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PARABLE: The rich fool

 {PARABLE} of the rich fool_ 

Luke 12:13-21 

It’s been said that the last parts of us to be converted are our pockets and purses. 
Many of us are so secretive about our feelings on the subject of money, that we have concealed them even from ourselves in our unconscious minds. Unconsciously, we yearn for more material things, while consciously, we think we want Christ’s Kingdom. 

 

[Group discussion starter] As a group, make a list of as many fears as you can, that keep people focused on making and having “enough” money. 

 

The parable in this study illustrates a tension in the heart of every Christian, a tension affecting poor and rich alike. How do we resolve the conflict between our desires for earthly and heavenly treasure, earthly and heavenly security, Kingdom values and values of the world?... 

 
[Read Luke 12: 13-21] 

 

If you were to give this story a newspaper headline, what would it be? 

 

 
Describe everything we know or can infer about the man who comes to Jesus (verses 13-15). 

 

 
Put yourself in this man’s place as he listens to the story Jesus tells in response to his question. What thoughts or feelings might he have had in response? 

 

 
Jesus tells us, “Watch out! Be on guard against all kinds of greed!”  
How would you describe the experience of greed? 
Why is it dangerous? 

 
In verses 16-18, how would you evaluate the actions of the rich man? 

 

 
In verse 19, how would you evaluate the attitude of the rich man? 

 

 
During times of prosperity, why is it easy to feel secure and at ease? 

 

 
How does God expose the man’s false sense of security (verse 20)? 

 

 
How does this parable illustrate that a person’s life “does not consist in the abundance of his possessions”? 

 

 
In verse 21, is Jesus condemning material prosperity in this parable? 
Explain. 

 

 
What does it mean to be “rich toward God” (verse 21)? 
How does “being rich toward God” help us from “all kinds of greed”? 

 

 
What practical steps can you take to become spiritually rich?

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