Read Luke 12:16-21 in your personal Bible or at the link provided.
Review
- What was the rich man’s problem?
- What was his solution?
- How did Jesus describe a person who stores up earthly wealth but doesn’t have a rich relationship with God?
Reflect
Yesterday we read Jesus’ words about greed. Today we see His parable about a rich man with a problem – he had so many crops that he couldn’t physically fit them into his barn. God rebuked his choice to build bigger barns, not because it’s bad to have money or possessions, but because the man thought he was one barn away from contentment. He looked to his things for significance instead of investing in a rich relationship with God.
Throughout the Bible, we’re encouraged to save. There’s value in saving and being wise stewards of our resources. The Bible also doesn’t condemn us for having wealth or possessions. It’s not about what we have. It’s about what we do with it and how we view it. When we sacrifice a rich relationship with God for earthly wealth, we have a problem.
Have you believed the lie that if you just acquire enough, you’ll be significant, safe, or in control? There’s not a dollar amount big enough that could give your soul the significance it was created for. You are significant. Not because of what you’ve done or how much you have, but because of who you are and whose you are. Instead of “building bigger barns,” invest in your relationship with God. He’s the only One who can give you true, lasting significance.
Respond
- How focused are you on saving or acquiring money and/or things? Has it ever turned into an ultimate goal or pursuit?
- Take inventory of what you have – possessions, time, talent, etc. How do you view these things, and what do you do with them? Is there anything that needs to shift?
- Would you say you’re intentionally investing in a rich relationship with God? What do you think that would involve?
As you process these questions, use page 71 of your Awaken Guidebook to jot down any key reflections or next steps. Be sure to bring your guidebook to your group! Page 72 is a great place to write down things that you want to process together.