We continue our new sermon series entitled “Stories Jesus told”. Preaching from Nathan Gordon. Service led by Beverley Sills.

Sermon Notes

Saving and the ability to be frugal with our money is an important principle for wise living especially in financially unstable times today. Even more so if we can save our money and reap the benefits of interest, we will be even happier with our return. However today we are going to discuss the importance of our spiritual bank accounts that Jesus teaches are far more superior and of greater significance than money and possessions.

There is nothing wrong with the above ambitions but if they become the only sole focus then our priorities will become misguided. As Christians, our first port of call is to focus on the kingdom of God! – the kingdom heart is postured towards giving and not receiving, it’s about seeking to be a blessing to others.

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. – Matthew 6:33 NLT

So, as we analyse our priorities towards our money and possessions let us consider the following points from Jesus’ parable of the rich fool.

1- We need a constant motive check towards money and possessions.
– v13-15 (Extra OT Example in Deu 21:15-17)

• We don’t know too much about the brothers but there was a dispute amongst them about their father’s inheritance.
• Today we, unfortunately, see similar examples of disagreements and fractured relationships over money and possessions.
• Jesus encouraged the brothers against focusing all their attention on money and possessions which can lead to greed.

Challenge – There is a fine balance between handling our money and possessions. Jesus is not saying it’s wrong to have money or possessions but what is our motive towards them? Do we value material things more than God and His kingdom?

2 – We need to minimise the I and embrace the You!
– v16-19

• Six times within 4 verses the man refers to himself.
• There was no thought to share the abundance of his harvest with those in need, it was all about enlarging his territory and securing his future.

Challenge – In today’s context the rich man would have been celebrated for his entrepreneurship and skill. From a Kingdom perspective, there was a lack of consideration for anyone else. Again, we must be prayerful in striking the right balance between saving for ourselves and finding ways to help others.

3 – We must ensure our spiritual bank accounts are healthy
– v20-21

• God did not take a positive view of the rich man’s endeavours. (“But God said to him, You fool!”)
• The man was financially rich buts spiritually poor towards God.
• Our money and possessions cannot purchase salvation and peace, only Jesus can offer the joy of salvation and spiritual riches beyond measure.   

Challenge – Is there an imbalance between our love for our possessions and our love for God? It’s important that we ensure even the most valuable treasure in our lives is not held in the same vein as our walk with Christ.

Questions

1. Read 1 Timothy 6:9-10, 17-18 and discuss why sometimes this verse is taken out of context. Is money the root of all evil? What is the keyword that is missing?
2. Is it possible to be extremely wealthy and serve the Lord? Discuss the challenges.
3. Where might I be coveting something that someone else has, and how is that affecting my relationship with them and with God?
4. What are the signs we are becoming more focused or greedy for material possessions rather than pursuing God?
5. In what ways do we act as if we will live for many, many years?
6. What is one step you can take this week to become less dependent on your possessions?