Text: Luke 12:15, Luke 16:19-25, 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Ecclesiastes 5:10
INTRODUCTION
We often assume that money solves everything. That if you have wealth, cars, houses, and influence, then you have no problems.
But life tells us a different story. In hospitals, in broken homes, in boardrooms, in palaces… The rich also cry.
Money can buy a bed, but not sleep. It can buy a doctor, but not health. It can buy a crowd, but not love.
Jesus said: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions” – Luke 12:15
Today we will look at four truths about wealth, pain, and God.
1: WEALTH DOES NOT GUARANTEE PEACE
Ecclesiastes 5:12* “The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether they eat little or much, but as for the rich, their abundance permits them no sleep.”
The rich cry because:
1. Fear of Losing It – The more you have, the more you have to protect. Anxiety replaces joy.
2. Loneliness – People gather around you for what you have, not who you are. Judas sold Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.
3. Empty Soul – “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” Mark 8:36
Example: The Rich Fool Luke 12:16-21
He built bigger barns, said “eat, drink, be merry.” But God said “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you.”_
He was rich toward himself, but not toward God.
Money without God gives you comfort, but not contentment.
2: WEALTH DOES NOT GUARANTEE HEAVEN
Text: Luke 16:19-25 – The Rich Man and Lazarus
The Bible tells us about a rich man who wore purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was Lazarus, sick and hungry.
Both died. Lazarus went to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man went to torment.
The rich man cried in hell: “I am in agony in this fire” – Luke 16:24
Lessons:
1. Your bank account cannot follow you to eternity – “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out” – 1 Timothy 6:7
2. God judges the heart, not the net worth – “People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” -1 Samuel 16:7
3. How you used your wealth matters – The rich man ignored Lazarus. Wealth is a test of stewardship.
Example: The Rich Young Ruler Mark 10:17-22
He was moral, young, and rich. But when Jesus asked him to sell all and follow Him, “he went away sad, because he had great wealth.”
He chose riches over Jesus. The rich also cry when they choose things over God.
3: GOD’S VIEW OF TRUE RICHES
Text: 1 Timothy 6:9-10, 17-19
1. The Danger of Riches
“Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap… For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” – 1 Timothy 6:9-10
Money itself is not evil. The love of it is.
2. The Instruction to the Rich
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth… but to put their hope in God” – 1 Timothy 6:17
God says: Don’t trust money. Trust Me.
3. The Purpose of Riches
“Be rich in good deeds, and be generous and willing to share” – 1 Timothy 6:18
God blesses you to be a blessing. Wealth is for impact, not just enjoyment.
Example: Job
Job was the richest man in the East Job 1:3. He lost all, and he cried. But because his heart was surrendered to God, God restored him double Job 42:10.
Even when the rich cry, God can turn mourning to joy.
4: WHAT THE RICH NEED JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE
The rich also need:
1. Salvation – “For God so loved the world” – John 3:16. Not just the poor. Nicodemus was a rich ruler and he came to Jesus at night John 3:1
2. Healing – Money can’t cure cancer, depression, or a broken marriage.
3. Purpose – Solomon was the richest king, yet he said – “Meaningless! Meaningless! Everything is meaningless” – Ecclesiastes 12:8
4. Jesus – “I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire… so you can become rich” – Revelation 3:18. Jesus is the true riches.
CONCLUSION: THE BALANCE
God is not against wealth. Abraham, David, and Joseph were rich and godly.
But God is against wealth without God.
Three Questions for Us Today:
1. What is your source? Are you trusting God or your salary? “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord” – Psalm 20:7
2. What is your purpose? Are you storing for yourself or sowing for the Kingdom? Matthew 6:19-20
3. What is your eternity? Where will you spend forever? Luke 12:21.
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