Title: Those Who Are Rich toward God
Contents
< Pulpit sermon >
2012. 2. 19. (Sunday)
day worship
‘Those who are rich toward God’ (Luke 12:13-21)
Occasionally, children quarrel fiercely with each other over parental inheritance issues. Of such a person, Jesus said, “Beware of all covetousness.” Instead, he said, “Be rich toward God.” Saints should not live by pursuing only the things of this world because of material greed. Remember that the end of life will come someday, and while we are alive, we should save time and live a life of dedication to the glory of God.
1. Refrain from covetousness
Teacher James said, “When lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” It is also said that because of human greed, they envy each other and fight bitterly. Those who live with greed like this do not have peace of mind, and their relationships with other people are easily broken. That's why Jesus told us to put away the greed of our hearts. Because at that time, you can enjoy the true peace that God has given you and live your life. And it is God's will to help each other live in peace with others.
2. Parable of the rich fool
The foolish rich man built many warehouses and stocked up grain when the fields yielded more. And in the future, I thought that I would rest, eat, drink, and enjoy life alone in peace. But, Jesus said, if God restores his soul, who will it all be? Those who depend only on material things will eventually come to the end of their futile lives. Instead, if you use your wealth according to God's will, you will live a more rewarding life.
3. Those who are rich toward God
The saints are people who know that our soul is more important than money and live only for the glory of God. These are people who know how to use things for the kingdom of God, rather than hoarding material things for themselves. God loves such people and gives them greater grace. And he prepares daily bread and necessary things and supplies them from time to time. Therefore, the saints must first learn how to use their wealth for the kingdom of God and his glory.
Because we are saints who have received God's love, we must always live according to God's will first. And we must live by faith, looking only at God, who will provide us with whatever we need. Then we will live a more abundant life, and our souls will live in true peace.