WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.379 Well, turn with me to the Gospel of Luke, chapter 12. 00:00:07.560 --> 00:00:09.779 We're going to continue our series in the book of Luke tonight. 00:00:10.380 --> 00:00:16.399 We've been studying what it means to be a disciple, to be a follower of Jesus. 00:00:17.219 --> 00:00:21.240 We're kind of going back to basics this summer in our evening series. 00:00:22.500 --> 00:00:25.440 And to do that, to learn about what it means to be a follower of Jesus, 00:00:25.440 --> 00:00:31.220 we've been looking at the middle section of the Gospel of Luke, chapters 9 through 19. 00:00:31.859 --> 00:00:35.859 In this section of the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is on the road to Jerusalem with his disciples. 00:00:36.420 --> 00:00:39.420 He's teaching them, he's instructing them, he's doing life with them. 00:00:39.900 --> 00:00:44.520 And Luke, as it were, takes us along for the journey, 00:00:44.900 --> 00:00:50.500 so that we today can learn as well what it means to follow Christ, 00:00:50.600 --> 00:00:51.960 what it means to be his disciple. 00:00:53.240 --> 00:00:54.859 So, let's do that. 00:00:54.859 --> 00:01:00.539 Let's jump back into the journey at Luke, chapter 12, verses 13 through 24. 00:01:00.979 --> 00:01:02.219 Let me read this for us. 00:01:02.719 --> 00:01:05.039 Luke 12, 13 through 34. 00:01:10.459 --> 00:01:12.079 Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, 00:01:12.640 --> 00:01:16.219 Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me. 00:01:17.239 --> 00:01:18.019 But he said to him, 00:01:18.439 --> 00:01:21.780 Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you? 00:01:21.780 --> 00:01:24.320 And he said to them, 00:01:24.320 --> 00:01:28.739 Take care and be on your guard against all covetousness. 00:01:29.519 --> 00:01:33.180 For one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. 00:01:33.180 --> 00:01:36.180 And he told them a parable saying, 00:01:36.720 --> 00:01:39.600 The land of a rich man produced plentifully. 00:01:39.599 --> 00:01:42.000 And he thought to himself, 00:01:42.000 --> 00:01:42.780 What shall I do? 00:01:42.780 --> 00:01:44.559 For I have nowhere to store my crops. 00:01:45.099 --> 00:01:45.839 And he said, 00:01:45.899 --> 00:01:46.599 I will do this. 00:01:46.819 --> 00:01:49.299 I'll tear down my barns and build larger ones. 00:01:49.679 --> 00:01:52.619 And there I will store all my grain and my goods. 00:01:53.359 --> 00:01:55.079 And I will say to my soul, 00:01:55.219 --> 00:01:58.060 Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years. 00:01:58.539 --> 00:01:59.000 Relax. 00:01:59.000 --> 00:02:00.079 Eat. 00:02:00.739 --> 00:02:01.219 Drink. 00:02:01.799 --> 00:02:02.379 Be merry. 00:02:04.319 --> 00:02:05.599 But God said to him, 00:02:06.620 --> 00:02:06.939 Fool. 00:02:08.400 --> 00:02:10.620 This night your soul is required of you. 00:02:11.180 --> 00:02:12.740 And the things you have prepared, 00:02:13.319 --> 00:02:14.319 Whose will they be? 00:02:16.180 --> 00:02:18.699 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself 00:02:18.699 --> 00:02:20.979 And is not rich toward God. 00:02:20.979 --> 00:02:24.719 And he said to his disciples, 00:02:24.899 --> 00:02:25.959 Therefore I tell you, 00:02:26.500 --> 00:02:28.000 Do not be anxious about your life, 00:02:28.219 --> 00:02:29.000 What you will eat, 00:02:29.120 --> 00:02:30.000 Nor about your body, 00:02:30.079 --> 00:02:30.859 What you will put on. 00:02:31.079 --> 00:02:32.319 For life is more than food, 00:02:32.379 --> 00:02:33.539 And the body more than clothing. 00:02:33.679 --> 00:02:34.699 Consider the ravens. 00:02:35.679 --> 00:02:36.899 They neither sow nor reap. 00:02:37.079 --> 00:02:38.699 They have neither storehouse nor barn. 00:02:39.280 --> 00:02:40.500 And yet God feeds them. 00:02:41.519 --> 00:02:44.819 Of how much more value are you than the birds? 00:02:45.919 --> 00:02:47.519 And which of you by being anxious 00:02:47.519 --> 00:02:49.699 Can add a single hour to his span of life? 00:02:49.699 --> 00:02:52.000 If then you're not able to do as small a thing as that, 00:02:52.159 --> 00:02:53.899 Why are you anxious about the rest? 00:02:55.919 --> 00:02:56.839 Consider the lilies. 00:02:57.280 --> 00:02:57.979 How they grow. 00:02:58.579 --> 00:02:59.819 They neither toil nor spin. 00:02:59.879 --> 00:03:00.379 Yet I tell you, 00:03:00.439 --> 00:03:01.979 Even Solomon in all his glory 00:03:01.979 --> 00:03:03.319 Was not arrayed like one of these. 00:03:04.179 --> 00:03:06.000 But if God so clothes the grass, 00:03:06.039 --> 00:03:07.359 Which is alive in the field today, 00:03:07.419 --> 00:03:08.879 And tomorrow is thrown into the oven, 00:03:09.620 --> 00:03:11.459 How much more will he clothe you? 00:03:12.139 --> 00:03:13.280 O you of little faith. 00:03:15.259 --> 00:03:16.939 And do not seek what you are to eat, 00:03:17.000 --> 00:03:17.799 And what you are to drink, 00:03:17.899 --> 00:03:18.579 Nor be worried. 00:03:18.580 --> 00:03:21.000 For all the nations of the world 00:03:21.000 --> 00:03:22.260 Seek after these things, 00:03:22.719 --> 00:03:25.200 And your father knows that you need them. 00:03:26.580 --> 00:03:27.880 Instead, seek his kingdom, 00:03:28.260 --> 00:03:30.360 And these things will be added to you. 00:03:31.820 --> 00:03:33.320 Fear not, little flock, 00:03:33.920 --> 00:03:36.460 For it's your father's good pleasure 00:03:36.460 --> 00:03:37.820 To give you the kingdom. 00:03:39.120 --> 00:03:40.260 Sell your possessions, 00:03:40.720 --> 00:03:42.200 And give to the needy. 00:03:43.340 --> 00:03:44.820 Provide yourselves with money bags 00:03:44.820 --> 00:03:45.920 That do not grow old, 00:03:45.919 --> 00:03:47.919 With a treasure in the heavens 00:03:47.919 --> 00:03:48.959 That does not fail, 00:03:49.299 --> 00:03:50.939 Where no thief approaches, 00:03:51.500 --> 00:03:52.839 And no moth destroys. 00:03:53.919 --> 00:03:55.319 For where your treasure is, 00:03:56.259 --> 00:03:57.899 There will your heart be also. 00:03:57.900 --> 00:04:00.180 So, let's pray together. 00:04:03.760 --> 00:04:04.360 Lord Jesus, 00:04:04.460 --> 00:04:05.819 We pray that you would take these words 00:04:05.819 --> 00:04:07.280 That you spoke so long ago, 00:04:07.400 --> 00:04:08.480 And recorded for us, 00:04:08.719 --> 00:04:09.819 In the gospel of Luke, 00:04:09.860 --> 00:04:11.060 And you'd make them alive, 00:04:11.200 --> 00:04:12.460 To us tonight again, 00:04:13.159 --> 00:04:14.319 By your spirit we pray. 00:04:14.420 --> 00:04:15.500 Give us hearts to hear, 00:04:16.120 --> 00:04:16.399 Lord, 00:04:16.459 --> 00:04:18.019 What your spirit is saying to your church. 00:04:19.680 --> 00:04:21.540 God, we ask that we would be changed, 00:04:21.680 --> 00:04:22.560 And we would grow, 00:04:22.699 --> 00:04:23.879 More and more into your likeness, 00:04:23.879 --> 00:04:25.459 As a result of attending, 00:04:25.879 --> 00:04:26.879 To this word together. 00:04:27.680 --> 00:04:28.879 We pray this in your name, 00:04:28.959 --> 00:04:29.379 Lord Jesus. 00:04:29.819 --> 00:04:30.040 Amen. 00:04:32.560 --> 00:04:32.920 Okay, 00:04:33.259 --> 00:04:33.680 So, 00:04:33.980 --> 00:04:34.920 Our text tonight, 00:04:35.019 --> 00:04:36.120 Is clearly about, 00:04:36.500 --> 00:04:37.100 Possessions. 00:04:37.480 --> 00:04:37.639 Right? 00:04:37.699 --> 00:04:38.639 You see that in verse 15, 00:04:38.759 --> 00:04:39.339 Verse 32. 00:04:39.920 --> 00:04:41.379 This text is all about wealth, 00:04:41.439 --> 00:04:42.079 It's about money. 00:04:42.939 --> 00:04:43.860 And in particular, 00:04:44.040 --> 00:04:45.279 Jesus addresses here, 00:04:45.699 --> 00:04:47.159 I think two of the most common, 00:04:47.159 --> 00:04:49.159 Heart attitudes that we have, 00:04:49.579 --> 00:04:50.740 When it comes to money, 00:04:50.819 --> 00:04:51.139 Or wealth, 00:04:51.180 --> 00:04:51.639 Or possessions. 00:04:51.639 --> 00:04:53.659 On the one hand, 00:04:54.060 --> 00:04:55.060 There's what he calls, 00:04:55.240 --> 00:04:56.099 Covetousness. 00:04:56.659 --> 00:04:57.779 That's verse 15. 00:04:57.959 --> 00:04:58.259 Look there, 00:04:58.300 --> 00:04:58.620 He says, 00:04:58.719 --> 00:04:59.500 Be on your guard, 00:04:59.560 --> 00:05:00.779 Against all covetousness. 00:05:01.519 --> 00:05:02.800 And then on the other hand, 00:05:03.259 --> 00:05:04.459 There's anxiety. 00:05:05.300 --> 00:05:05.899 In verse 22, 00:05:06.000 --> 00:05:06.500 Jesus says, 00:05:06.620 --> 00:05:08.319 Don't be anxious. 00:05:09.459 --> 00:05:10.539 Two different attitudes, 00:05:10.680 --> 00:05:11.620 That we often fall into, 00:05:11.680 --> 00:05:12.439 When it comes to money, 00:05:12.879 --> 00:05:14.500 Both equally problematic. 