PRIORITIZE Luke 12:13-21 Here is the journey we have been on together thus far: Follow Trust Prioritize Luke 12:13-21 WE PRIORITIZE OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS WHEN: We know how to define life. V. 13-15 Jesus issues a warning to watch out and be on guard against all types of greed. Jesus is dealing with the desire of our heart. Proverbs 4:23 Matthew 15:19 Jesus is warning against desiring material possessions to the extent that all other priorities become twisted out of proportion. This is a sin in which God takes a back seat to the desire for accumulating material things. Rich Toward God Study, p. 21 Jesus redefines abundance by telling us what is truly life: Abundance is Not Possessions Abundance is A Person—Jesus Christ! John 10:10 We recognize the source of all blessings. V. 16-18 There can be a false reality driven by “SELF” Count the number of times the words “I or My” is used in verses 16-18. There should be a true reality driven by God James 1:17 Pride leads to a false boasting. Jeremiah 9:23-24 Do not boast in wisdom, strength, or WEALTH God says to boast in two things: an understanding of the Lord that you “know the Lord” We live everyday with an eternal perspective. V. 19-21 - God revealed a wrong intention in his accumulation. The rich man in Jesus’ parable has wholeheartedly and unrepentantly yielded to his money and possessions. He is holding tightly onto his things and seeking his future satisfaction from them. Rich Toward God Study, p. 44 God revealed a wrong intention in his motivation. God revealed that this man was a “rich fool.” Why does God call him a fool? Consider the fact that God can see into a person’s heart. When we call someone a name, we do it based on assumptions and opinion, not fact. When God calls someone a fool, it’s an accurate description based on what the Lord sees inside the person. He is never unjust, but always righteous. Rich Toward God Study, p. 60 Three reasons this “rich man” was a fool? 1. He listened to his own voice instead of the voice of God. 2. He was blinded by the masquerading light of materialism instead of seeing the transforming light of Christ. 3. He placed his trust in what was temporal instead of placing his trust in what is eternal. 1 Timothy 6:18-19 Next Step: Father, please help me to be rich toward you. Help me to live with a priority placed on the relationship I have with you through Jesus.