealth and Prepare For Eternity
12:21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
I Tim. 6:17-19 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.