00:05:18.740 --> 00:05:19.180 But, 00:05:19.279 --> 00:05:19.439 You know, 00:05:19.500 --> 00:05:20.419 Even though they're problematic, 00:05:20.420 --> 00:05:21.620 Even though, 00:05:21.699 --> 00:05:22.500 We sort of look at them, 00:05:22.560 --> 00:05:22.780 We think, 00:05:22.860 --> 00:05:23.020 Yeah, 00:05:23.040 --> 00:05:24.199 That's kind of out of line, 00:05:24.340 --> 00:05:25.540 With living in God's kingdom, 00:05:25.640 --> 00:05:27.020 With living as Jesus as Lord. 00:05:27.800 --> 00:05:28.860 There are two attitudes, 00:05:28.860 --> 00:05:30.420 That it's so easy for us, 00:05:30.460 --> 00:05:31.160 To slip into, 00:05:31.259 --> 00:05:31.620 Isn't it? 00:05:33.520 --> 00:05:34.080 And so, 00:05:34.160 --> 00:05:35.100 Jesus helps us, 00:05:35.100 --> 00:05:36.819 As he brings them into light, 00:05:37.400 --> 00:05:38.920 And he shows us a better way, 00:05:39.259 --> 00:05:40.139 To approach, 00:05:40.520 --> 00:05:41.500 This topic of money. 00:05:42.460 --> 00:05:42.780 Now, 00:05:42.819 --> 00:05:43.620 Before we dive into, 00:05:43.620 --> 00:05:44.680 Each of those heart attitudes, 00:05:44.879 --> 00:05:46.020 And what Jesus has to say there, 00:05:46.080 --> 00:05:46.819 And how he points us, 00:05:46.840 --> 00:05:47.600 To a better way of living. 00:05:48.520 --> 00:05:49.400 Let me just say, 00:05:49.500 --> 00:05:50.300 If you're here, 00:05:50.379 --> 00:05:51.020 And you're new, 00:05:51.020 --> 00:05:52.040 To Christian things, 00:05:52.120 --> 00:05:52.680 If you're here, 00:05:52.820 --> 00:05:53.640 You're visiting with a friend, 00:05:53.740 --> 00:05:54.180 Or you're just sort of, 00:05:54.200 --> 00:05:55.060 Exploring Christianity, 00:05:55.620 --> 00:05:56.960 Maybe you're a bit suspicious, 00:05:57.140 --> 00:05:58.879 When it comes to talking about money, 00:05:59.260 --> 00:05:59.960 In church. 00:06:01.660 --> 00:06:02.360 Here I am, 00:06:02.400 --> 00:06:03.360 I said that this whole text, 00:06:03.400 --> 00:06:04.360 Is going to be about money, 00:06:04.600 --> 00:06:05.340 You're here in a church, 00:06:05.400 --> 00:06:05.780 And you're thinking, 00:06:05.939 --> 00:06:06.740 Oh no, 00:06:07.040 --> 00:06:08.600 I walked into one of those churches, 00:06:08.600 --> 00:06:09.460 Where they're just going to, 00:06:09.460 --> 00:06:10.220 Beat me over the head, 00:06:10.260 --> 00:06:10.900 And tell me that, 00:06:11.160 --> 00:06:12.360 I need to give them money. 00:06:13.879 --> 00:06:14.340 You know, 00:06:14.379 --> 00:06:15.020 And if that's you, 00:06:15.019 --> 00:06:15.759 Maybe you're, 00:06:15.939 --> 00:06:17.240 Maybe rightfully so, 00:06:17.319 --> 00:06:18.099 You're a bit suspicious, 00:06:18.279 --> 00:06:19.740 Some people have used Christianity, 00:06:19.939 --> 00:06:20.779 In terrible ways, 00:06:20.899 --> 00:06:22.500 To weasel people out of their money, 00:06:22.959 --> 00:06:23.899 But, 00:06:24.240 --> 00:06:25.240 I hope you see, 00:06:25.399 --> 00:06:26.319 And I promise you, 00:06:26.819 --> 00:06:27.299 Tonight, 00:06:27.419 --> 00:06:28.799 This sermon is not going to do any of that, 00:06:29.240 --> 00:06:29.959 And I hope you see, 00:06:30.099 --> 00:06:31.099 That real Christianity, 00:06:31.620 --> 00:06:32.560 Is not that, 00:06:33.740 --> 00:06:34.560 That real Christianity, 00:06:34.680 --> 00:06:35.599 Is not just a tool, 00:06:35.719 --> 00:06:36.719 To sort of weasel people, 00:06:36.799 --> 00:06:37.620 Out of their resources, 00:06:37.939 --> 00:06:40.240 Rather, 00:06:40.240 --> 00:06:41.860 In fact, 00:06:42.019 --> 00:06:43.780 Jesus is addressing here, 00:06:44.639 --> 00:06:46.060 One of those realities, 00:06:46.060 --> 00:06:46.960 Of human life, 00:06:46.980 --> 00:06:48.280 That we can't escape, 00:06:49.280 --> 00:06:50.519 All of us, 00:06:50.759 --> 00:06:51.800 In some way, 00:06:52.180 --> 00:06:54.220 Have to deal with the issue of money, 00:06:54.780 --> 00:06:57.019 Whether we're very well off, 00:06:57.060 --> 00:06:57.800 Or whether we're struggling, 00:06:57.920 --> 00:06:58.920 To make ends meet, 00:07:00.040 --> 00:07:01.420 And the question is, 00:07:02.139 --> 00:07:04.439 Does God make any difference, 00:07:04.620 --> 00:07:04.900 In that? 00:07:06.800 --> 00:07:07.780 When we approach, 00:07:07.840 --> 00:07:08.759 Our material possessions, 00:07:08.939 --> 00:07:09.319 Our wealth, 00:07:09.319 --> 00:07:09.800 Our money, 00:07:10.079 --> 00:07:10.800 Whether we have a lot, 00:07:10.939 --> 00:07:11.560 Whether we have a little, 00:07:12.459 --> 00:07:13.579 Does being a follower of Jesus, 00:07:13.680 --> 00:07:14.680 Actually connect, 00:07:14.839 --> 00:07:16.360 To this everyday feature, 00:07:16.360 --> 00:07:17.319 Of living life? 00:07:20.399 --> 00:07:21.420 And as we've said, 00:07:21.540 --> 00:07:22.079 So often, 00:07:22.159 --> 00:07:23.699 When it comes to this everyday feature, 00:07:23.719 --> 00:07:24.259 Of living life, 00:07:24.319 --> 00:07:25.779 We fall into one of these, 00:07:25.779 --> 00:07:27.439 Two heart attitudes, 00:07:27.639 --> 00:07:28.199 Think about it, 00:07:28.939 --> 00:07:30.199 Think about covetousness, 00:07:30.659 --> 00:07:30.939 Now, 00:07:31.019 --> 00:07:32.100 That's not a word we use, 00:07:32.100 --> 00:07:32.899 Much anymore, 00:07:33.039 --> 00:07:33.399 Is it? 00:07:33.800 --> 00:07:34.899 None of you probably woke up, 00:07:35.019 --> 00:07:35.639 This morning and thought, 00:07:35.779 --> 00:07:37.680 I'm experiencing some covetousness, 00:07:38.120 --> 00:07:38.360 Right? 00:07:38.360 --> 00:07:39.340 Probably not, 00:07:40.340 --> 00:07:41.680 What does it even mean? 00:07:42.120 --> 00:07:42.500 Okay, 00:07:42.840 --> 00:07:43.080 Well, 00:07:43.199 --> 00:07:44.580 A covetous heart, 00:07:45.120 --> 00:07:47.199 Basically says this, 00:07:48.060 --> 00:07:49.680 I need more, 00:07:50.060 --> 00:07:50.680 To be happy, 00:07:51.360 --> 00:07:53.199 I need more, 00:07:53.280 --> 00:07:53.860 To be happy, 00:07:54.420 --> 00:07:56.660 On the other hand, 00:07:56.720 --> 00:07:57.600 An anxious heart, 00:07:57.660 --> 00:07:58.819 What does an anxious heart say? 00:07:59.400 --> 00:08:00.920 An anxious heart says, 00:08:01.120 --> 00:08:02.460 I don't have enough, 00:08:02.920 --> 00:08:03.800 To be safe, 00:08:04.199 --> 00:08:04.879 To be okay, 00:08:04.879 --> 00:08:07.300 Do you see those twin attitudes? 00:08:07.680 --> 00:08:08.860 I need more to be happy, 00:08:08.939 --> 00:08:09.680 That's covetousness, 00:08:09.920 --> 00:08:10.899 I don't have enough, 00:08:10.959 --> 00:08:11.540 To be okay, 00:08:12.680 --> 00:08:13.860 To be safe, 00:08:14.120 --> 00:08:14.779 That's anxiety, 00:08:15.040 --> 00:08:15.560 That's worry, 00:08:15.800 --> 00:08:18.680 Now I think, 00:08:18.740 --> 00:08:19.480 That's pretty much, 00:08:19.540 --> 00:08:20.719 How most of us feel, 00:08:20.819 --> 00:08:22.180 At one point or another, 00:08:22.279 --> 00:08:23.199 In our relationships, 00:08:23.399 --> 00:08:24.120 Towards possessions, 00:08:24.279 --> 00:08:24.819 Towards wealth, 00:08:25.540 --> 00:08:27.659 The question is, 00:08:27.680 --> 00:08:28.779 Is there any way out? 00:08:29.560 --> 00:08:30.399 Because often times, 00:08:30.439 --> 00:08:31.620 We sort of ping back and forth, 00:08:31.699 --> 00:08:32.179 Between them, 00:08:32.179 --> 00:08:33.620 I need more to be happy, 00:08:33.779 --> 00:08:33.979 Uh oh, 00:08:34.000 --> 00:08:34.799 I don't have enough, 00:08:35.199 --> 00:08:35.879 To be okay, 00:08:37.879 --> 00:08:39.399 Well let's look at how Jesus, 00:08:39.399 --> 00:08:40.379 Addresses these issues, 00:08:40.799 --> 00:08:42.059 First covetousness, 00:08:42.139 --> 00:08:43.319 Verses 13 through 21, 00:08:44.219 --> 00:08:45.279 So somebody in the crowd, 00:08:45.679 --> 00:08:47.059 Sort of calls out to Jesus, 00:08:47.659 --> 00:08:47.879 Says, 00:08:48.319 --> 00:08:48.599 Teacher, 00:08:49.219 --> 00:08:50.339 Tell my brother, 00:08:50.500 --> 00:08:52.359 To divide the inheritance with me, 00:08:53.679 --> 00:08:54.039 Okay, 00:08:54.399 --> 00:08:55.439 Well we don't know a whole lot, 00:08:55.439 --> 00:08:56.099 About this guy, 00:08:56.159 --> 00:08:56.939 Or his situation, 00:08:57.519 --> 00:08:59.359 One plausible scenario, 00:08:59.500 --> 00:08:59.859 I guess, 00:08:59.899 --> 00:09:00.740 Is that maybe he's a, 00:09:00.819 --> 00:09:02.019 Maybe he's a younger brother, 00:09:02.179 --> 00:09:03.879 Feeling like his older brother, 00:09:03.879 --> 00:09:05.120 Hasn't given him the amount, 00:09:05.199 --> 00:09:05.919 He deserves, 00:09:06.199 --> 00:09:07.419 Of the family inheritance, 00:09:08.099 --> 00:09:08.439 Uh, 00:09:08.439 --> 00:09:09.620 Something like that, 00:09:09.659 --> 00:09:10.599 Seems to be going on, 00:09:10.639 --> 00:09:11.839 We can't be quite sure, 00:09:13.000 --> 00:09:13.419 Um, 00:09:13.500 --> 00:09:14.539 And he calls out to Jesus, 00:09:14.839 --> 00:09:16.059 Tell my brother, 00:09:16.419 --> 00:09:17.859 To give me what's mine, 00:09:17.859 --> 00:09:20.479 Now, 00:09:20.739 --> 00:09:22.359 We should say that, 00:09:22.779 --> 00:09:23.239 Of course, 00:09:23.359 --> 00:09:24.139 God cares, 00:09:24.239 --> 00:09:25.099 About justice, 00:09:25.459 --> 00:09:26.120 And fairness, 00:09:26.519 --> 00:09:27.319 And doing right, 00:09:27.399 --> 00:09:28.019 By one another, 00:09:28.399 --> 00:09:30.139 But, 00:09:30.139 --> 00:09:32.759 Jesus must perceive, 00:09:32.759 --> 00:09:34.460 Something else