Part 5 Parable series, The Rich Fool, Luke 12:13-21
GCF Durham, Luis Cruz
The pleasures offered by this world can be overwhelming. Christians are always tempted to follow the world instead of the Word. The world has its way of influencing our priorities. And if we are not deep into the Word, the world will dictate our activities. Some immigrant Christians found their spiritual life negatively affected by earthly treasure and pleasures and became like the rest of the world. One of my Christian friends said, “Canada (a wealthy country) has changed a lot of immigrant Christians – from being dedicated to the Lord to being dedicated to the world. You can’t tell the difference anymore. They have greatly changed.”
1. Jesus warned His people.
“Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 3 What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.” Luke 12: 1-3
The Parable of the Rich Fool serves as a warning to all Christians. Jesus, aware of the Pharisees amongst the thousands of people who came following Him, warned His disciples to guard themselves against hypocrisy.
Hypokrites (Greek) – an actor, a stage player (Merriam-Webster)
The yeast of Pharisees – legalistic, ritualistic, self-serving
Legalism and rituals puffed up their religion but it was empty of real faith.
Attitudes and behaviors are great revealers of what is truly in the heart.
2. Pursue things with eternal value.
“17 He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.” Luke 12:17
One cannot bring material wealth to eternal life.
God wants our life to be filled by Him.
God is concerned about our life. See Colossians 3:23
God rewards those who live for Him. See Matthew 5:12
Reasons for rewarding us.
To recognize our faithful service to Him. 2 Cor. 5:10
To shame those who have been ashamed of Him. Luke 9:26
To show the justice of God. Heb. 6:10
To fulfill the spiritual law of sowing and reaping. Gal. 6:7-10
To fulfill God’s promise that our labour is not in vain. 1 Cor. 15:58
3. Do not desire pleasures that separate us from God.
“18 “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain.” Luke 12:18
I, Me, and Myself – without God, there is no contentment.
Consult (pray and seek His Word) God before making any plans.
Use your “wealth, possessions” to glorify God by helping others. This will give you a sense of fulfillment in the Lord.
4. Decide where to spend eternity now.
“19 And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’ 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ 21 “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”
Make plans for eternity.
Ask Jesus to come into your life and reign.
Believe Jesus’ promise of eternal life with Him.
John14:2, “2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?”