BLESSED TO BLESS

“Becoming Rich… Towards God”
Pastor Doug Heisel – November 5, 2023

The Parable of the “Rich Fool” (Luke 12:13-21)

Then He said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

And He told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry."

"But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'

"This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God."

Choosing to be “Rich Towards God” (Luke 12:28-31)

1. Honor God with the FIRST and the best, not what’s left.

…if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

(vs 28-31) — “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs.Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need.

Four Levels of Givers

EXTRAVAGANT Givers: People who bring the whole tithe and also give over-and-above 10%.

TITHERS: People who bring back to God a percentage of their income — a whole tithe being the first 10%.

Malachi 3:10 — Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.

CONSISTENT Givers: People who plan their giving, based on a predetermined amount or system.

SPONTANEOUS Givers: People who give when moved to do so.

2. Think LEVERAGE rather than STOCKPILE.

(vs 33-34) — “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

3. Never RETIRE from being a Kingdom Builder.

(vs 35, 36, 50) — “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him….You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."