going on, 00:09:34.500 --> 00:09:35.419 In this guy's heart, 00:09:36.059 --> 00:09:37.460 Because he doesn't say, 00:09:38.120 --> 00:09:38.519 Yes, 00:09:38.720 --> 00:09:39.360 Fairness, 00:09:39.419 --> 00:09:39.939 And justice, 00:09:40.080 --> 00:09:40.860 These are qualities, 00:09:40.860 --> 00:09:41.860 That God admires, 00:09:41.960 --> 00:09:42.539 Bring your brother, 00:09:42.659 --> 00:09:43.480 And let's settle this, 00:09:43.659 --> 00:09:44.399 What does he say? 00:09:45.779 --> 00:09:46.259 Man, 00:09:47.100 --> 00:09:47.840 Man, 00:09:48.439 --> 00:09:49.500 Who made me, 00:09:49.559 --> 00:09:50.679 A judge or arbitrator, 00:09:50.679 --> 00:09:51.159 Over you? 00:09:52.240 --> 00:09:53.500 He pushes back, 00:09:53.539 --> 00:09:54.059 At this guy, 00:09:54.259 --> 00:09:54.620 Doesn't he? 00:09:54.679 --> 00:09:55.639 He challenges him, 00:09:55.639 --> 00:09:57.860 He refuses to play, 00:09:57.919 --> 00:09:58.720 The role of judge, 00:09:59.220 --> 00:10:00.080 Because, 00:10:00.199 --> 00:10:00.639 After all, 00:10:00.720 --> 00:10:01.199 There were plenty, 00:10:01.259 --> 00:10:02.419 Of capable judges around, 00:10:02.559 --> 00:10:03.159 There were plenty, 00:10:03.159 --> 00:10:03.960 Of civil courts, 00:10:04.000 --> 00:10:04.419 Where this guy, 00:10:04.419 --> 00:10:05.500 Could have taken his complaint, 00:10:05.779 --> 00:10:06.620 And gotten justice, 00:10:07.299 --> 00:10:08.500 Chances are, 00:10:09.240 --> 00:10:10.600 This guy, 00:10:10.679 --> 00:10:11.460 Probably just wanted, 00:10:11.559 --> 00:10:12.360 To leverage, 00:10:12.659 --> 00:10:13.879 Jesus's popularity, 00:10:14.399 --> 00:10:15.120 In his favor, 00:10:16.559 --> 00:10:17.299 Jesus was a famous, 00:10:17.299 --> 00:10:18.379 Rabbi at this point, 00:10:18.860 --> 00:10:19.439 So this guy, 00:10:19.439 --> 00:10:20.179 Wants to use, 00:10:20.240 --> 00:10:21.139 Jesus's reputation, 00:10:21.319 --> 00:10:22.080 As a popular figure, 00:10:22.159 --> 00:10:22.439 And teacher, 00:10:22.500 --> 00:10:23.240 To win his case, 00:10:23.240 --> 00:10:26.580 And it seems, 00:10:26.680 --> 00:10:27.279 That Jesus sees, 00:10:27.399 --> 00:10:28.460 Straight through all of this, 00:10:28.779 --> 00:10:29.980 Right down deep, 00:10:30.220 --> 00:10:31.100 Into the hard issue, 00:10:31.139 --> 00:10:32.299 That's driving this guy, 00:10:33.460 --> 00:10:34.659 Why does he care so much, 00:10:35.279 --> 00:10:35.700 About, 00:10:35.960 --> 00:10:37.480 What cut he gets, 00:10:37.519 --> 00:10:38.519 Of the family inheritance, 00:10:39.440 --> 00:10:41.659 Jesus must see, 00:10:41.659 --> 00:10:42.240 Something deeper, 00:10:42.340 --> 00:10:43.100 Because he turns, 00:10:43.200 --> 00:10:44.019 And he warns them, 00:10:44.019 --> 00:10:44.539 And says, 00:10:45.980 --> 00:10:48.279 Be on your guard, 00:10:48.759 --> 00:10:50.480 Against all forms, 00:10:50.539 --> 00:10:51.419 Of covetousness, 00:10:51.419 --> 00:10:54.199 Be on your guard, 00:10:54.259 --> 00:10:54.879 Against the heart, 00:10:54.959 --> 00:10:55.240 That says, 00:10:55.360 --> 00:10:56.360 I need more, 00:10:56.459 --> 00:10:57.139 To be happy, 00:10:57.799 --> 00:11:00.000 Why, 00:11:00.639 --> 00:11:02.659 For my money, 00:11:02.699 --> 00:11:03.299 This is one of the, 00:11:03.299 --> 00:11:04.039 Greatest lines, 00:11:04.099 --> 00:11:05.000 That Jesus ever spoke, 00:11:05.079 --> 00:11:06.000 I love this line, 00:11:06.639 --> 00:11:07.479 For one's life, 00:11:07.519 --> 00:11:08.639 Does not consist, 00:11:08.959 --> 00:11:09.740 In the abundance, 00:11:09.740 --> 00:11:11.099 Of his possessions, 00:11:11.819 --> 00:11:14.459 Your life, 00:11:14.459 --> 00:11:15.899 Does not consist, 00:11:15.899 --> 00:11:17.079 In the abundance, 00:11:17.079 --> 00:11:18.339 Of your possessions, 00:11:18.340 --> 00:11:20.820 And then, 00:11:21.160 --> 00:11:22.740 Jesus does, 00:11:22.800 --> 00:11:23.560 What he always does, 00:11:24.340 --> 00:11:25.280 He tells a story, 00:11:25.980 --> 00:11:27.720 He tells a story, 00:11:27.720 --> 00:11:28.920 Of a rich man, 00:11:29.139 --> 00:11:30.800 Who has so much produce, 00:11:30.980 --> 00:11:32.440 And so much wealth, 00:11:32.620 --> 00:11:33.259 That he has to, 00:11:33.259 --> 00:11:34.960 Tear down his barns, 00:11:35.019 --> 00:11:36.080 And build bigger ones, 00:11:36.120 --> 00:11:36.879 Just to fit it all, 00:11:37.160 --> 00:11:38.000 This guy kind of, 00:11:38.019 --> 00:11:38.700 Has the problem, 00:11:38.820 --> 00:11:39.980 That we all sort of, 00:11:40.019 --> 00:11:40.580 Wish we had, 00:11:40.700 --> 00:11:41.399 Oh no, 00:11:41.860 --> 00:11:42.879 There aren't enough, 00:11:42.879 --> 00:11:43.480 Digits, 00:11:43.540 --> 00:11:44.840 In my savings account, 00:11:44.940 --> 00:11:46.220 To fit the amount, 00:11:46.220 --> 00:11:47.000 Of money, 00:11:47.200 --> 00:11:48.740 That I need to put in there, 00:11:49.019 --> 00:11:49.720 Bank of America, 00:11:49.720 --> 00:11:50.779 Just won't let me, 00:11:50.879 --> 00:11:51.560 Put more in there, 00:11:51.639 --> 00:11:52.080 Okay, 00:11:52.300 --> 00:11:53.480 I'll have to open up, 00:11:53.500 --> 00:11:54.200 Another account, 00:11:54.279 --> 00:11:55.279 Over at Webster Bank, 00:11:55.480 --> 00:11:56.800 To fit the amount, 00:11:56.840 --> 00:11:58.240 Of cash that I have, 00:11:58.480 --> 00:11:59.759 Into my savings account, 00:12:00.420 --> 00:12:01.440 That's what this guy, 00:12:01.500 --> 00:12:02.160 Is dealing with, 00:12:02.680 --> 00:12:04.220 He has enough, 00:12:04.300 --> 00:12:05.440 To store it all up, 00:12:05.800 --> 00:12:06.840 Take early retirement, 00:12:07.019 --> 00:12:07.580 Relax, 00:12:07.740 --> 00:12:07.980 Eat, 00:12:08.139 --> 00:12:08.440 Drink, 00:12:08.540 --> 00:12:09.120 Be merry, 00:12:09.120 --> 00:12:10.180 He says to himself, 00:12:11.279 --> 00:12:11.860 Obviously, 00:12:11.980 --> 00:12:12.860 Jesus is painting, 00:12:13.019 --> 00:12:13.639 A picture here, 00:12:13.720 --> 00:12:14.320 Of a guy, 00:12:14.460 --> 00:12:15.800 Who has it all, 00:12:16.220 --> 00:12:17.320 You know, 00:12:17.420 --> 00:12:18.440 This is the sort of, 00:12:18.720 --> 00:12:19.899 Tech developer, 00:12:20.120 --> 00:12:21.120 Who creates the breakthrough, 00:12:21.240 --> 00:12:21.940 Piece of software, 00:12:22.460 --> 00:12:23.399 Sells it for millions, 00:12:23.480 --> 00:12:24.700 And can retire at age 30, 00:12:24.960 --> 00:12:26.420 He's working the four hour, 00:12:26.660 --> 00:12:26.980 Work week, 00:12:27.139 --> 00:12:27.600 You know what I'm saying, 00:12:28.820 --> 00:12:31.080 He's living the dream, 00:12:31.720 --> 00:12:35.160 And you see what Jesus is doing here, 00:12:35.800 --> 00:12:37.379 He's sort of drawing us in, 00:12:38.139 --> 00:12:39.779 He's drawing us in, 00:12:39.840 --> 00:12:40.139 And saying, 00:12:40.300 --> 00:12:40.920 What if, 00:12:41.620 --> 00:12:42.360 You had, 00:12:42.820 --> 00:12:44.379 All the material possessions, 00:12:44.639 --> 00:12:45.920 You could ever ask for, 00:12:46.220 --> 00:12:48.340 What if that were you, 00:12:48.580 --> 00:12:50.360 Your heart says, 00:12:50.500 --> 00:12:51.660 I need more, 00:12:51.879 --> 00:12:52.700 To be happy, 00:12:53.399 --> 00:12:53.940 Well, 00:12:54.040 --> 00:12:54.259 Okay, 00:12:54.580 --> 00:12:55.540 What if you had it all, 00:12:56.680 --> 00:12:57.560 What if you were, 00:12:57.560 --> 00:12:59.820 Tearing down your barns, 00:12:59.860 --> 00:13:00.639 And building them, 00:13:00.960 --> 00:13:01.320 Bigger, 00:13:01.800 --> 00:13:03.620 Would you be happy then, 00:13:03.620 --> 00:13:07.060 Jesus says, 00:13:07.060 --> 00:13:07.440 No, 00:13:07.440 --> 00:13:10.060 Only if you're a fool, 00:13:10.060 --> 00:13:12.940 Because one day, 00:13:13.159 --> 00:13:14.799 You're going to die, 00:13:15.580 --> 00:13:17.679 And probably sooner than you think, 00:13:18.240 --> 00:13:20.500 And nothing goes with you, 00:13:20.500 --> 00:13:23.159 That's Jesus, 00:13:23.700 --> 00:13:25.779 That's not preacher, 00:13:26.299 --> 00:13:26.639 Right, 00:13:27.039 --> 00:13:27.580 I'm not, 00:13:27.919 --> 00:13:28.919 That's what Jesus says, 00:13:28.919 --> 00:13:32.039 You know, 00:13:32.059 --> 00:13:32.399 It's funny, 00:13:32.779 --> 00:13:34.799 I heard a TED talk the other day, 00:13:34.879 --> 00:13:36.399 About people sort of looking at statistics, 00:13:36.759 --> 00:13:37.620 And whether they think, 00:13:37.719 --> 00:13:38.579 That those have ramifications, 00:13:38.759 --> 00:13:39.439 On their own lives, 00:13:39.620 --> 00:13:40.779 And it's so fascinating, 00:13:40.939 --> 00:13:42.479 That all of us, 00:13:42.500 --> 00:13:44.139 Are sort of ingrained optimists, 00:13:44.519 --> 00:13:44.719 You know, 00:13:44.740 --> 00:13:45.979 And people sort of look at studies, 00:13:46.099 --> 00:13:46.559 And it's a, 00:13:46.659 --> 00:13:47.039 You know, 00:13:47.199 --> 00:13:47.839 Chances are, 00:13:47.939 --> 00:13:49.740 That like 30% of people, 00:13:49.860 --> 00:13:50.639 In the world are going to, 00:13:50.779 --> 00:13:52.179 This calamity is going to happen to them, 00:13:52.500 --> 00:13:53.079 But when you give, 