"Consumed by a Craving for More"

Presented on November 23, 2025

Main text: Luke 12:13-21

Preached by Pastor Rich Chasse

Summary

This sermon explores Jesus' parable of the rich fool from Luke 12:13-21, addressing the dangers of greed and covetousness. The pastor shares his personal experience of his mother's recent passing and how his family handled it with grace, contrasting this with the selfishness displayed in the parable. Jesus responds to a man's request to settle an inheritance dispute by teaching about the futility of storing up earthly treasures while being spiritually poor. The rich man in the parable made plans for his abundant harvest but died that very night, having lived only for himself without regard for God. The message emphasizes that true life doesn't consist in the abundance of possessions, but in being rich toward God through generosity and right relationship with Him.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You today with open hearts, ready to receive what You want to teach us. Help us to set aside our preconceived notions and personal agendas, and instead focus on Your truth. Lord, we ask that You would speak to each person in this group according to their specific needs. Open our minds to understand Your Word and our hearts to apply it to our lives. Guard us against the distractions of this world and help us to treasure what truly matters. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's one possession you owned as a child that you thought was the coolest thing ever at the time?

Key Verses

1. Luke 12:13-21
2. Ecclesiastes 5:10
3. 1 Timothy 6:6-10
4. 1 Timothy 6:17-19
5. 2 Corinthians 9:7-11

Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus refused to settle the inheritance dispute and instead told a parable about greed?
2. The rich man in the parable used 'I' and 'my' eleven times in his internal monologue. What does this reveal about his heart and priorities?
3. How does our culture today encourage the same kind of thinking as the rich fool in the parable?
4. The pastor mentioned that the problem isn't what we possess, but what possesses us. What's the difference between these two concepts?
5. What are some practical ways we can guard our hearts against covetousness in our daily lives?
6. How can we tell the difference between legitimate planning for the future and the kind of self-centered hoarding Jesus warns against?
7. The sermon mentioned that God wants us to enjoy what He's given us. How do we balance contentment with what we have while still working toward legitimate goals?
8. What does it mean to be 'rich toward God' as mentioned in verse 21, and how can we grow in this area?

Life Application

This week, practice gratitude by writing down three things you're thankful for each day, focusing on non-material blessings. Also, look for one opportunity to be generous - whether through giving money or some other resource to someone in need. Pay attention to how these acts of gratitude and generosity affect your heart's attitude toward your possessions.

Key Takeaways

1. True life and security don't come from the abundance of our possessions but from our relationship with God
2. Covetousness is a craving for more that is never satisfied, regardless of how much we accumulate
3. The problem isn't having possessions, but being possessed by the desire for more
4. We should enjoy what God has given us while holding it with open hands, ready to be generous
5. Being 'rich toward God' means living with eternal perspective and using our resources for His purposes

Ending Prayer

Lord, thank You for this reminder that our lives consist of so much more than our possessions. Help us to see clearly the difference between needs and wants, and give us hearts that are content with what You've provided. Protect us from the trap of always craving more, and instead help us to be rich toward You. Show us opportunities to be generous and to use what You've entrusted to us for Your glory and the benefit of others. May we find our security and identity in You alone, not in what we own. Help us to live each day with the perspective that everything we have belongs to You. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.