Luke 12:16-21
“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” Matthew 16:26 (p.748)
Series Memory Verse: “I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.” Psalm 119:45 (p.469)
- God Is All I Need.
(Jesus) ”Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” Luke 12:15 (p.795)
- Assess my priorities.
“Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.” Luke 12:16–17 (p.795)
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33 (p.738)
- Ask for wisdom to discern between wants and needs.
”Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!” Luke 12:18–19 (p.795)
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” James 1:5 (p.930)
- Allow God to transform my heart and mind.
“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” Luke 12:21 (p.795)
“Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.” 1 Timothy 6:6 (p.912)
My Next Step This Week:
____ I will begin each day this week with this prayer: “Thank you, God that you supply all of my needs according to your glorious riches in Jesus, You are all I need!” (Based on Philippians 4:19)
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
One Thing: God Is All I Need.
Key Verse: “I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.”
Psalm 119:45
Bible References: Luke 12:16-21
CONVERSATION STARTER
// If you could only keep three of your possessions, what would they be and why?
- Assess my priorities.
- Ask for wisdom to discern between wants and needs.
- Allow God to transform my heart and mind.
// Was there anything that stood out to you, challenged you, or maybe even confused you?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
// How does society’s emphasis on material wealth affect your relationship with God?
// Read Proverbs 11:4 (p.488).
- How does this verse resonate with your views on material wealth and its temporary nature?
- Discuss how aligning your priorities with God’s righteousness can lead to a truly rich and fulfilling life.
// Read Luke 12:16-21 (p.795).
- How would you potentially use Proverbs 11:4 to talk with the farmer about his life, especially his soul?
- Is there anyone in your life you need to have that conversation with, and why?
// Looking at Luke 12:16-21, consider the farmer’s decision to build larger barns for his surplus crops. Instead of using his excess to help those in need, he stores it away for personal gain.
- Reflect on your own life and share when you had an excess of something, whether it be time, money, or resources.
- How did you utilize this surplus?
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
During the time when Luke was written, society was very materialistic, much like today. Wealth was seen as a sign of God’s blessing, and poverty was seen as God’s punishment. This made the message in Luke 12:16-21 counter-cultural and radical. It challenges societal norms by prioritizing spiritual wealth over material wealth.
Next Step: _____ Iwill begin each day this week with prayer. “Thank you, God that you supply all my needs according to your glorious riches in Jesus. You are all I need!” (based on Philippians 4:19)
DIGGING DEEPER
For further study, read Matthew 6:19-21 (p.737), 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (p.912), and Ecclesiastes 5:10 (p.507). Reflect on what these verses communicate about the dangers of wealth and materialism.
- How do these verses resonate with your own experiences? Write down any insights or revelations you gain through this study.