Parable of The Rich Fool

Day: 17

Text: Luke 12:16-21

Introduction-

The parables of Jesus impart profound life lessons typically narrated to guide individuals toward a fulfilling life that aligns with God’s will. The Parable of the Rich Fool, in particular, offers valuable insights. It tells the story of a wealthy man who chose to live life on his own terms rather than according to God’s plan. Let’s explore these lessons and apply them to our lives, striving to live in a way that pleases God and grants us divine blessings.

Life Lessons–

1.Avoid Greed.

In the preceding verses to the parable we are considering today (Luke 12:113-15), Jesus had just responded to a personal request to intercede in an inheritance feud by warning against greed. He further extended this point by narrating this parable to drive home the point. God frowns at greed. It’s one of the attitude we should intentionally avoid as Christians.  Luke 12:15, 1 John 2:16.

2.Avoid Pride

Pride feeds on greed. The action of the wealthy man seems normal enough and may even sound logical to most people, but to God it reeks of pride. As Christians, we should avoid with all sense of caution anything that would suggest we are proud in the eyes of God. (Proverbs 16:5, James 4:7).

3.Avoid Self Reliance.

This is a very profound lesson we all must learn. No human being can be self reliant. On the contrary we all must be compliant to the forces of nature. When the forces of nature comes calling what we trust in apart from God will fail our trust. 1 Timothy 6:17-19).

Life Applications

1. A life of contentment is a safe, assured and richer life. It’s actually a safeguard for a Christian. From the parable Jesus narrated, we understand that God is not against wealth but against wanting more when you really don’t need more. Greed will eventually set a trap for a greedy man. (Proverbs 28;25). Believer’s should learn how to curtail a nagging desire to have more of what gratifies them or bring them pleasures. This does not suggest we should not aspire to grow, to increase and to blossom, but when the motive is like this wealthy man in our parable, it would become a trap set by greed. (Hebrews 13;5, 1 Timothy 6.6-11). Our attitude should be to thank God for what we have, and when God gives us more we thank Him the more. (Philippians 4:11-13)
2. A life of humility is a delight to God. God honors a humble person and such a person will be revered. Pride is when a person is too focused on himself or herself. Like greed, pride also sets a trap for a person. (Proverbs 11:2, 29:23). The wealthy man’s issue with God was His focus all on himself and all about himself. He had done well for himself and that is great in the sight of God. But what is not great in the reckoning of God is to think too highly of himself. His undoing began with a self thought towards himself in (Luke 12:17). As Christian we must understand that what we have is not the real representative of who we really are. (James 4:13-15, Proverbs 27:1).
3. This is a profound lesson each Christian must always apply to his or her life permanently. Life is meant to be beautiful but it can be ruined if we are not ‘rich toward God”. The phrase ‘… rich toward God’ is an admonition to redefine our priorities in regards to possessions, acquisition of things and a life of comfort and pleasure. To become wealthy is not undesirable and evil, but it could become a snare and dangerous when we prioritize it over our relationship with God and our spiritual well-being. The wealthy man had so much that he could have prioritize his efforts and resources to honoring God and helping other fellow human beings. This should be our overall nature as Christians. (Hebrews 13:6, Mark 9:41, Matthew 25:31-46)

Lesson of the Day: Trust solely in God and let your focus be on pleasing God and helping others. If God helped you, it is honor to God when you help others. (Proverbs 19:17).

Complied by: Pastor Dele Akanle