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One's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possess

Text: Luke 12:13-21
4 January 2009

(I) THE QUEST OF SEEKING TO COMPREHEND THE MEANING OF LIFE

1. The quest of the writer of Ecclesiastes

2. A major preoccupation even in the days of Jesus

3. The secular/worldly mindset is focused on this earthly life

(II) AN IMPORTANT ISSUE: INHERITANCE LAWS

“Then one from the crowd said to Him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’ ” Luke 12:13

1. Inheritance laws (Mosaic Law concerning Inheritance, Numbers 36)

a) Laws to govern even inheritance

b) To ensure social stability in the land

c) To uphold Divine justice

2. The issue before Jesus

a) An issue of conflict between brothers

b) An issue involving inheritance

(III) AN OUTRIGHT REFUSAL

“But He said to him, ‘Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?’ ” Luke 12:14

1. His Mission from God was not to function as a Judge

2. His Mission from God was not to be an Arbitrator

3. Jesus refused to get involved in such issues as Inheritance Laws

(IV) MORE IMPORTANT ISSUES

“And He said to them, saying, ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.’ ” Luke 12:15

1. What is covetousness?

a) It is a desire for abundance

b) It is a desire for more of everything

2. Wherein is the danger of covetousness

It beclouds our comprehension of what life is all about

3. What is life all about?

“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Mark 8:36-37

a) Concern for the soul

b) Concern about the possibility of losing one’s soul

c) Nothing is more precious than the soul!