Theme Verse: For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor so that you by his poverty might become rich.   2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)

Introduction

Fallen Condition Focus: Covetousness, Greed, and Hoarding

Sermon Proposition: Since Christ has warned us about the dangers of greed, we ought to guard against this evil and find ways to be rich toward God.

I. Since Christ has warned us about the dangers of greed, we ought to guard against this evil knowing one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions (12:13-15)

• Inheritance in OT law - Deuteronomy 21:17
• God's commandment not to covet (Exodus 20:17//Deut. 5:21)
• Jesus' warning against covetousness (pleoneksia) (cf. Rom. 1:29; Eph. 4:19; 5:3)
• 1 Timothy 6:10 "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs." (ESV)
• In money matters ask: "Lord, what am I being motivated by in this situation?" Greed? Jealousy? Fear? Pride? Faith? Generosity? Trust?

II. Since Christ has warned us about the dangers of greed, we ought not assume that we will have a long life to enjoy wealth and so should not set our heart upon it (12:16-20)

• Psalm 49 - a psalm of wisdom reminding us that we can't take our wealth with us.
• 1 Tim. 6:17-19 "As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life." (ESV)
• What wrong assumptions am I making with regard to money?

III. Since Christ has warned us about the dangers of greed, we ought to not lay up treasure for ourselves, but we ought to be rich toward God. (12:21)

• The laying up treasures - for ourselves or for God?
• We can't serve God and money. (Matt. 6:24; cf. Luke 12:34)
• Is Jesus Lord of our lives? If Jesus is not Lord of all, he is not Lord at all
• What is my next step of faith in being rich toward God?

Conclusion and Call to Respond