Money can be a tool for good. But if we love wealth and begin to hoard riches, we have a problem. Jesus spoke about money more than He did any other topic, except for the kingdom of God. Why? How we handle our earthly treasures reveals the state of our heart. Do we love wealth and its trappings more than we love God? Let’s find out how to keep money in its place.
Jesus’ Teaching on Riches
Read Luke 12:13-34.
What incident prompts the Lord’s teaching on money?
Jesus said, “Not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions” (Luke 12:15).
How does a person’s quality of life differ from the quantity of his or her possessions?
What was the source of the rich man’s abundance (v. 16)?
The farmer assumes that because he is rich, he will have many years to enjoy his wealth. He exemplifies the attitude, “Take your ease, eat, drink and be merry” (v. 19). But the parable illustrates that we can run out of time before we run out of money.
Why does God call the rich man a fool (v. 20)?
What is the potential eternal cost of hoarding money or valuable possessions during your lifetime (James 5:1-3; 1 Cor. 3:15-16)?
The essential characteristic of a covetous man is that he lays up treasure for himself. His aim is to please himself and gratify his greed.
If Jesus were telling this story today, the rich man might have added an extra room, filled his basement, or rented a storage unit to house extra possessions. Can you relate to having so many things that you don’t have space for them all?
Do you ever hoard money or objects, perhaps to give you a sense of security or greater self-esteem? Explain.
Note: Hoarding money differs from saving for specific needs, such as a car, college tuition, or retirement. It usually involves refusing to give generously to the needs of others.
In Luke 12:22, Jesus speaks about worry. What is the connection between greed and worry?
Do you worry about having enough to provide for present or future needs? Why or why not?
What comparisons does Jesus make to illustrate the needlessness of worry (v. 29-30)?
Anxiety stops, not because we close our eyes to our needs, but because we fix our eyes on a loving God who is greater than our problems.
The rich man should have shared his wealth with others (Luke 12:33). Instead, he assumed that his surplus was for his own consumption.
Do you have “extra”? In other words, do you have money for non-essentials, such as a new cell phone, updated clothing, or a new electronic device when the ones you have are still adequate? Give a few examples.
The rich man reasons “to himself” when he realizes he has extra (v. 17) instead of turning to the Lord for direction. When you get a windfall, do you ask God how He wants you to use it? Explain why or why not.
In what specific way could you help meet the needs of others with the extra resources you have?
Man looks at the dollar amount given; God looks at the sacrifice involved. Read Mark 12:41-44. The poor widow gives the equivalent of only one cent, but her gift is more important in God’s sight than the large donations of the wealthy.
Is your giving sacrificial, like the widow’s? Or is it fairly painless, as was the case with the wealthy men of Jesus’ day?
Pursuing riches can also keep us from seeking heavenly treasure, or “true riches.”
Read 1 Timothy 6:9. What kinds of temptations do those who seek to be wealthy face?
What temptations have you experienced in your desire to have money or the lifestyle of the wealthy?
Greed can have many faces. Some people have a specific amount in mind (“I want to have a million dollars”); others are constantly seeking nicer cars, jewelry, clothing, homes, or other material possessions.
In what ways are you tempted to be greedy?
In one of his sermons, John Wesley said, “Having first gained all you can . . . and secondly saved all you can . . . then give all you can.” He practiced what he preached. At the end of his life, his salary was 120 British pounds a year but he lived on only 28 pounds. The rest he gave away.
Prayer: The heavenly Father is pleased to provide for your needs (Luke 12:32). Take your concerns to God in prayer, knowing that He delights in meeting your needs. Ask Him for an eternal perspective—money is just a tool for His purposes; true riches are found as we seek His kingdom first.
Life in the Body of Christ
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