2. Luke 12:16-21
RICH TOWARD GOD

3. Luke 12:15 ~ "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.“
Matthew 16:23 – “you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”
1 Timothy 6:8-10
Matthew 6:20
Can I be rich in material things and rich toward God ? Are they exclusive?

4. “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully”, v. 16
Was he foolish because of his abundance?
Was he foolish because of success or plans?
“Fool … So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” v. 21

5. When are We “RICH toward GOD”?
When we view our material possessions as gifts that God has loaned to us for a while, and has given us charge to use them wisely.
Matthew 25:14 – “delivered his goods to them”
“My crops, barns, goods, soul”
James 4:15,16; James 1:17; Phil. 4:6
Psa. 50:12; 1 Cor. 4:7

6. When are We “RICH toward GOD”?
When we use what God has given us to benefit others.
“And he thought within himself … What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops”
Matthew 22:37-39
Eph. 4:28 ~ … working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.
1Tim.6:19;Prv.22:9;1Cor.16:2;3Jn.2

7. When are We “RICH toward GOD”?
When we have learned that what matters (is treasured) most in life is our relationship with God.
He thought “things” assured ease, happiness and security.
Matt. 16:19; Matt. 7:27; 1 Tim. 6:17

8. When are We “RICH toward GOD”?
Eccl 5:10-15 ~ He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity. 11 When goods increase, they increase who eat them; So what profit have the owners except to see them with their eyes? 12 The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, Whether he eats little or much; but the abundance of the rich will not permit him to sleep. 13 There is a severe evil which I have seen under the sun: Riches kept for their owner to his hurt. 14 But those riches perish through misfortune; when he begets a son, there is nothing in his hand. 15 As he came from his mother's womb, naked shall he return, to go as he came; and he shall take nothing from his labor which he may carry away in his hand.

9. When are We “RICH toward GOD”?
Eccl 6:7 ~ All the labor of man is for his mouth, And yet the soul is not satisfied.
Ps 42:2 ~ My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
Ps 90:14 ~ Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy, That we may rejoice and be glad all our days!

10. When are We “RICH toward GOD”?
When we are preparing to stand before God in judgment. 2 Cor. 5:10
“many years” … “this night”
1 Sam. 28:19 ~ “tomorrow you and your sons will be with me.”
“I will … and then?”

11. RICH TOWARD GOD Possessions as Gifts of God
Possessions to Benefit Others
Treasure – Relationship with God
Preparing for Judgment before God.