Series Summary

One of the topics most frequently discussed in the Bible is the topic of money and possessions. But it’s one that we don’t talk frequently about in the church. We try to avoid it… It’s uncomfortable… It feels like the church is always asking for money… But the truth is something far different. God talks about money a lot, and it would be wise for us to know what he thinks about it, and how he sees finances, wealth, money, and possessions… and the things that are opposed to a proper use of our money — things like greed and covetousness.

This year, we’re starting off with a look at how we should see money and wealth with God’s perspective. How should we view money? And how should we use it well? These questions, and more, have answers that can be found in the Bible.

Sermon Summary

Jesus’ warning in Luke 12 is not aimed at wealthy people alone — it is aimed at anxious hearts. The rich fool was not condemned for having a good harvest, but for trusting his harvest instead of God. He planned carefully for his future but left God out of the plan entirely. Jesus tells this story so that we don’t repeat it. We don’t have to end poorly. We can choose a better way — a way of trust, gratitude, and generosity.

At the heart of Jesus’ teaching is this truth: greed and worry grow when gratitude shrinks. When we forget how deeply the Father cares for us, we begin to cling to what we have as if everything depends on us. But Jesus reminds us that the God who feeds the birds and clothes the flowers knows exactly what we need. We are not orphans scrambling for survival; we are children learning to trust our Father.

Generosity, then, is not about pressure — it’s about priority. When God’s Kingdom becomes first, giving becomes joyful instead of fearful. We give not because we are trying to earn God’s favor, but because we already live in it. The Father is pleased to give us the Kingdom, and he invites us to partner with him in what he is doing in the world.

Today, the invitation is simple: don’t be the rich fool. Be rich toward God. Put greed on notice, practice gratitude daily, and take one intentional step of faith in generosity. You may discover that the greatest reward is not what you give — but the freedom and joy you gain by trusting God more fully.