SET YOUR HEART ON THINGS ABOVE

READINGS
Eccl 2:18-23
Colossians 3:1-11
Luke 12:13-21


We may come to the parable of the rich fool with a sense of self-righteous security. But, having a closer look at the parable reveals to us some truth. Verses 13-21 of Luke's gospel are a part of a larger piece, and thus we cannot separate the warnings and instructions from the words of Jesus to the disciples which follow them. In our text Jesus warned against "all kinds of greed" which suggests that greed has a variety of forms, some of which may tempt the rich, and others of which may tempt the less affluent. Therefore we are encouraged to set our hearts on things above.

It is very important for us to approach our lesson and our text with a clear grasp of the fact that we are looking at but a piece of a much larger whole. This large and unruly crowd seems to have set the scene, not only for the first section (vv 1-12), where Jesus warned His disciples about the danger of hypocrisy. But in the next section, He teaches the Boldness in living out discipleship which deals with material possessions, for we know that boldness as disciples in hostile environment may cost one his property. (Hebrews 10:32-34)

Someone in the crowd said to him, *"Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me"*. The man seems to have recognised Jesus only as a teacher not as the Messiah. What the man wants is a judge, not a teacher.

The request is not only for Jesus to do that which was outside of His calling, but also that which was selfish, in that it would not in any way contribute to the teaching needs of those in the crowd.

A. JESUS' RESPONSE TO THE MAN AND HIS REQUEST
Jesus responded as a teacher, teaching, from the man's own words, the error of his actions, and drawing from this "interruption" lessons of broad and general applicability. Luke 12:14.

B. THE PROBLEM AND ITS REMEDY
Jesus' words spell out the evil motive behind the man's request: greed. In order to avoid greed, one must both *"watch out"* for them and *"be on their guard"* against them.

I believe that the story of the parable of the rich fool reveals several "foolish" elements in this man's thinking and actions.

Consider them with me for a moment :

i. The rich fool was foolish in failing to recognize where his wealth had come from.

ii. The rich fool erred in his understanding of the purpose of wealth.

iii. The rich fool was foolish in that he saw his possessions as his security, and as the basis for his ceasing to be productive.

vi. The rich fool was foolish both in the way he defined life and in the way he thought life was to be obtained.

APPLICATION
Jesus was not primarily teaching teachers how to teach, but rather teaching us all how to live. Let's therefore focus on those principles which should govern the way we live.

1.  One's view of the future determines one's present conduct.

2. One's definition of what constitutes life is central and crucial to the way we live our lives.

3. Life does not consist in the abundance of things, even for those who can accumulate much.

CONCLUSION
Precious One!
The command is clear: protect yourself from the unquenchable desire for more and more possessions and set your heart on things above.
 The reason is clear: God is not impressed by how many cars you have, how big your house is, how much money you have, or your stock option. Therefore, knowing your life belongs to God, use the possessions you have to meet your needs and the needs of others. If you do this, you demonstrate that you are a follower and worshipper of Jesus the Christ. Set your heart on things above. Enjoy the service.

Stay blessed.