Scripture Reading: Luke 12:13-32
Memory Verse: “And He said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.’” Luke 12:15
Introduction:
The basis of Christ’s teaching on money is that we must be good stewards. Not only money, but every gift of God, is received in trust by us for His use. Man is not the owner of possessions, but rather he is a trustee of God’s goods and estates (Luke 12:42; 16:1-8).
As faithful stewards, we are to make wise investments of our gifts of money so that they can be used for our Lord and His church. It is in this very area that Satan can slip in so slyly and begin convincing us to use money in covetous and greedy ways. First Satan cunningly gets us to cut back on our offerings, so we can increase our worldly goods. Then he finagles us into decreasing our tithing until eventually money becomes our master instead of our servant.
We can so easily slip into the love of money and become like the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-26. With all his attractive qualities, money ruled him, and it was his idol. He was a slave to greed and turned away from Jesus sorrowful, clinging to his money and possessions.
The definition of greed is: Inordinately desirous or excessively eager to obtain and possess. Today’s lesson will expose covetousness and greed and show us where our priorities truly should be when it comes to money.
Lesson Questions:
- To whom does the money and property we hold really belong? Haggai 2:8; 1 Chronicles 29:14; James 1:17.
- What demonstrated greed in this rich man? Luke 12:18-19. What does the Lord call such a man as this and what did he say to him? Luke 12:20.
- What conclusion does the Savior draw from this parable? Luke 12:21; Luke 12:15; Matthew 6:19. What are some additional conclusions found in these Proverbs that support this conclusion: Proverbs 11:24, 13:7.
- What did greed lead Judas to do? Mark 14:10-11.
- What does the apostle Paul say about greed? Colossians 3:5-6; 1 Timothy 6:10.
- What commands are given to those who are wealthy? 1 Timothy 6:17-18.
- What was one of the special requirements demanded in those men chosen for leadership in the Lord’s work? Exodus 18:21; 1 Timothy 3:2-3.
- What is said about greed in the last days? 2 Timothy 3:1-2; James 5:3.
- What effect does it have upon the person himself to give of his means to help the cause of the Lord? Acts 20:35; Proverbs 11:24-25; Matthew 6:2.