The Rich Fool, No 2.
Scripture: Luke 12:15-21
Stream or download The Parables #73
I. THE CHIEF AIM OF THE PARABLE IS TO COMBAT COVETOUSNESS
“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth,” verse 15.
There is more to life than the things we possess! This means: ‘Be not anxious about obtaining wealth, for, however much you may obtain, it will not prolong your life. That depends on the will of God, and it requires something besides wealth to make us ready to meet him.’
Here is something we all need to be constantly reminded of! Covetousness is found in boys and girls, mammies and daddies, uncles and aunts, ministers and missionaries – all can be guilty of covetousness!
Here are two very important verses.
“The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them,” Matthew 11:5.
“And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God,” Matthew 19:24.
The poor are more inclined to listen to the gospel, feeling their need as they do. The rich feel that they have no need of God or His Word!
Here are things to remember.
1. “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” 1 Timothy 6:7.
We cannot hold on to in eternity those things we get a hold of here in this life!
2. “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” 1 Timothy 6:8. We are told by the Saviour to pray for our daily bread. “Give us day by day our daily bread,” Luke 11:3. He did not say to pray for riches or possessions. Food and raiment should be enough to satisfy us.
3. “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6. The meaning is, that to have Christ as your Saviour should be regarded as the greatest and most valuable possession and therefore to be content with all that He brings to our life. Contentment is a “calm and satisfied feeling; a freedom from murmuring and complaining.” “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me,” Philippians 4:13. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,” Romans 8:28.