00:13:53.159 --> 00:13:54.179 When you give the people the survey, 00:13:54.339 --> 00:13:54.980 They say like, 00:13:55.440 --> 00:13:56.320 What are the chances you think, 00:13:56.340 --> 00:13:57.480 You're going to die before the age of 40, 00:13:57.539 --> 00:13:58.240 Like 0%, 00:13:58.240 --> 00:13:58.519 Right, 00:13:58.539 --> 00:13:59.300 I'm going to live forever, 00:13:59.600 --> 00:14:00.120 And then they say, 00:14:00.180 --> 00:14:00.360 No, 00:14:00.399 --> 00:14:01.800 Like the percentage is this, 00:14:02.060 --> 00:14:03.060 It's like this percent, 00:14:03.420 --> 00:14:04.100 It's really high, 00:14:04.759 --> 00:14:06.100 And then they give them the survey again, 00:14:06.159 --> 00:14:06.360 And it says, 00:14:06.440 --> 00:14:06.600 Okay, 00:14:06.800 --> 00:14:08.279 Do you think you're going to live that long, 00:14:08.580 --> 00:14:10.120 And only like 2% think, 00:14:10.120 --> 00:14:11.060 They're actually going to like, 00:14:11.440 --> 00:14:11.899 Live any longer, 00:14:12.000 --> 00:14:12.460 Live any shorter, 00:14:12.539 --> 00:14:13.659 Like it makes no difference, 00:14:13.860 --> 00:14:14.720 Everyone thinks, 00:14:14.759 --> 00:14:16.659 They're going to live to a ripe old age, 00:14:16.680 --> 00:14:17.980 And be just fine, 00:14:18.539 --> 00:14:21.200 But Jesus says, 00:14:21.259 --> 00:14:21.560 You know what, 00:14:21.620 --> 00:14:23.019 Whether you live to a ripe old age, 00:14:23.039 --> 00:14:23.759 Or not, 00:14:23.759 --> 00:14:26.860 Material life ends, 00:14:27.799 --> 00:14:29.379 Temporal life will end, 00:14:30.679 --> 00:14:31.980 Life the way it's going now, 00:14:32.019 --> 00:14:32.759 Is going to end, 00:14:33.139 --> 00:14:34.679 And the things you have prepared, 00:14:36.039 --> 00:14:37.019 Whose will they be? 00:14:40.299 --> 00:14:41.039 And you know, 00:14:41.139 --> 00:14:41.919 And then Jesus says, 00:14:42.019 --> 00:14:43.019 It's not just, 00:14:43.379 --> 00:14:44.600 The fabulously wealthy, 00:14:44.759 --> 00:14:45.779 Who are at danger here, 00:14:46.559 --> 00:14:47.220 But he says, 00:14:47.279 --> 00:14:48.019 It's all of us, 00:14:48.779 --> 00:14:50.179 All of us are at danger, 00:14:50.179 --> 00:14:52.719 Anyone who lays up treasure, 00:14:52.719 --> 00:14:53.739 For himself, 00:14:54.699 --> 00:14:56.539 And is not rich toward God, 00:14:57.099 --> 00:15:01.019 You see, 00:15:01.099 --> 00:15:01.979 Where is life, 00:15:02.159 --> 00:15:02.859 And happiness, 00:15:02.959 --> 00:15:04.359 Really to be found? 00:15:06.759 --> 00:15:08.239 Not in getting more, 00:15:08.299 --> 00:15:09.779 And more material possessions, 00:15:10.939 --> 00:15:12.059 But Jesus is saying, 00:15:12.159 --> 00:15:13.159 True life, 00:15:14.159 --> 00:15:16.199 Is found in being rich, 00:15:16.439 --> 00:15:17.719 Toward God, 00:15:17.720 --> 00:15:23.139 Rich toward God, 00:15:23.139 --> 00:15:27.040 What is Jesus saying here? 00:15:28.240 --> 00:15:29.879 Do you remember the Cat Stevens song, 00:15:29.980 --> 00:15:31.040 The Cats in the Cradle? 00:15:32.080 --> 00:15:33.480 I would say I'm dating myself, 00:15:33.600 --> 00:15:34.519 By referencing that song, 00:15:34.620 --> 00:15:36.200 But that one predates even me, 00:15:36.259 --> 00:15:36.820 Do you know this song, 00:15:36.899 --> 00:15:37.160 The Cats, 00:15:37.240 --> 00:15:37.960 Matt knows it, 00:15:38.139 --> 00:15:38.379 Yeah, 00:15:38.480 --> 00:15:38.980 Thanks Matt, 00:15:39.940 --> 00:15:40.180 Matt, 00:15:40.240 --> 00:15:41.100 You saw Bruce Springsteen, 00:15:41.139 --> 00:15:41.779 In concert once, 00:15:41.840 --> 00:15:42.139 Didn't you? 00:15:43.399 --> 00:15:44.060 You're going to get, 00:15:44.240 --> 00:15:45.100 All my music references, 00:15:45.279 --> 00:15:45.759 That's awesome, 00:15:45.759 --> 00:15:46.120 Okay, 00:15:47.319 --> 00:15:47.899 So do you remember, 00:15:48.019 --> 00:15:49.139 Do you remember the song, 00:15:49.220 --> 00:15:49.819 Cats in the Cradle? 00:15:50.279 --> 00:15:50.519 Okay, 00:15:50.639 --> 00:15:51.319 So here's the, 00:15:51.319 --> 00:15:52.019 Here's the Cats in the Cradle, 00:15:52.139 --> 00:15:53.419 It's a song about a dad, 00:15:53.500 --> 00:15:54.340 And his son, 00:15:55.120 --> 00:15:55.879 And the son, 00:15:55.919 --> 00:15:56.980 The son, 00:15:57.299 --> 00:15:58.779 Keeps coming up to the dad, 00:15:58.860 --> 00:16:00.279 And asking to play together, 00:16:00.720 --> 00:16:01.039 Dad, 00:16:01.120 --> 00:16:01.679 Let's hang out, 00:16:01.759 --> 00:16:02.379 Let's play together, 00:16:02.480 --> 00:16:03.200 Let's play catch, 00:16:03.620 --> 00:16:04.059 You know, 00:16:04.080 --> 00:16:05.120 I want to talk to you about my girlfriend, 00:16:05.259 --> 00:16:05.679 Blah, blah, blah, blah, 00:16:05.679 --> 00:16:07.139 And the dad, 00:16:07.220 --> 00:16:08.340 Keeps saying to his son, 00:16:08.720 --> 00:16:09.120 Son, 00:16:09.399 --> 00:16:09.960 You know what, 00:16:10.019 --> 00:16:10.659 I'd love to do that, 00:16:10.840 --> 00:16:11.480 But I can't, 00:16:11.539 --> 00:16:12.259 I need to go to work, 00:16:12.340 --> 00:16:13.159 I got to go to this meeting, 00:16:13.559 --> 00:16:14.000 But you know, 00:16:14.120 --> 00:16:14.659 One day, 00:16:14.659 --> 00:16:15.659 We'll spend some time together, 00:16:15.759 --> 00:16:16.279 One day, 00:16:16.360 --> 00:16:17.339 I'll come and play catch with you, 00:16:17.399 --> 00:16:17.559 Whatever, 00:16:17.659 --> 00:16:17.839 Whatever, 00:16:18.039 --> 00:16:18.819 And each verse, 00:16:18.919 --> 00:16:20.299 The kid gets a little older and older, 00:16:20.500 --> 00:16:21.399 And then the kicker, 00:16:21.459 --> 00:16:22.459 At the end of the song, 00:16:23.259 --> 00:16:23.779 Is that, 00:16:24.480 --> 00:16:24.779 You know, 00:16:24.839 --> 00:16:25.659 The dad is old, 00:16:25.719 --> 00:16:26.779 And the kid has grown up, 00:16:26.819 --> 00:16:27.600 And finally, 00:16:27.759 --> 00:16:29.559 The dad calls his son, 00:16:29.620 --> 00:16:30.019 And says, 00:16:30.120 --> 00:16:30.779 Hey son, 00:16:30.980 --> 00:16:32.019 Let's get together, 00:16:32.159 --> 00:16:33.179 Let's spend some time together, 00:16:33.259 --> 00:16:33.959 Let's talk, 00:16:34.659 --> 00:16:35.339 And what happens? 00:16:35.919 --> 00:16:37.879 The son pretty much does the same thing, 00:16:37.919 --> 00:16:38.639 Back to the dad, 00:16:39.240 --> 00:16:39.939 Sorry dad, 00:16:40.399 --> 00:16:41.240 I can't today, 00:16:41.379 --> 00:16:42.199 But another time, 00:16:42.220 --> 00:16:42.679 I promise, 00:16:43.039 --> 00:16:44.159 We'll do it again soon, 00:16:44.659 --> 00:16:47.419 It's pretty heart-wrenching actually, 00:16:48.339 --> 00:16:51.559 But you know, 00:16:51.620 --> 00:16:53.600 I think that song points to, 00:16:53.939 --> 00:16:54.779 A fact, 00:16:55.159 --> 00:16:56.179 That we all get, 00:16:57.659 --> 00:17:00.839 That what really matters in life, 00:17:01.659 --> 00:17:02.980 Are relationships, 00:17:03.980 --> 00:17:04.859 Right? 00:17:04.859 --> 00:17:06.799 Who cares, 00:17:06.899 --> 00:17:09.019 If you have tons of respect in the office, 00:17:09.079 --> 00:17:10.339 And a billion dollars in the bank, 00:17:10.419 --> 00:17:12.139 And three vacation homes, 00:17:12.339 --> 00:17:14.399 If your kids won't even talk to you, 00:17:14.479 --> 00:17:15.279 When you call them, 00:17:17.479 --> 00:17:19.699 Wouldn't you trade all of that, 00:17:20.339 --> 00:17:22.039 For a right relationship, 00:17:22.039 --> 00:17:23.000 With your son, 00:17:23.079 --> 00:17:23.779 Or with your daughter, 00:17:23.919 --> 00:17:24.699 Or with your father, 00:17:24.859 --> 00:17:25.539 Or with your mother, 00:17:25.639 --> 00:17:26.240 Or with your husband, 00:17:26.319 --> 00:17:26.619 Or your wife, 00:17:26.819 --> 00:17:28.679 Wouldn't you trade all of that for that? 00:17:28.680 --> 00:17:30.100 Wouldn't you rather, 00:17:30.100 --> 00:17:33.019 Be rich toward them, 00:17:34.220 --> 00:17:36.080 Rich in relationship with them, 00:17:36.500 --> 00:17:38.640 Wouldn't you be rich in that way, 00:17:38.700 --> 00:17:40.180 Than have all the wealth in the world? 