The Parable Of The Rich Farmer Luke 12

The Parable Of The Rich Farmer Luke 12: 16 -21

The Rich Farmer Lk 12: 16 -21 Setting § During The Judean Ministry § Approx. 6 months to His crucifixion § Jesus is giving a discourse on various topics vv. 1 -59 § So far, He covered hypocrisy, judgment, respect, persecution,

The Rich Farmer Lk 12: 16 -21 Setting § A man interrupts Jesus to demand He arbitrate a dispute re: the family inheritance v. 13 § Jesus refuses…instead, He issues a general warning re: covetousness and greed vv. 14

The Rich Farmer Lk 12: 16 -21 Setting § Re: the man who interrupted Jesus… § He obviously hadn’t heard a word He said § His mind was too occupied with worldly things to think about spiritual things

The Rich Farmer Lk 12: 16 -21 Setting § Re: the man who interrupted Jesus… § His problem was not in seeking what was rightfully (legally) his § His problem was an obsession with material wealth

The Rich Farmer Lk 12: 16 -21 The Parable § A certain farmer had done well…his crops produced “plentifully” v. 16 § Lacking sufficient storage, he decided to tear down all his present barns and build bigger

The Rich Farmer Lk 12: 16 -21 The Parable § His decision led him to believe his “future” was now secure v. 19 § God intervened…He called the farmer a “fool” and told him his soul would be required that night

The Rich Farmer Lk 12: 16 -21 The Application § The farmer represents 2 people – § The man who had interrupted Jesus during His discourse [context] § Anyone who places material things above spiritual things Mt 6: 19 -33

The Rich Farmer Lk 12: 16 -21 The Application § Thoughts re: the farmer – § He was never rebuked for becoming wealthy through illgotten gain § His problem wasn’t fraud, but foolishness

The Rich Farmer Lk 12: 16 -21 The Application § The farmers “mistakes” Ê Wrong assumption re: who was “owner” § He thought all that prosperity was his § Notice the personal pronouns vv. 17 -18

The Rich Farmer Lk 12: 16 -21 The Application § The farmers “mistakes” Ê Wrong assumption re: who was “owner” § The faithful man understands he is just a “pilgrim”…a “stranger” Heb 11: 13 b § He owns nothing in this world

The Rich Farmer Lk 12: 16 -21 The Application § The farmers “mistakes” Ë Wrong disposition of his “prosperity” § He thought the only way to use his abundance was to hoard it vv. 17 -18 § Clearly an indication of

The Rich Farmer Lk 12: 16 -21 The Application § The farmers “mistakes” Ë Wrong disposition of his “prosperity” § He knew the “perils of farming” § He must have known others who didn’t fare as well…he could have shared with them 1 Tim 6: 18 -19

The Rich Farmer Lk 12: 16 -21 The Application § The farmers “mistakes” Ì Wrong view re: his new barns 19 § The new barns would not just store his abundance v. 19 § They would represent his financial future and security v.

The Rich Farmer Lk 12: 16 -21 The Application § The farmers “mistakes” Ì Wrong view re: his new barns 19 § This farmer (and the man in the crowd) thought their problems (present & future) would be solved with material wealth v.

The Rich Farmer Lk 12: 16 -21 The Application § The farmers “mistakes” Ì Wrong view re: his new barns v. 19 § It is uncertain Prov 23: 5 1 Tim 6: 17 § It doesn’t develop contentment…there will never be

The Rich Farmer Lk 12: 16 -21 The Application § The farmers “mistakes” Ì Wrong view re: his new barns 19 § There is NO security in material things Mt 6: 19 2 Pet 3: 10 v.

The Rich Farmer Lk 12: 16 -21 The Application § The farmers “mistakes” Í Forgetfulness re: time & death v. 20 a § The farmer forgot the certainty of death Heb 9: 27 § Circumstances happen unexpectantly that can bring

The Rich Farmer Lk 12: 16 -21 The Application § The farmers “mistakes” Í Forgetfulness re: time & death v. 20 a § The farmer thought “Many years” § God said “Not 1 more night!” § The farmer’s plans will not materialize vv. 19, 20 b

“There are no pockets in a shroud. ”

“Hearses don’t pull U-Haul trailers. ”

The Rich Farmer Lk 12: 16 -21 The Application § Was the farmer a “materialist? ” § Remember…he didn’t get the barn built § He was condemned for a thought § This tells us we don’t have to actually possess material wealth

The Rich Farmer Lk 12: 16 -21 The Application § Jesus’ conclusion v. 21 § One can be materially rich and still be impoverished toward God § The only thing we can take out of this world is a secure relationship with God

The Rich Farmer Lk 12: 16 -21 The Application § Jesus’ conclusion v. 21 § Gaining the wealth of the whole world is no achievement if we lose our soul in the process Mt 16: 26 § “True riches” can be obtained 2 Cor 6: 10 8: 9

The Rich Farmer Lk 12: 16 -21 The Lesson § Do I focus too much on material wealth? § Have I forgotten all I own will not leave this world? § My possessions do not define me