Becoming Rich toward God

Luke 12:21 NASB 95

So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

Have someone read the whole chapter.

This chapter is full of things that consume the heart and mind of mankind.

There is the fear of how other people see us or what they think of us.

There is the focus on all the physical needs of life.

There is the constant pursuit of gaining wealth and riches.

There is the distraction with our own desires with little focus on God’s desire for our life.

There is the demand for our rights with no room for grace and concession.

This chapter is a mental reset for the religious leaders who should know what honors God.

God calls us to honor Him by desiring richness toward Him over worldly riches.

What does it mean to be rich toward God?

1 . Richness toward God begins in Jesus! (4-12)

Thousands were coming to here Jesus. The Pharisees and scribes were creating fear about being kicked out of synagog… (11)

Jesus said,

Luke 12:8–9 NASB 95

“And I say to you, everyone who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man will confess him also before the angels of God; but he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.

2. Richness toward God comes by knowing He is your treasure, not stuff.

We all have needs.

We are all called to work and provide for ourselves.

Ephesians 4:28 NASB 95

He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need.

But Jesus in this chapter says;

Beware of greed (15)

Don’t store up stuff just for yourself.

Luke 12:20–21 NASB 95

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

3. Richness towards God comes by seeking His kingdom not your own.

Look at how God provides.

Consider the Lillies…

Don’t live in worry of need. God knows you have these needs.

Know for sure, as you seek the Lord, God will provide.

Luke 12:31 NASB 95

But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you.

What does this mean to you?

what are the things that matter in the kingdom?

How does this look for a life well lived?

4. Richness in God comes by living in momentary readiness for His return.

Luke 12:35 NASB 95

“Be dressed in readiness, and keep your lamps lit.

Isn’t it funny how so many acknowledge they would live so differently if Jesus were standing right here…

Blessed are those whom the master finds alert at His return. (37)

Be ready because you don’t know when He will return (40).

When we know what the Lord wants, but do not act accordingly, we will give and account. Blessed is the one who lives in momentary readiness.

5. Richness toward God comes by embracing what is right!

Jesus longed for the day of clear identity. He was saddened by hypocrisy. He longed for the day where right would be embraced and wrong would be shunned. (44-50)

Jesus was amazed the people could not see mess they were in!

Luke 12:56 NASB 95

You hypocrites! You know how to analyze the appearance of the earth and the sky, but why do you not analyze this present time?

Today our world is still full of efforts to justify the wrongs we want to tolerate.

Luke 12:57 NASB 95

“And why do you not even on your own initiative judge what is right?

What might be legally correct is not always what is right.

The one who is rich toward God wants to do what is right!

Last week as I listened to pastor Derek wrap up his message he referred to a verse that I had already planned to end with as well.

Micah 6:6–8 NASB 95

With what shall I come to the Lord And bow myself before the God on high? Shall I come to Him with burnt offerings, With yearling calves? Does the Lord take delight in thousands of rams, In ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my rebellious acts, The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?