00:17:42.140 --> 00:17:42.960 And of course, 00:17:43.060 --> 00:17:43.539 We would say, 00:17:43.759 --> 00:17:44.200 Yes, 00:17:44.620 --> 00:17:49.400 That's way more important, 00:17:49.400 --> 00:17:54.240 But friends, 00:17:54.340 --> 00:17:54.980 What if there was, 00:17:55.000 --> 00:17:57.120 An even more important relationship, 00:17:57.600 --> 00:17:58.400 Than those, 00:17:59.019 --> 00:17:59.440 You see, 00:18:00.519 --> 00:18:02.200 What if it was possible, 00:18:02.200 --> 00:18:03.920 To be in relationship with someone, 00:18:04.280 --> 00:18:06.200 Who knew us more intimately, 00:18:06.200 --> 00:18:07.320 Than a husband or wife, 00:18:07.400 --> 00:18:08.240 Could ever know us, 00:18:09.019 --> 00:18:10.220 And who loved us, 00:18:10.220 --> 00:18:11.800 More unconditionally, 00:18:12.120 --> 00:18:13.000 Than any father, 00:18:13.120 --> 00:18:13.740 Or any mother, 00:18:14.920 --> 00:18:16.060 What if we were made, 00:18:16.140 --> 00:18:17.019 For a relationship, 00:18:17.200 --> 00:18:18.080 That would fill, 00:18:18.200 --> 00:18:19.380 The deep longing of ourselves, 00:18:19.400 --> 00:18:19.960 Soul, 00:18:20.680 --> 00:18:21.740 That longing to be, 00:18:21.900 --> 00:18:22.400 Happy, 00:18:22.540 --> 00:18:23.560 And to find joy, 00:18:23.580 --> 00:18:24.420 That lasts, 00:18:25.340 --> 00:18:25.920 A longing that, 00:18:26.120 --> 00:18:27.540 No amount of material possessions, 00:18:27.540 --> 00:18:28.240 Can satisfy, 00:18:28.660 --> 00:18:29.440 And if we're honest, 00:18:29.740 --> 00:18:31.380 No human relationship, 00:18:31.519 --> 00:18:32.120 Can satisfy, 00:18:33.820 --> 00:18:34.200 Friend, 00:18:34.280 --> 00:18:35.519 What if we were made, 00:18:35.920 --> 00:18:37.040 For a relationship, 00:18:37.860 --> 00:18:38.519 With God, 00:18:38.980 --> 00:18:39.400 You see, 00:18:42.560 --> 00:18:43.660 And Jesus is saying, 00:18:43.800 --> 00:18:44.360 Are you rich, 00:18:44.920 --> 00:18:45.820 Toward God, 00:18:47.000 --> 00:18:49.320 God, 00:18:49.400 --> 00:18:50.940 Who is the very ocean, 00:18:50.940 --> 00:18:52.600 Of our being, 00:18:52.600 --> 00:18:54.580 And the one, 00:18:54.660 --> 00:18:55.580 Whose beauty will, 00:18:55.580 --> 00:18:56.780 Ravish us, 00:18:56.820 --> 00:18:57.480 And whose love, 00:18:57.560 --> 00:18:58.440 Will delight us, 00:18:58.660 --> 00:18:59.960 For worlds, 00:18:59.960 --> 00:19:01.100 Without end, 00:19:01.680 --> 00:19:02.780 If we're in a right, 00:19:02.780 --> 00:19:03.880 Relationship with him, 00:19:03.880 --> 00:19:08.060 What good is it, 00:19:08.100 --> 00:19:09.740 To have piles of treasure, 00:19:09.900 --> 00:19:11.500 Bulging out of barns, 00:19:11.500 --> 00:19:13.660 To have six or seven figures, 00:19:13.660 --> 00:19:14.320 In the bank account, 00:19:14.360 --> 00:19:15.320 If you don't have God, 00:19:15.320 --> 00:19:19.460 We all know, 00:19:19.580 --> 00:19:20.360 That it's a tragedy, 00:19:20.360 --> 00:19:21.300 To have it all, 00:19:21.440 --> 00:19:22.860 And to be estranged, 00:19:22.980 --> 00:19:23.860 From a child, 00:19:24.040 --> 00:19:24.920 Or from a parent, 00:19:25.000 --> 00:19:25.340 But friends, 00:19:25.380 --> 00:19:25.800 Don't you see, 00:19:25.900 --> 00:19:26.940 It's a disaster, 00:19:27.260 --> 00:19:28.200 To have it all, 00:19:28.640 --> 00:19:29.820 And to be estranged, 00:19:29.820 --> 00:19:30.480 From God, 00:19:30.480 --> 00:19:35.360 Because only he can make you happy, 00:19:35.860 --> 00:19:38.140 With an eternal happiness, 00:19:39.019 --> 00:19:41.920 And it makes perfect sense, 00:19:41.960 --> 00:19:42.620 When you think about it, 00:19:42.640 --> 00:19:43.019 Doesn't it, 00:19:44.019 --> 00:19:45.759 A temporary thing, 00:19:45.759 --> 00:19:48.339 Can only give you temporary happiness, 00:19:48.599 --> 00:19:50.180 That makes total sense, 00:19:50.660 --> 00:19:54.019 But one who is eternal, 00:19:55.019 --> 00:19:56.660 Can give you eternal happiness, 00:19:56.759 --> 00:19:57.079 You see, 00:19:57.079 --> 00:20:02.539 How do you cut, 00:20:02.859 --> 00:20:03.619 The knot, 00:20:03.919 --> 00:20:05.039 Of covetousness, 00:20:05.139 --> 00:20:05.819 In your heart, 00:20:05.879 --> 00:20:06.960 How do you keep your life, 00:20:07.220 --> 00:20:07.639 Free, 00:20:07.939 --> 00:20:09.139 From the lie that says, 00:20:09.419 --> 00:20:10.240 I need more, 00:20:10.359 --> 00:20:11.199 To be happy, 00:20:11.439 --> 00:20:13.519 Jesus is saying, 00:20:13.619 --> 00:20:14.839 Be rich toward God, 00:20:15.500 --> 00:20:18.259 And you'll start to feel that, 00:20:18.399 --> 00:20:19.339 Less and less, 00:20:20.460 --> 00:20:22.259 Be in a right relationship, 00:20:22.259 --> 00:20:22.960 With him, 00:20:23.359 --> 00:20:24.359 Seek him, 00:20:24.359 --> 00:20:25.579 More than you seek, 00:20:25.919 --> 00:20:26.339 Wealth, 00:20:26.339 --> 00:20:27.939 And you might say, 00:20:28.019 --> 00:20:28.759 How do I seek him, 00:20:29.319 --> 00:20:30.519 How do we become rich, 00:20:30.679 --> 00:20:31.559 Toward God, 00:20:31.599 --> 00:20:32.699 How do I get this, 00:20:32.779 --> 00:20:34.419 Eternal happiness, 00:20:36.019 --> 00:20:36.959 Well friends, 00:20:37.000 --> 00:20:38.220 This is the good news, 00:20:38.619 --> 00:20:39.839 Of Christianity, 00:20:41.220 --> 00:20:42.179 This is, 00:20:42.359 --> 00:20:43.259 This is what it all, 00:20:43.259 --> 00:20:44.039 Comes down to, 00:20:44.519 --> 00:20:44.899 You see, 00:20:45.740 --> 00:20:47.579 The gospel says, 00:20:47.699 --> 00:20:48.799 That Jesus Christ, 00:20:49.579 --> 00:20:50.599 Emptied himself, 00:20:50.779 --> 00:20:51.879 Of heaven's wealth, 00:20:51.879 --> 00:20:53.399 And became utterly poor, 00:20:54.240 --> 00:20:55.279 So that you, 00:20:55.279 --> 00:20:56.799 And your spiritual poverty, 00:20:57.339 --> 00:20:58.579 Might become rich, 00:20:58.960 --> 00:20:59.779 Through a relationship, 00:20:59.779 --> 00:21:00.200 With him, 00:21:00.539 --> 00:21:04.000 Our sin, 00:21:04.079 --> 00:21:04.539 The way in which, 00:21:04.639 --> 00:21:05.779 We've lived for ourselves, 00:21:05.899 --> 00:21:06.619 And sought our pleasure, 00:21:06.759 --> 00:21:07.680 In other things, 00:21:08.079 --> 00:21:10.319 Our sin makes us, 00:21:10.420 --> 00:21:10.700 As it were, 00:21:10.839 --> 00:21:11.920 Poor towards God, 00:21:13.059 --> 00:21:14.200 Bankrupt before him, 00:21:14.740 --> 00:21:15.639 No matter how much, 00:21:15.700 --> 00:21:16.859 Actual material money, 00:21:16.960 --> 00:21:17.339 You have, 00:21:17.359 --> 00:21:17.899 Or no matter how many, 00:21:17.899 --> 00:21:19.059 Good works that you do, 00:21:19.559 --> 00:21:20.779 All of us have sinned, 00:21:20.779 --> 00:21:21.819 And are separated from God, 00:21:21.819 --> 00:21:24.599 And on the cross, 00:21:24.700 --> 00:21:26.579 Jesus takes that sin, 00:21:26.700 --> 00:21:27.819 Takes that spiritual, 00:21:27.939 --> 00:21:29.299 Emptiness and poverty, 00:21:29.679 --> 00:21:31.139 From us, 00:21:31.839 --> 00:21:33.980 And three days later, 00:21:34.059 --> 00:21:35.659 He is raised again, 00:21:36.379 --> 00:21:38.039 To give us his righteousness, 00:21:38.439 --> 00:21:39.759 To give us his relational, 00:21:39.759 --> 00:21:41.619 Wealth with the father, 00:21:42.460 --> 00:21:44.639 How do I become rich, 00:21:44.639 --> 00:21:45.439 Toward God, 00:21:45.679 --> 00:21:45.919 Friends, 00:21:46.419 --> 00:21:47.779 This is how you become, 00:21:47.779 --> 00:21:48.500 Rich toward God, 00:21:48.500 --> 00:21:51.160 You stop trying to seek, 00:21:51.240 --> 00:21:51.920 Your satisfaction, 00:21:52.099 --> 00:21:52.859 In other things, 00:21:53.059 --> 00:21:54.980 And you find, 00:21:55.059 --> 00:21:56.559 Your heart's rest, 00:21:56.660 --> 00:21:57.359 In the one, 00:21:57.819 --> 00:21:59.079 Who's taken your sin, 00:21:59.500 --> 00:22:00.539 And given you, 00:22:01.339 --> 00:22:03.240 God's own righteousness, 00:22:03.900 --> 00:22:05.519 Welcomes you into a relationship, 00:22:05.700 --> 00:22:06.339 That is rich, 00:22:06.680 --> 00:22:07.140 And eternal, 00:22:07.460 --> 00:22:08.079 And everlasting, 00:22:08.440 --> 00:22:09.259 And here's why, 00:22:09.319 --> 00:22:10.140 The financial metaphor, 00:22:10.319 --> 00:22:11.000 Is so helpful, 00:22:11.000 --> 00:22:12.140 When we're thinking about this, 00:22:12.480 --> 00:22:13.200 Because you see, 00:22:13.279 --> 00:22:14.079 Those who come to place, 00:22:14.079 --> 00:22:14.859 Their trust in Jesus, 00:22:15.500 --> 00:22:16.660 They're not just sort of, 00:22:16.720 --> 00:22:17.619 Given a clean slate, 00:22:17.619 --> 00:22:18.339 It's not as if, 00:22:18.379 --> 00:22:19.199 They had a lot of debt, 00:22:19.359 --> 00:22:20.259 And then their bank account, 00:22:20.439 --> 00:22:21.099 Goes back to zero, 00:22:21.459 --> 00:22:21.739 Right? 00:22:22.199 --> 00:22:23.000 And then, 00:22:23.079 --> 00:22:23.279 Okay, 00:22:23.359 --> 00:22:24.179 You're on your own from there, 00:22:24.519 --> 00:22:24.819 No, 00:22:25.459 --> 00:22:26.799 What the gospel says is that, 00:22:27.599 --> 00:22:29.599 Jesus not only pays your debt, 00:22:30.719 --> 00:22:32.519 But he fills your account, 00:22:32.639 --> 00:22:33.739 With the riches of heaven, 00:22:35.259 --> 00:22:38.419 That you are made eternally, 00:22:39.000 --> 00:22:39.859 Spiritually, 00:22:40.219 --> 00:22:41.459 Wealthy with God, 00:22:42.059 --> 00:22:43.559 That there's nothing, 00:22:43.559 --> 00:22:44.359 That hinders you, 00:22:44.500 --> 00:22:45.639 From a relationship with him, 00:22:45.640 --> 00:22:52.640 What does it feel like, 00:22:53.100 --> 00:22:55.300 To be rich, 00:22:55.620 --> 00:22:56.680 Toward God, 00:22:57.500 --> 00:22:59.780 To be in that kind of relationship, 00:22:59.780 --> 00:23:00.320 With him, 00:23:01.120 --> 00:23:03.660 Jesus actually shows us, 00:23:03.759 --> 00:23:04.400 In the next section, 00:23:04.460 --> 00:23:05.120 Of our passage, 00:23:05.380 --> 00:23:06.460 And here, 00:23:06.560 --> 00:23:07.340 He actually confronts, 00:23:07.380 --> 00:23:08.580 The other heart attitude, 00:23:08.900 --> 00:23:10.300 That often comes after us, 00:23:10.320 --> 00:23:11.960 When it comes to our material possessions, 00:23:12.100 --> 00:23:12.840 And that heart attitude, 00:23:12.960 --> 00:23:13.759 Is anxiety, 00:23:14.000 --> 00:23:14.540 It's worry, 00:23:14.539 --> 00:23:15.599 When our hearts say, 00:23:15.740 --> 00:23:16.599 I don't have enough, 00:23:16.659 --> 00:23:17.339 To be safe, 00:23:17.500 --> 00:23:18.460 This is verses, 00:23:18.899 --> 00:23:20.099 22 through 34, 00:23:21.139 --> 00:23:22.159 Now I think most of us, 00:23:22.200 --> 00:23:22.940 Have felt anxious, 00:23:23.279 --> 00:23:24.279 When it comes to money, 00:23:25.019 --> 00:23:26.159 You know, 00:23:26.259 --> 00:23:27.619 Will I have enough to, 00:23:28.099 --> 00:23:28.839 Fill in the blank, 00:23:29.039 --> 00:23:29.279 Right? 