No Fool Like a Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21) – Michael Mazzalongo



No Fool Like a Rich Fool (Luke 12:13-21) – Michael Mazzalongo

INTRO – The Bible rarely calls people names but in one instance the Lord calls a rich man a fool because he allowed the love of money to make him forget some of the more important things in life.

– The story of this is found in Luke 12 and begins as someone interrupts Jesus with a question about setting a dispute between two men over money.

– Jesus uses this question as a way to teach them a lesson about the dangers of worldly mindedness and selfish ambition.

❖ He tells them the story of a certain wealthy man and basically shows them that there’s no fool like a rich fool.

I. The Rich Fool – Luke 12:13 – 21

• Read Parable

• In this story we see that the rich man was a fool, not because he was rich or successful or decided to retire — he was a fool because despite these blessings, he forgot several important things:

1.He Forgot God –

• In the entire passage he uses the words I, my, or mine twelve times but not once does he mention God.

❖ He forgot that everything that happens to us does so with God’s permission and to make plans without reference to God is foolish indeed — especially plans on how to use God’s blessings.

2. He Forgot Others –

• Not only did he not mention God, he did not even think of how his blessings could benefit others.

• Paul tells us in Eph. 4: 28 that caring for others is one of the primary responsibilities we have in the use of our resources.

❖ He forgot that one of the reasons God blesses us is so that we might have the ability to bless others.

3. He Forgot That Man is More Than Just Matter.

• Life is not just about having stuff, and keeping our stuff, and buying more stuff.

• Life is about knowing and serving God; life is about loving other people and experiencing that love from others.

❖ The rich fool forgot that the purpose of wealth is not to insulate you from others but rather give you the freedom to become involved in others lives for good.

4. He Forgot the Source of Real Joy.

• He was excited and happy that he had more money but he was only fooling himself in thinking that he could relax and be at peace now that he had bigger barns or, as we would have today — secure retirement.

• Had he lived he would have had the hassle of building, keeping, protecting his wealth.

– Fire could have destroyed it.

– He would have been a target for thieves.

• He would have found out that increasing wealth does not increase one’s peace of mind or joy — the world is full of miserable millionaires.

• The source of real joy is:

– Faith and trust in God

– Personal righteousness and purity

– Generosity

– Hope for eternal life.

❖ These things money can serve, but it cannot buy — and the rich fool forgot this.

5. He Forgot About Death

• “It is given to man to die once and then comes the judgment” Heb.9: 27

• We should always live our lives in such a way that we never forget that one day we are going to die — and be judged.

– This give us freedom to try, to be the best because the time is limited.

– It also gives us the wisdom to remember to obey the one who will judge — and He will judge.

❖ The rich fool enjoyed life so much he forgot about death, enjoyed himself so much he forgot about judgment.

SUMMARY / INVITATION

• There is no fool like a rich fool.

– All of the blessings and advantages of wealth that should have pointed him to God in thankfulness and service were selfishly used and served only to darken his heart and blind him to the true wealth that God will give freely to those who acknowledge Him.

• I believe that in comparison to many, we are rich — certainly in comparison to those in other countries in Eastern Europe, Russia, China, and developing nations.

• I also believe that it’s O.K. to be rich, it’s a blessing from God and should be accepted and appreciated.

• The danger is not being rich, it’s being a rich fool.

• Let’s not fall into the same trap, let’s always remember:

– God in all we have, whatever that may be.

– Others and how we can use our resources to help others.

– True living cannot be accomplished without reference to faith in God and involvement with other human beings.

– Peace and joy are spiritual things and can only be obtained through spiritual activities. They are not commodities that can be traded or purchased.

– In the end God will judge everyone so don’t let those who are evil and succeeding discourage you — do what’s right.

• In the story, God took the rich fool right in the middle of his planning and building and enjoyment.

• That’s how it works — we don’t always have the time to make the big turn around.

• We don’t always have the opportunity to make things right or come back and be with God.

• The best time to make a change, resolve to improve, turn away is right now.

• We encourage you to do two things this morning:

1. If you’ve forgotten some of the things like the “Rich Fool” — now’s a good time to make those things right in your life so you can avoid the surprise of being called by the Lord when you’re not ready.

2. If you haven’t obeyed gospel in repentance and baptism yet — we encourage you not to put it off any longer and come to Christ today.

❖ Whatever your need please come now.

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