The Parables of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke (4) – USC

The Parables of Jesus
in the Gospel of Luke (4)
Luke 12:15-21

Discuss:

Have you ever wanted something so badly, but when you got it you were disappointed (or it was not what you expected)? Share with one another what that one thing was (e.g. gift, internship, award, etc.) and how you felt afterwards.

Discover:

Focus: This parable shows us a negative example of a person who was rich in material and earthly possessions yet who was not rich toward God. We want to see what it means to be rich toward God and how we can become rich toward God, not rich in material and earthly possessions.

I. Read Luke 12:15-21 twice.
See if you can retell the story in your own words without looking at the verses. 

A. Before speaking the parable, the Lord Jesus says, “Watch and guard yourself from all covetousness” (verse 15). Define covetousness. 

B. Look at 1 Timothy 6:7-10 and compare with Luke 12:21. Why is it foolish to store up treasures for ourselves?

C. What does it mean to be rich towards God in Luke 12:21?

II. Read Romans 10:12-13 & Colossians 3:16 to find two ways we can become rich toward God. 

III. Memorize Romans 10:12-13 and recite it to one another:
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord is Lord of all and rich to all who call upon Him; for “whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Apply:

A. We all need to get a degree, find a job, find a home, etc. How do we not let these things become a distraction to our being rich towards God?

B. Share with one another a way you would like to be rich toward God this week. Pray for one another.