Jesus doesn’t just care about what we do with our money—He cares about what it’s doing to our hearts. Greed isn’t just a financial issue; it’s a spiritual one.
REVIEW: The Danger of Greed
- READ: Luke 12:13–21 — “Someone in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’ Jesus replied, ‘Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?’ Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’ And he told them this parable: ‘The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. 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 my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of grain 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 whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.’”
- DISCUSS: Why do you think Jesus calls greed dangerous? How does greed affect more than just our finances?
REVIEW: Greed Distorts Judgment
- READ: James 1:17 — “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” Deuteronomy 8:18 — “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”
- DISCUSS: How does greed twist our view of success, identity, and purpose? How can gratitude and generosity help us guard our hearts?
REVIEW: Greed Can Diminish Your Faith
- READ: Hebrews 11:6 — “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
- DISCUSS: How does comfort compete with our faith? In what ways can success make us spiritually complacent or self-reliant?
REVIEW: Greed Can Produce False Security
- READ: James 4:13–15 — “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’”
- DISCUSS: Why is it so tempting to find security in money or success? What’s the difference between worldly security and true security in Christ?
REVIEW: Greed Can Leave You Spiritually Bankrupt
- READ: 2 Corinthians 4:18 — “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” Matthew 16:25 — “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”
- DISCUSS: What does it mean to be rich in God’s eyes? How can we keep our eyes on eternity while living in a world that prizes material gain?
ASK:
What else did you get from this week's sermon? What actions or next steps can you take to apply it to your life?
PRAY:Father, we confess that we often chase things that don’t last. We believe the lie that more success, more money, or more comfort will satisfy us. But You created us for more. Thank You for showing us what truly matters. Help us to see clearly, live faithfully, and trust You fully. Teach us to be generous, bold, and eternally minded. Free us from greed so we can live for Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
INVITATION TO RESPOND:
This week, reflect on how greed may be shaping your decisions and desires—and take steps toward greater generosity and purpose. Here are some ways to respond:
- Practice gratitude: Thank God daily for what He’s provided.
- Give generously: Share your time, money, or gifts with someone in need.
- Take a step of faith: Ask God where you’ve grown comfortable—and follow Him into something bold.
- Refocus your security: Spend time in prayer asking God to help you trust Him more than your success.
- Invest in eternity: Look at your resources and ask, “How can I use this to build God’s kingdom?”
Jesus didn’t come to help us build a bigger barn—He came to invite us into a better kingdom. Let’s live like it.