The Cure For Greed: Living Simply in God’s Care

Title: The Cure for Greed: Living Simply in God’s Care

Text: Luke 12:13–21 Big Idea: Greed can ruin our lives. Trusting God and living simply is the antidote. Application: Pattern your life after Jesus by adopting simplicity and trusting in God’s goodness.

1. Greed Blinds Us to What Really Matters (vv. 13–15)

The man wanted Jesus to settle his inheritance dispute—but Jesus exposed a deeper heart issue: greed.

Life does not consist in the abundance of possessions—it’s about who we are, not what we own.

Illustration: Possessions are outside of us; character and faith are within.

Takeaway: If we measure life by what we own, we’ll always come up short.

2. More Stuff = More Worry (vv. 16–19)

The rich fool thought bigger barns would solve his problems, but instead his abundance created more anxiety.

Greed whispers “just a little more”—but it never satisfies.

Less is Better We live in a culture that tells us bigger is better—bigger houses, bigger closets, bigger barns. But have you noticed how much stress comes with all that “more”? More stuff to buy, more stuff to clean, more stuff to store, more stuff to insure. That’s why so many people today are turning to minimalism. They’ve discovered that getting rid of clutter actually brings freedom. When you own less, you worry less. When your house isn’t packed full, your mind and heart feel lighter. Some even say they finally have time for what matters—relationships, health, and peace of mind.

That’s the exact opposite of the rich fool in Jesus’ parable. He thought a bigger barn would make him secure, but it only added to his anxiety. Minimalism reminds us of the truth Jesus was pointing to: life isn’t about how much you can store, it’s about how much room you make for God.

N.T. Wright: Jesus’ warning isn’t just about living carefree—it’s about confronting the deep roots of our desires.

Takeaway: When we seek more instead of seeking God, we trade peace for stress.

3. True Security Comes from God, Not Possessions (vv. 20–21)

The man’s life ended before he could enjoy his wealth—his trust in things was misplaced.

Illustration: Someone once said, “You never see a hearse pulling a U-Haul.” Imagine that image—a funeral car trying to haul earthly possessions to the grave. It doesn’t work. Death proves that money and stuff were never the point.

The kingdom of God frees us to relax, knowing God is in control.

Simplicity isn’t about less for its own sake—it’s about making room for God’s kingdom.

Takeaway: Trusting God allows us to live simply, generously, and securely in His care.

Closing Challenge

Greed says, “Get more.” Jesus says, “Trust Me.” If we want to follow Jesus, we must release our grip on possessions and adopt the simplicity of faith, generosity, and trust in God.