00:23:29.440 --> 00:23:30.079 Will I have enough, 00:23:30.180 --> 00:23:31.399 To make rent this month, 00:23:31.559 --> 00:23:32.359 Pay for college, 00:23:32.839 --> 00:23:34.099 Get groceries for my family, 00:23:34.279 --> 00:23:35.319 Pay off my creditors, 00:23:35.500 --> 00:23:36.180 Will I have enough money, 00:23:36.220 --> 00:23:36.779 To retire, 00:23:37.259 --> 00:23:37.980 Will I have enough money, 00:23:37.980 --> 00:23:39.420 To care for my aging parents, 00:23:40.559 --> 00:23:42.119 And how does Jesus, 00:23:42.220 --> 00:23:43.319 Address our anxiety, 00:23:43.319 --> 00:23:46.579 Well, 00:23:46.859 --> 00:23:48.519 He does something at first, 00:23:48.579 --> 00:23:49.700 He tells us something at first, 00:23:49.759 --> 00:23:51.240 That seems a bit unhelpful, 00:23:51.960 --> 00:23:54.099 Rather than give his disciples, 00:23:54.200 --> 00:23:54.899 A quick seminar, 00:23:55.099 --> 00:23:56.000 On financial stewardship, 00:23:56.099 --> 00:23:56.819 And money management, 00:23:56.980 --> 00:23:57.679 So they'll stop worrying, 00:23:57.720 --> 00:23:58.139 About their money, 00:23:58.179 --> 00:23:59.039 And know how to deal with it, 00:23:59.500 --> 00:24:01.519 He tells them instead, 00:24:02.259 --> 00:24:03.759 To look at the birds, 00:24:04.460 --> 00:24:05.500 And look at the grass, 00:24:05.500 --> 00:24:10.019 Now there's lots, 00:24:10.059 --> 00:24:11.099 That the Bible has to say, 00:24:11.140 --> 00:24:12.099 About financial stewardship, 00:24:12.460 --> 00:24:13.339 Good money management, 00:24:14.039 --> 00:24:14.339 But you know, 00:24:14.359 --> 00:24:15.079 The reality is friends, 00:24:15.119 --> 00:24:16.000 Is that's not going to, 00:24:16.160 --> 00:24:17.000 Cure your anxiety, 00:24:17.420 --> 00:24:20.920 Come look at the birds, 00:24:21.240 --> 00:24:21.819 Jesus says, 00:24:22.319 --> 00:24:24.579 Look at a raven, 00:24:24.819 --> 00:24:27.640 With his jet black feathers, 00:24:27.880 --> 00:24:28.400 And beak, 00:24:28.640 --> 00:24:29.259 And eyes, 00:24:29.759 --> 00:24:30.720 With his annoying, 00:24:30.880 --> 00:24:31.779 Little squawk, 00:24:31.779 --> 00:24:35.359 That raven's never put in, 00:24:35.399 --> 00:24:36.240 A day at the office, 00:24:37.000 --> 00:24:38.539 It's never farmed a field, 00:24:39.000 --> 00:24:40.420 Doesn't have a bank account, 00:24:40.480 --> 00:24:41.399 Or a 401k, 00:24:42.399 --> 00:24:44.059 And yet God takes care, 00:24:44.139 --> 00:24:44.819 Of that little bird, 00:24:45.819 --> 00:24:47.599 And just think, 00:24:48.940 --> 00:24:49.839 You, 00:24:51.220 --> 00:24:53.619 Created in God's own image, 00:24:55.059 --> 00:24:56.759 Purchased with the blood, 00:24:56.819 --> 00:24:57.899 Of his own son, 00:24:58.879 --> 00:24:59.599 Glorious, 00:24:59.599 --> 00:25:00.819 Loved, 00:25:01.259 --> 00:25:01.799 You, 00:25:02.480 --> 00:25:04.980 Are you, 00:25:05.259 --> 00:25:06.539 Not of more value, 00:25:06.919 --> 00:25:07.639 Than the birds, 00:25:08.919 --> 00:25:09.919 Will not God, 00:25:10.000 --> 00:25:10.839 Take care of you, 00:25:11.599 --> 00:25:14.599 Now bring your, 00:25:14.679 --> 00:25:16.059 Now bring your eyes down, 00:25:16.139 --> 00:25:16.899 From the treetops, 00:25:17.059 --> 00:25:18.359 And look out at the grass, 00:25:18.399 --> 00:25:19.059 At the fields, 00:25:19.599 --> 00:25:22.159 See all those wild flowers, 00:25:22.159 --> 00:25:22.679 Out there, 00:25:23.639 --> 00:25:24.759 You see the lilies, 00:25:25.759 --> 00:25:26.659 Opening up, 00:25:26.859 --> 00:25:27.599 White as a cloud, 00:25:27.599 --> 00:25:29.679 That little speck of sun, 00:25:29.719 --> 00:25:30.159 In the middle, 00:25:31.159 --> 00:25:32.359 Turning their faces down, 00:25:32.439 --> 00:25:33.179 Ever so gently, 00:25:34.079 --> 00:25:36.619 They have never, 00:25:36.619 --> 00:25:38.559 Sewed a single piece, 00:25:38.559 --> 00:25:39.639 Of clothing in their life, 00:25:39.719 --> 00:25:40.839 They've never gone shopping, 00:25:41.419 --> 00:25:43.599 And yet there they are, 00:25:44.219 --> 00:25:45.279 Dressed more, 00:25:45.779 --> 00:25:46.359 Beautifully, 00:25:46.480 --> 00:25:47.199 Than the ancient, 00:25:47.599 --> 00:25:48.399 Kings and queens, 00:25:48.480 --> 00:25:49.159 In their glory, 00:25:49.480 --> 00:25:50.219 More glorious, 00:25:50.219 --> 00:25:51.079 Than Solomon, 00:25:51.079 --> 00:25:55.599 And this is grass, 00:25:55.719 --> 00:25:56.699 That we're talking about, 00:25:56.700 --> 00:25:59.480 Farmers in the first century, 00:25:59.559 --> 00:26:00.920 Used to burn grass, 00:26:01.019 --> 00:26:01.759 As fuel, 00:26:02.120 --> 00:26:03.100 In their ovens, 00:26:03.120 --> 00:26:03.360 It was, 00:26:03.500 --> 00:26:05.460 It was fuel for your stove, 00:26:05.940 --> 00:26:08.240 And yet God, 00:26:08.319 --> 00:26:09.779 Arrayed it in glory, 00:26:10.340 --> 00:26:13.660 Just think of what God, 00:26:13.700 --> 00:26:15.200 Intends to do with you, 00:26:15.740 --> 00:26:18.700 If he'll take a common field, 00:26:18.700 --> 00:26:20.380 And make it look like royalty, 00:26:20.539 --> 00:26:21.340 What does he have in store, 00:26:21.340 --> 00:26:22.140 For you friends, 00:26:22.819 --> 00:26:25.100 Created in his own image, 00:26:25.099 --> 00:26:28.699 Bought with the blood, 00:26:28.759 --> 00:26:29.519 Of his own son, 00:26:30.519 --> 00:26:34.199 Oh you of little faith, 00:26:34.579 --> 00:26:35.219 Jesus says, 00:26:36.099 --> 00:26:40.919 Will God not take care of you, 00:26:41.519 --> 00:26:45.859 You see Jesus is telling, 00:26:45.859 --> 00:26:46.659 His followers, 00:26:46.659 --> 00:26:47.839 That your job, 00:26:47.839 --> 00:26:49.359 Is to be, 00:26:49.519 --> 00:26:50.659 Who he created you, 00:26:50.740 --> 00:26:51.639 And redeemed you to be, 00:26:51.640 --> 00:26:55.259 And he'll take care of the rest, 00:26:55.259 --> 00:26:57.680 Ravens are created, 00:26:57.800 --> 00:26:58.940 To squawk and fly, 00:26:59.080 --> 00:26:59.820 Lilies are created, 00:26:59.820 --> 00:27:00.880 To grow and bloom, 00:27:00.960 --> 00:27:02.660 And God provides all that they need, 00:27:02.759 --> 00:27:03.280 And you, 00:27:03.460 --> 00:27:04.900 Are created and redeemed, 00:27:05.000 --> 00:27:05.900 To seek his kingdom, 00:27:06.580 --> 00:27:08.520 And to live under his loving lordship, 00:27:08.560 --> 00:27:09.080 At home, 00:27:09.340 --> 00:27:10.040 At work, 00:27:10.320 --> 00:27:11.280 In your relationships, 00:27:12.080 --> 00:27:13.080 To use your gifts, 00:27:13.180 --> 00:27:13.860 And your talents, 00:27:13.940 --> 00:27:14.520 And your time, 00:27:14.600 --> 00:27:15.140 And your energy, 00:27:15.220 --> 00:27:16.140 To serve others, 00:27:16.520 --> 00:27:17.660 And to praise his name, 00:27:17.660 --> 00:27:22.000 And because God is your loving father, 00:27:22.000 --> 00:27:22.900 Through Jesus, 00:27:23.840 --> 00:27:25.440 He will take care of the rest, 00:27:25.640 --> 00:27:27.320 He will provide all you need, 00:27:28.480 --> 00:27:30.320 There might be times of hardship, 00:27:30.759 --> 00:27:32.279 There might be times when you're not sure, 00:27:32.460 --> 00:27:33.840 How the rent's going to get paid, 00:27:33.960 --> 00:27:35.259 Or whether the job offer, 00:27:35.360 --> 00:27:36.200 Will ever come through, 00:27:36.820 --> 00:27:37.840 Jesus is not saying, 00:27:37.840 --> 00:27:38.940 That you're going to have nothing, 00:27:39.040 --> 00:27:40.160 But health and wealth in this life, 00:27:40.220 --> 00:27:40.460 No, 00:27:40.820 --> 00:27:41.860 But he is saying, 00:27:42.040 --> 00:27:42.720 That he'll make sure, 00:27:42.840 --> 00:27:43.740 You have what you need, 00:27:44.000 --> 00:27:45.000 When you need it, 00:27:45.800 --> 00:27:46.779 To do his will, 00:27:46.779 --> 00:27:48.539 And to glorify his name, 00:27:50.019 --> 00:27:53.920 What does it mean, 00:27:54.539 --> 00:27:55.619 To seek his kingdom, 00:27:56.220 --> 00:27:57.660 If that's what we are created, 00:27:57.819 --> 00:27:58.680 And redeemed to do, 00:27:59.700 --> 00:28:01.180 Or as Jesus says elsewhere, 00:28:01.339 --> 00:28:01.940 In Matthew 6, 00:28:01.980 --> 00:28:02.539 In the sermon on the mount, 00:28:02.619 --> 00:28:04.539 To seek first the kingdom of God, 00:28:05.059 --> 00:28:07.079 Does it mean that we should all quit our jobs, 00:28:07.099 --> 00:28:07.779 And stop working, 00:28:08.619 --> 00:28:09.319 Become hermits, 00:28:09.859 --> 00:28:10.480 Stare at birds, 00:28:10.819 --> 00:28:11.379 Look at lilies, 00:28:13.559 --> 00:28:14.339 No, right? 