The Decision of Covetousness

Luke 12:13-21

Theme: Jesus Teaching

Key verse: v.32

59 verse; 1,407 words

Grade level: 6.0

Outline:

I. Be careful... lest Satan hinder you. Verses 1-12

II. Be confident... God will not fail you. Verses 13-34

III. Be consistent... in preparing for Christ's return. Verses 35-59

The Division of Covetousness. vs.13-15

The Decision of Covetousness. vs.16-19

I. The Root of Covetousness. v.16

16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:

Covetousness is similar to kudzu.

“certain” (CWSB) some person or thing whom one cannot or does not wish to name or specify particularly

“certain rich man” occurs 3 x

here, Luke 16:1, 19.

Its growth never stops!

“brought forth plentifully” (CWSB) the ground kept putting out

As the ground kept producing, covetousness never stops.

II. The Truth of Covetousness. v.17

17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

Covetousness never stops.

If the heart is not changed then covetousness continues to spread.

Colossians 3:5 identifies covetousness also as idolatry. That verse says it must be mortified.

“no room” occurs 3x

Here where a covetous rich man run out of space to put his possessions.

Mark 2:2. Here they ran out of room for people that wanted to hear and see Jesus.

Luke 2:7. Where there was no room for Jesus to be born.

III. The Fruit of Covetousness. vs.18-19

18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

NIV replace “my goods” with “surplus grains”

19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

Covetousness leads away from the Lord’s Person: no prayer.

Covetousness leads away from the Lord’s Place: no church.

Covetousness leads away from the Lord’s People: no fellowship.

Covetousness leads away from the Lord’s Provision: no blessings.

Conclusion:

Where has covetousness taken you?