Luke 12:15
Jesus teaches that true happiness and contentment come from a solid relationship with Him, not from material possessions.
Chuck Smith addresses the dangers of covetousness, emphasizing that true happiness does not come from material possessions but from a solid relationship with Jesus Christ. He warns against the misconception that wealth and possessions guarantee contentment, highlighting the importance of prioritizing relationships and health over material gain. Smith illustrates that a right relationship with Jesus leads to improved family dynamics and overall life satisfaction. He concludes by urging listeners to measure their worth not by earthly treasures but by their richness toward God.
Text
Intro: Two brothers were fighting over an inheritance. Jesus said, "Beware of
covetousness..."
I. A COMMON MISCONCEPTION.
A. Jesus uses two words of caution.
1. Take heed.
2. Beware.
B. So many think that they can only be happy by possessing.
1. A nice home, a fancy car, a fast boat, a Palm Springs condo.
2. These things cannot guarantee happiness.
3. They cannot bring contentment.
C. There are many things more important than possessions Some have sacrificed these
very things for possessions.
1. Relationships.
a. You may end up in your big home alone.
b. You may have a fast ski boat and no one to ski with.
2. Health.
a. So many push so hard to attain, they destroy their health.
b. They attain only to lose by mounting doctor bills.
3. Life.
a. Following parable 16-20.
b. "What should it profit a man..."
II. OF WHAT DOES LIFE CONSIST?
A. A solid relationship with Jesus Christ.
1. This is where it must start "And this is the record.."
2. You have not begun to live until you submit your life to Him.
3. Nothing in life can be more important than this.
a. If to attain any possession or position you must sacrifice your
relationship with Him, you are getting a bad deal.
b. Jesus calls the man a fool who lays up treasure for himself but is
not rich toward God.
c. Jesus said the heathen seek after the material things, but if we
will "seek first the kingdom of God and.."
B. A right relationship with Jesus Christ will bring a right relationship with my
family.
1. I will be a right kind of husband.
2. A right kind of father.
3. A right kind of grandfather.
4. It will correct all my relationships.
C. Having the right priorities in life is all important.
D. The most important measurement of a man is not how much treasure have you laid up
for yourself and your heirs, but how much treasure have you in heaven? How rich
fare you toward God?
Sermon Outline
- A Common Misconception points: - 'Jesus uses two words of caution: Take heed and Beware.' - Possessions cannot guarantee happiness and contentment. - Relationships, health, and life are more important than possessions.
- Of What Does Life Consist? points: - A solid relationship with Jesus Christ is essential. - A right relationship with Jesus Christ will bring a right relationship with family. - Having the right priorities in life is crucial. - The most important measurement of a man is his treasure in heaven.
Key Quotes
“What should it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” — Chuck Smith
“If to attain any possession or position you must sacrifice your relationship with Him, you are getting a bad deal.” — Chuck Smith
“Jesus calls the man a fool who lays up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Prioritize your relationship with Jesus Christ above all else.
- Recognize that possessions cannot guarantee happiness and contentment.
- Measure your success by how rich you are toward God, not by your material wealth.