00:28:14.500 --> 00:28:15.119 Of course not, 00:28:15.119 --> 00:28:17.399 Jesus created us, 00:28:17.599 --> 00:28:18.559 To work, 00:28:19.099 --> 00:28:19.419 Right? 00:28:20.919 --> 00:28:22.359 If you're able to work, 00:28:22.599 --> 00:28:24.099 You should find work to do, 00:28:24.500 --> 00:28:25.699 And more often than not, 00:28:26.079 --> 00:28:27.219 God will use your work, 00:28:27.259 --> 00:28:27.939 As the means, 00:28:28.019 --> 00:28:29.339 Whereby he meets your needs, 00:28:29.799 --> 00:28:32.139 So what does it mean, 00:28:32.199 --> 00:28:33.139 To seek first the kingdom? 00:28:35.500 --> 00:28:35.919 Okay, 00:28:35.979 --> 00:28:37.000 Well think about work, 00:28:37.059 --> 00:28:37.519 For a second, 00:28:37.599 --> 00:28:38.379 Just as an example, 00:28:39.579 --> 00:28:41.319 Imagine you're trying to decide, 00:28:41.319 --> 00:28:42.639 Between two jobs, 00:28:42.640 --> 00:28:45.140 One of them pays a lot of money, 00:28:45.920 --> 00:28:47.800 And the other doesn't pay as much, 00:28:48.920 --> 00:28:51.440 But it does more good for others, 00:28:51.560 --> 00:28:53.440 Given the gifts and talents, 00:28:53.600 --> 00:28:55.200 And desires that God's given you, 00:28:55.700 --> 00:28:58.560 Which one will you choose? 00:29:00.920 --> 00:29:02.360 Of course it's going to be tempting, 00:29:02.500 --> 00:29:03.660 To just immediately choose the one, 00:29:03.720 --> 00:29:04.200 That pays more, 00:29:04.280 --> 00:29:04.500 Right? 00:29:04.980 --> 00:29:06.720 You'll presumably have less anxiety, 00:29:06.720 --> 00:29:07.220 About money, 00:29:07.360 --> 00:29:07.620 Check, 00:29:07.980 --> 00:29:10.180 You might even be more respected socially, 00:29:10.180 --> 00:29:11.240 Because you'll be able to buy, 00:29:11.340 --> 00:29:12.060 More expensive things, 00:29:12.180 --> 00:29:12.440 Check, 00:29:12.720 --> 00:29:13.180 Great, 00:29:13.519 --> 00:29:14.539 Decision made, 00:29:15.259 --> 00:29:18.740 Now there's nothing wrong, 00:29:18.799 --> 00:29:19.700 With making a lot of money, 00:29:19.759 --> 00:29:21.220 That might be the right decision to make, 00:29:21.500 --> 00:29:21.940 However, 00:29:22.820 --> 00:29:25.200 If you're seeking to live your life, 00:29:25.240 --> 00:29:26.259 Under the lordship of Christ, 00:29:26.340 --> 00:29:27.120 To seek his kingdom, 00:29:27.259 --> 00:29:27.960 And his reign, 00:29:28.120 --> 00:29:28.799 And glory, 00:29:29.799 --> 00:29:31.000 You're going to stop, 00:29:31.060 --> 00:29:31.759 And you're going to pray, 00:29:31.860 --> 00:29:32.880 And you're going to discern, 00:29:33.960 --> 00:29:35.279 And you're going to seek counsel, 00:29:35.279 --> 00:29:37.120 With other brothers and sisters in Christ, 00:29:37.200 --> 00:29:37.500 Because, 00:29:37.500 --> 00:29:39.559 You just might take the job, 00:29:39.680 --> 00:29:40.880 That has less pay, 00:29:41.460 --> 00:29:42.819 But does more good, 00:29:44.240 --> 00:29:46.319 Why? 00:29:48.480 --> 00:29:50.180 Because your father knows what you need, 00:29:51.339 --> 00:29:52.839 And he's not, 00:29:52.839 --> 00:29:55.279 Stingily holding on, 00:29:55.559 --> 00:29:56.519 To the kingdom, 00:29:56.920 --> 00:29:59.180 Waiting for you to measure up, 00:30:00.500 --> 00:30:02.480 It's his good pleasure, 00:30:02.480 --> 00:30:03.579 To give you the kingdom, 00:30:03.779 --> 00:30:04.400 Jesus says, 00:30:04.400 --> 00:30:07.600 And if he's giving you the kingdom, 00:30:08.259 --> 00:30:09.900 What else do you need? 00:30:14.480 --> 00:30:15.759 So Jesus shows us, 00:30:15.840 --> 00:30:18.300 Two unhealthy heart attitudes, 00:30:18.480 --> 00:30:18.880 To money, 00:30:19.860 --> 00:30:20.600 Covetousness, 00:30:20.860 --> 00:30:21.820 And anxiety, 00:30:21.920 --> 00:30:22.660 And he shows us, 00:30:22.720 --> 00:30:24.040 That if we're rich toward God, 00:30:24.300 --> 00:30:25.980 If we know God as our father, 00:30:26.019 --> 00:30:26.920 Through Jesus Christ, 00:30:27.200 --> 00:30:28.580 Then we can actually be free, 00:30:28.580 --> 00:30:29.380 From both, 00:30:29.380 --> 00:30:30.700 To seek his kingdom, 00:30:30.700 --> 00:30:35.160 But what's the positive vision here, 00:30:35.279 --> 00:30:35.799 For disciples? 00:30:35.980 --> 00:30:37.080 He's shown us what not to do, 00:30:37.440 --> 00:30:38.059 Don't be covetous, 00:30:38.180 --> 00:30:38.740 Don't be anxious, 00:30:38.980 --> 00:30:40.279 What should we do, 00:30:40.600 --> 00:30:41.100 Briefly? 00:30:42.019 --> 00:30:42.940 Look at verse 33, 00:30:44.019 --> 00:30:45.340 Here's Jesus' program, 00:30:45.860 --> 00:30:46.700 For your money, 00:30:47.980 --> 00:30:48.860 Sell your possessions, 00:30:49.519 --> 00:30:50.440 And give to the needy, 00:30:51.440 --> 00:30:55.740 Exercise, 00:30:55.740 --> 00:30:56.559 Jesus says, 00:30:56.660 --> 00:30:57.120 Radical, 00:30:57.580 --> 00:30:58.059 Strategic, 00:30:58.519 --> 00:30:59.160 Generosity, 00:30:59.160 --> 00:31:01.920 Instead of thinking, 00:31:02.080 --> 00:31:03.240 That you need more to be happy, 00:31:03.500 --> 00:31:04.820 Or worrying that you don't have enough, 00:31:04.880 --> 00:31:05.460 To be safe, 00:31:05.720 --> 00:31:07.060 You can see your wealth, 00:31:07.140 --> 00:31:08.380 No matter how much you have, 00:31:08.560 --> 00:31:09.700 As a means, 00:31:09.779 --> 00:31:10.960 Whereby you can, 00:31:11.259 --> 00:31:12.500 Do good for other people, 00:31:13.000 --> 00:31:14.420 Especially those in need, 00:31:15.060 --> 00:31:18.620 And doesn't this make sense, 00:31:18.680 --> 00:31:19.700 As followers of Jesus? 00:31:20.759 --> 00:31:22.060 Didn't Jesus see us, 00:31:22.140 --> 00:31:23.019 In our need, 00:31:23.640 --> 00:31:24.519 And come to us, 00:31:24.519 --> 00:31:25.320 With radical, 00:31:25.759 --> 00:31:27.060 Undeserved generosity, 00:31:27.059 --> 00:31:28.879 And give his own life, 00:31:28.919 --> 00:31:29.539 For you and me? 00:31:30.819 --> 00:31:31.639 How could we not, 00:31:31.740 --> 00:31:32.259 In gratitude, 00:31:32.440 --> 00:31:33.579 Then turn to others, 00:31:34.039 --> 00:31:35.659 And give, 00:31:35.940 --> 00:31:36.940 And meet those needs, 00:31:37.460 --> 00:31:38.399 Even when it's costly? 00:31:41.319 --> 00:31:42.440 Now you have to remember, 00:31:42.539 --> 00:31:43.579 That in the first century, 00:31:44.039 --> 00:31:45.500 Most of your material, 00:31:45.500 --> 00:31:46.399 Worth, 00:31:46.500 --> 00:31:47.220 And wealth, 00:31:47.579 --> 00:31:47.940 Sort of, 00:31:48.159 --> 00:31:49.500 Existed in the form, 00:31:49.500 --> 00:31:50.319 Of stuff, 00:31:50.639 --> 00:31:50.940 Right? 00:31:50.940 --> 00:31:54.220 So when Jesus says, 00:31:54.660 --> 00:31:55.420 Sell your possessions, 00:31:55.620 --> 00:31:56.539 I don't think he means, 00:31:56.860 --> 00:31:58.100 Sell all your possessions, 00:31:58.240 --> 00:31:59.019 I think he means, 00:31:59.360 --> 00:32:00.700 Convert some of your wealth, 00:32:00.779 --> 00:32:01.820 That exists in the form, 00:32:01.880 --> 00:32:02.880 Of flocks and chickens, 00:32:03.259 --> 00:32:04.299 Convert that into some sort, 00:32:04.360 --> 00:32:05.100 Of transferable medium, 00:32:05.220 --> 00:32:05.820 And then give it away, 00:32:05.860 --> 00:32:06.519 To those in need, 00:32:06.880 --> 00:32:09.259 Now for most of us today, 00:32:09.299 --> 00:32:10.259 We don't have that same problem, 00:32:10.380 --> 00:32:11.420 Our material wealth, 00:32:11.480 --> 00:32:12.400 Comes to us in the form, 00:32:12.420 --> 00:32:13.360 Of a paycheck every month, 00:32:13.400 --> 00:32:14.519 That's probably direct deposited, 00:32:14.519 --> 00:32:15.320 Into our bank account, 00:32:15.380 --> 00:32:15.580 Right? 00:32:17.080 --> 00:32:17.940 Not in the form, 00:32:18.000 --> 00:32:18.940 Of crops or chickens, 00:32:18.940 --> 00:32:21.320 So we don't necessarily, 00:32:21.320 --> 00:32:22.500 Have to do a lot of selling, 00:32:22.500 --> 00:32:24.019 In order to give, 00:32:25.220 --> 00:32:28.840 But what we can do, 00:32:29.420 --> 00:32:31.299 Is we can say, 00:32:31.380 --> 00:32:31.580 You know, 00:32:31.660 --> 00:32:32.700 I'm going to dedicate, 00:32:33.240 --> 00:32:34.600 A certain amount, 00:32:35.019 --> 00:32:35.860 Every week, 00:32:36.160 --> 00:32:37.140 Or every month, 00:32:37.580 --> 00:32:39.140 To do good, 00:32:39.220 --> 00:32:39.860 To others, 00:32:40.340 --> 00:32:42.539 I'm going to give, 00:32:42.900 --> 00:32:43.779 Strategically, 00:32:43.900 --> 00:32:45.019 To help those in need, 00:32:45.660 --> 00:32:46.820 Whether it's, 00:32:47.320 --> 00:32:48.400 Syrian refugees, 00:32:48.400 --> 00:32:49.660 Fleeing from their country, 00:32:49.759 --> 00:32:50.200 In fear, 00:32:51.080 --> 00:32:52.480 Whether it's, 00:32:52.540 --> 00:32:53.440 Children and families, 00:32:53.560 --> 00:32:54.360 In countries stricken, 00:32:54.440 --> 00:32:55.560 By poverty and hunger, 00:32:56.700 --> 00:32:57.380 Whether it's, 00:32:57.500 --> 00:32:57.860 Young women, 00:32:57.960 --> 00:32:59.019 Caught in human trafficking, 00:32:59.780 --> 00:33:01.880 Or whether it's, 00:33:02.019 --> 00:33:02.940 Much more close to home, 00:33:04.000 --> 00:33:04.980 Fellow church members, 00:33:05.120 --> 00:33:06.140 My family in Christ, 00:33:06.259 --> 00:33:07.100 People right here, 00:33:07.140 --> 00:33:08.040 In my spiritual family, 00:33:08.160 --> 00:33:08.340 Who, 00:33:08.800 --> 00:33:10.220 Have just real practical needs, 00:33:10.259 --> 00:33:11.000 That I can meet, 00:33:11.560 --> 00:33:12.600 By setting aside, 00:33:12.720 --> 00:33:13.800 Part of what God's given me, 00:33:13.840 --> 00:33:14.440 To bless them, 00:33:14.460 --> 00:33:15.019 And help them, 00:33:15.019 --> 00:33:19.160 And here's, 00:33:19.200 --> 00:33:19.940 What's very interesting, 00:33:21.279 --> 00:33:22.079 Jesus says, 00:33:22.099 --> 00:33:23.039 That when you do that, 00:33:23.339 --> 00:33:24.700 When you live that way, 00:33:25.599 --> 00:33:26.660 You become more, 00:33:26.720 --> 00:33:27.900 And more rich toward God, 00:33:27.900 --> 00:33:30.900 Treasure in heavens, 00:33:31.160 --> 00:33:33.079 Is how he puts it, 00:33:33.359 --> 00:33:34.720 Treasure in the heavens, 00:33:34.720 --> 00:33:37.720 Now I don't think, 00:33:37.799 --> 00:33:39.200 That Jesus is talking about, 00:33:39.500 --> 00:33:40.759 A growing pile, 00:33:40.759 --> 00:33:41.900 Of gold coins, 00:33:41.900 --> 00:33:43.340 That's waiting for you, 00:33:43.420 --> 00:33:44.000 In the new heavens, 00:33:44.040 --> 00:33:44.580 And new earth, 00:33:45.280 --> 00:33:46.060 As if you're sort of, 00:33:46.080 --> 00:33:47.180 Playing some kind of, 00:33:47.680 --> 00:33:49.580 Version of super Mario brothers, 00:33:49.880 --> 00:33:50.480 And the coins, 00:33:50.580 --> 00:33:51.680 Keep sort of getting rung up, 00:33:51.780 --> 00:33:53.140 To the score bar above, 00:33:53.700 --> 00:33:54.100 Right? 00:33:56.180 --> 00:33:57.060 Jesus is using, 00:33:57.460 --> 00:33:57.980 Imagery here, 00:33:58.060 --> 00:33:58.820 Something concrete, 00:33:58.920 --> 00:33:59.600 Something tangible, 00:34:00.800 --> 00:34:01.759 And I think he's saying, 00:34:01.759 --> 00:34:03.160 Something parallel here, 00:34:03.380 --> 00:34:03.980 To what he's saying, 00:34:04.040 --> 00:34:04.680 In verse 21, 00:34:04.860 --> 00:34:05.640 Both of these are sort of, 00:34:05.660 --> 00:34:06.300 The conclusions, 00:34:06.460 --> 00:34:07.259 Of the two halves, 00:34:07.700 --> 00:34:08.980 Of our passage, 00:34:09.099 --> 00:34:09.320 Right? 00:34:09.880 --> 00:34:10.960 He's talking about, 00:34:10.960 --> 00:34:11.860 Being rich, 00:34:11.860 --> 00:34:13.179 Toward God, 00:34:13.840 --> 00:34:16.240 An ever growing, 00:34:16.240 --> 00:34:17.639 Relationship with God, 00:34:17.699 --> 00:34:18.539 That will continue, 00:34:18.860 --> 00:34:19.940 Into eternity, 00:34:20.340 --> 00:34:20.860 Full of satisfaction, 00:34:22.280 --> 00:34:23.000 And joy, 00:34:23.840 --> 00:34:25.159 Radical generosity, 00:34:26.079 --> 00:34:27.139 Puts God first, 00:34:27.240 --> 00:34:27.800 And foremost, 00:34:28.099 --> 00:34:29.340 Foremost in our lives, 00:34:29.780 --> 00:34:32.539 And if our treasure, 00:34:32.760 --> 00:34:33.500 Is in God, 00:34:33.579 --> 00:34:34.300 In that way, 00:34:35.360 --> 00:34:36.699 Then that's more, 00:34:36.860 --> 00:34:37.220 And more, 00:34:37.360 --> 00:34:38.119 Where our hearts, 00:34:38.280 --> 00:34:38.720 Will live, 00:34:38.719 --> 00:34:42.539 As we exercise, 00:34:42.659 --> 00:34:43.219 Generosity, 00:34:43.339 --> 00:34:44.019 Our hearts actually, 00:34:44.019 --> 00:34:44.839 Become less prone, 00:34:44.899 --> 00:34:45.219 To covet, 00:34:45.379 --> 00:34:46.000 And less prone, 00:34:46.079 --> 00:34:46.500 To worry, 00:34:47.179 --> 00:34:47.699 And more, 00:34:47.779 --> 00:34:47.959 And more, 00:34:48.019 --> 00:34:48.980 Expanded, 00:34:49.219 --> 00:34:50.119 To love, 00:34:50.459 --> 00:34:51.159 And know, 00:34:51.759 --> 00:34:52.219 The God, 00:34:52.279 --> 00:34:52.739 Who made us, 00:34:52.759 --> 00:34:53.399 And loves us, 00:34:53.939 --> 00:34:56.219 In other words, 00:34:56.319 --> 00:34:57.319 Radical generosity, 00:34:57.500 --> 00:34:58.179 Is one of the means, 00:34:58.259 --> 00:34:59.019 The Holy Spirit, 00:34:59.179 --> 00:35:00.339 Uses to increase, 00:35:00.419 --> 00:35:00.939 Our trust, 00:35:01.259 --> 00:35:01.719 And love, 00:35:02.039 --> 00:35:02.559 And joy, 00:35:02.899 --> 00:35:03.419 In God, 00:35:03.599 --> 00:35:04.399 That continues, 00:35:04.559 --> 00:35:05.279 From this moment, 00:35:05.500 --> 00:35:06.179 All the way, 00:35:06.239 --> 00:35:06.859 Into eternity, 00:35:06.860 --> 00:35:10.980 And when the kingdom, 00:35:10.980 --> 00:35:11.840 Comes in fullness, 00:35:11.980 --> 00:35:12.740 Jesus is saying, 00:35:13.200 --> 00:35:15.680 We won't be disappointed, 00:35:16.420 --> 00:35:18.760 Because every effort, 00:35:18.880 --> 00:35:19.260 We make, 00:35:19.340 --> 00:35:20.840 To open up our hands, 00:35:21.059 --> 00:35:22.039 To other people, 00:35:22.140 --> 00:35:22.800 In this life, 00:35:23.039 --> 00:35:23.900 In generosity, 00:35:24.240 --> 00:35:25.300 For God's sake, 00:35:25.720 --> 00:35:26.340 Jesus is saying, 00:35:26.420 --> 00:35:27.860 You are going to be met, 00:35:28.380 --> 00:35:29.720 By all the more, 00:35:29.800 --> 00:35:30.360 Of the soul, 00:35:30.500 --> 00:35:31.280 Satisfying, 00:35:31.440 --> 00:35:32.400 Love of God, 00:35:33.140 --> 00:35:34.059 One hundred fold, 00:35:34.180 --> 00:35:35.059 In the world to come, 00:35:35.059 --> 00:35:38.739 Friends, 00:35:38.799 --> 00:35:39.380 The reality is, 00:35:39.440 --> 00:35:39.880 No one, 00:35:40.380 --> 00:35:41.000 In heaven, 00:35:41.960 --> 00:35:42.759 In the new heavens, 00:35:42.840 --> 00:35:43.500 In the new earth, 00:35:44.139 --> 00:35:44.840 Will wish, 00:35:45.279 --> 00:35:46.500 That they had given less, 00:35:48.579 --> 00:35:49.259 In heaven, 00:35:49.420 --> 00:35:49.759 Everyone, 00:35:50.559 --> 00:35:51.659 Will wish, 00:35:51.739 --> 00:35:52.539 That they had given more, 00:35:53.659 --> 00:35:54.320 You see, 00:35:55.460 --> 00:35:58.779 So friends, 00:35:58.820 --> 00:35:59.059 Tonight, 00:35:59.159 --> 00:35:59.739 If you're struggling, 00:35:59.920 --> 00:36:01.000 With covetousness, 00:36:01.039 --> 00:36:01.440 If you think, 00:36:01.519 --> 00:36:01.940 I need more, 00:36:02.000 --> 00:36:02.480 To be happy, 00:36:02.579 --> 00:36:03.320 If you're worrying, 00:36:03.320 --> 00:36:04.740 I don't have enough, 00:36:04.800 --> 00:36:05.500 To be safe, 00:36:06.100 --> 00:36:07.580 Friends, 00:36:07.760 --> 00:36:08.380 Come, 00:36:08.900 --> 00:36:09.360 In, 00:36:09.800 --> 00:36:10.900 Or realize, 00:36:11.039 --> 00:36:11.820 In a fresh way, 00:36:11.880 --> 00:36:12.760 This relationship, 00:36:12.960 --> 00:36:14.260 That Jesus invites us into, 00:36:14.380 --> 00:36:15.160 As his disciples, 00:36:15.559 --> 00:36:17.120 To walk, 00:36:17.200 --> 00:36:18.000 With God, 00:36:18.160 --> 00:36:19.039 As our father, 00:36:19.100 --> 00:36:19.940 To be rich, 00:36:20.200 --> 00:36:20.880 Toward God, 00:36:20.920 --> 00:36:21.960 And to realize, 00:36:22.640 --> 00:36:23.940 That he'll meet, 00:36:23.940 --> 00:36:24.780 All of our needs, 00:36:25.780 --> 00:36:27.200 And in the kingdom, 00:36:27.380 --> 00:36:28.300 We'll enjoy him forever, 00:36:28.860 --> 00:36:30.720 Let's pray together, 00:36:30.719 --> 00:36:34.859 God, 00:36:34.919 --> 00:36:35.819 We ask that you would take, 00:36:36.039 --> 00:36:37.599 The words of this text, 00:36:37.799 --> 00:36:37.899 Lord, 00:36:37.959 --> 00:36:39.259 The truths of this passage, 00:36:40.259 --> 00:36:41.459 And you'd help them, 00:36:41.500 --> 00:36:42.619 To be lived out in our lives, 00:36:43.239 --> 00:36:43.639 Lord, 00:36:43.719 --> 00:36:44.739 Help us to be a church, 00:36:44.819 --> 00:36:45.379 To be a people, 00:36:45.579 --> 00:36:47.679 Who exercise radical generosity, 00:36:48.239 --> 00:36:48.679 God, 00:36:48.739 --> 00:36:49.980 Give us eyes to see, 00:36:50.099 --> 00:36:51.599 Ways in which we can do, 00:36:51.699 --> 00:36:53.439 Strategic good for others, 00:36:54.119 --> 00:36:54.639 Lord, 00:36:54.699 --> 00:36:55.899 Help us not to be careless, 00:36:56.339 --> 00:36:57.939 In how we go about our days, 00:36:57.980 --> 00:36:59.019 And how we use our time, 00:36:59.099 --> 00:36:59.359 But Lord, 00:36:59.439 --> 00:37:00.619 Help us to be generous, 00:37:00.719 --> 00:37:03.199 And help us to be, 00:37:05.059 --> 00:37:05.419 Lord, 00:37:05.459 --> 00:37:07.239 Even radical in that generosity, 00:37:08.980 --> 00:37:10.480 Lord, 00:37:10.539 --> 00:37:11.079 And help it, 00:37:11.319 --> 00:37:11.519 God, 00:37:11.599 --> 00:37:12.019 We pray, 00:37:12.279 --> 00:37:13.199 Would you use it, 00:37:14.359 --> 00:37:14.799 Lord, 00:37:14.879 --> 00:37:15.859 To expand our hearts, 00:37:15.939 --> 00:37:16.559 To know you more, 00:37:16.599 --> 00:37:17.299 And love you more, 00:37:18.799 --> 00:37:19.339 And God, 00:37:19.379 --> 00:37:20.259 To see your kingdom come, 00:37:20.339 --> 00:37:20.719 More and more, 00:37:20.799 --> 00:37:21.939 We ask in Jesus name, 00:37:22.319 --> 00:37:22.639 Amen.