Luke 12:13-21
13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” 16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
Main Idea
WE ARE TO BE FAITHFUL WITH OUR GIVING.
Outline
REALIZING COVETING IS A BAD PLACE TO START (VV13-15)
BEING RICH TOWARDS GOD (VV16-21)
Discussion Questions
REALIZING COVETING IS A BAD PLACE TO START (VV13-15)
Why do you think Jesus refuses to settle the inheritance dispute?
What does Jesus identify as the deeper issue behind the man’s request?
How does coveting affect the way we view other people’s possessions or success?
Why does coveting make contentment difficult?
Where do you see the “How much did that cost?” mentality showing up in everyday life?
Why do you think money often causes conflict between people or within families?
What are some signs that coveting may be influencing our hearts?
What practices can help us grow in contentment with what God has given us?
BEING RICH TOWARDS GOD (VV16-21)
Why does God call the rich man a fool?
What does the parable reveal about trusting in wealth for security?
What does it mean to be “rich toward God”?
How does this parable challenge the way people normally think about success?
What are some ways people today try to build security apart from God?
How can generosity help guard our hearts against trusting in money?
What practical steps can help someone begin growing in faithful giving?
How does giving help shift our focus from building our own kingdom to participating in God’s kingdom?
Looking Forward
What is one practical way you can be more faithful in giving this week?
Prayer Focus
Pray for hearts that are free from coveting and comparison.
Pray for contentment with what God has provided.
Pray for wisdom and faithfulness in how we steward money.
Pray that God would help your group grow in generosity and trust in Him.
Pray for Peace Church to use resources faithfully for God’s kingdom.
Pray for people in the church who may be struggling financially.
Pray that each person would learn to be rich toward God in their lives and giving.