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Luke 12:15
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Beware of covetousness - Or rather, Beware of all inordinate desires. I add πασης, all, on the authority of ABDKLM-Q, twenty-three others, both the Syriac, all the Persic, all the Arabic, Coptic, Ethiopic, Armenian, Vulgate, all the Itala, and several of the primitive fathers. Inordinate desires. Πλεονεξιας, from πλειον, more, and εχειν, to have; the desire to have more and more, let a person possess whatever he may. Such a disposition of mind is never satisfied; for, as soon as one object is gained, the heart goes out after another. Consisteth not in the abundance - That is, dependeth not on the abundance. It is not superfluities that support man's life, but necessaries. What is necessary, God gives liberally; what is superfluous, he has not promised. Nor can a man's life be preserved by the abundance of his possessions: to prove this he spoke the following parable.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
unto them--the multitude around Him (Luk 12:1). of covetousness--The best copies have "all," that is, "every kind of covetousness"; because as this was one of the more plausible forms of it, so He would strike at once at the root of the evil. a man's life, &c.--a singularly weighty maxim, and not less so because its meaning and its truth are equally evident.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he said unto them,.... Either to the two brethren, or to his disciples, as the Syriac and Persic versions read, or to the whole company: take heed, and beware of covetousness; of all covetousness, as read the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions, and some copies; that is, of all sorts of covetousness, and every degree of it, which of all vices is to be avoided and guarded against, being the root of all evil; and as the Persic version renders it, is worse than all evil, and leads into it: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth; of flocks and beasts, as the Persic version renders it: a man's natural life cannot be prolonged by all the good things of the world he is possessed of; they cannot prevent diseases nor death; nor do the comfort and happiness of life, lie in these things; which are either not enjoyed by them, but kept for the hurt of the owners of them, or are intemperately used, or some way or other imbittered to them, so that they have no peace nor pleasure in them: and a man's spiritual life is neither had nor advantaged hereby, and much less is eternal life to be acquired by any of these things; which a man may have, and be lost for ever, as the following parable shows.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:15 Guard against every kind of greed: See Exod 20:17; Deut 5:21; Job 31:24-25; Ps 49; Eccl 2:1-11.
Luke 12:15
The Parable of the Rich Fool
14But Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed Me judge or executor between you?”15And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Heavenly Life) Heavenly Attitudes
By Zac Poonen7.2K57:24MAT 5:13LUK 12:15LUK 14:28HEB 12:22REV 21:21This sermon emphasizes the importance of being the salt of the earth by bringing a taste of heaven to wherever we are, whether at home, work, or church. It highlights the need to have a heavenly mindset, to forgive others, to be wise with money, and to be salted with the fire of the Holy Spirit to live a life pleasing to God and impactful to those around us.
Who's Slave Are You?
By Paul Washer5.1K57:43EXO 20:1MAT 6:33LUK 12:15JHN 12:43ROM 1:1GAL 1:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our duties to family and church over extracurricular activities. He encourages listeners to lay down their lives for their spouses and to show respect and honor in their marriages. The preacher also highlights the responsibility of parents to shape their lives according to the will of God and to prioritize their children's well-being. He warns against the prevalent mindset of self-gratification and emphasizes the need to serve others rather than constantly seeking personal gain. The sermon draws from biblical teachings on marriage, submission, and selflessness.
"Rebuke to Prosperity Preachers"
By Leonard Ravenhill5.1K00:20PRO 11:28ECC 5:10MAT 6:24MAT 19:24MRK 10:25LUK 6:24LUK 12:151TI 6:10JAS 5:1This sermon challenges the notion of prosperity gospel by questioning why God rebukes those who claim to be rich and increased with goods. It delves into the discrepancy between the message of prosperity preached by some and the biblical rebuke towards those who boast in material wealth, highlighting the importance of aligning our beliefs with the true teachings of the Bible.
Don't Preach About Hell! (Compilation)
By Compilations3.8K22:58CompilationPRO 22:16MAT 6:24MAT 19:24MRK 8:36LUK 12:151TI 6:10JAS 5:1The video is a sermon that emphasizes the importance of recognizing oneself as a child of God. The speaker repeats the phrase "You are my child" multiple times to drive this point home. The sermon also touches on the need for individuals to create a new style or way of living that aligns with God's teachings. The speaker acknowledges the challenges and temptations faced in life but encourages listeners to stay focused on their faith. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the love and guidance of God and encourages listeners to embrace their identity as children of God.
Outspoken!
By Andrew Strom3.6K1:02:56ControversialJER 8:20MAT 5:3MAT 6:33MAT 9:37MAT 25:31LUK 12:15ACT 2:17In this sermon, the speaker addresses the lack of revival in the Western world, particularly in America, despite being perceived as leaders with abundant resources. They highlight the contrast between the rich countries, where revival is lacking, and the poor countries, where revival is flourishing. The speaker suggests that the Western world has become complacent and spiritually lazy, lacking the fervor and radical devotion seen in other nations experiencing revival. They emphasize the need for a spiritual awakening and question what it will take for revival to occur in America and other wealthy nations.
Beware of Dogs
By Bill McLeod3.0K24:48False TeachersPSA 119:97PSA 119:162ISA 56:10MAL 1:10LUK 12:151CO 10:242TI 2:152TI 3:2JAS 1:5In this sermon, the speaker shares personal anecdotes to emphasize the importance of not remaining silent about one's faith. He recounts a plane journey where he noticed people wearing red suits with only their hands and faces visible, but he did not speak to them about his faith. He urges listeners to wake up and not let Satan silence them. The speaker also shares a story of being stuck in a ditch and being helped by a stranger, highlighting the importance of helping others. He concludes by urging listeners to ask God for forgiveness and to rid themselves of self-seeking attitudes.
Dr. k.p. Yohannan -Testimony Gospel for Asia
By K.P. Yohannan2.9K06:37LUK 12:15This sermon reflects on a personal journey of self-realization and transformation, highlighting the shift from a life of materialism and self-centeredness to a heart aligned with God's compassion for the suffering world. It emphasizes the need to prioritize eternal matters over worldly possessions, to be willing to sacrifice comfort for the sake of spreading the Gospel, and to live a life that reflects Jesus' selfless love and mission.
We Have Been Taught Not to Discern - Part 4
By Andrew Strom2.3K09:59MAT 6:24MAT 7:15MAT 23:23LUK 12:15JHN 6:101TI 6:102TI 4:3JAS 5:11JN 4:1This sermon addresses the housing crisis and the prevalence of deception in the church, particularly related to prosperity gospel teachings. It emphasizes the importance of standing up for truth, even when it goes against popular beliefs, and draws parallels to the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish, highlighting the power of speaking truth in times of crisis and deception.
The Blessing of Being Like Jesus
By Dick Brogden2.3K30:03Christ LikenessMAT 6:33MAT 8:20MAT 19:23LUK 9:51LUK 12:15JHN 9:4JHN 15:13The video discusses the importance of understanding and reacting to the world of Islam, particularly in the Arab world. It emphasizes that Islam is the premier challenge of our time and that this generation must grapple with it. The speaker highlights the Arab center as the heart of the Arab world, where the ideology, finances, and philosophy of Islam are spread. The video concludes with a prayer for the viewers to be like Jesus and to embrace God's will, even in the face of challenges and fatigue.
Integrity: Prosperity Gospel by Femi Adeley
By Femi Adeleye2.0K11:31ISA 1:17MAT 13:22LUK 6:38LUK 12:15LUK 16:9JHN 10:101TI 6:10JAS 2:5This sermon addresses the dangers and misconceptions of the prosperity gospel, highlighting how it can lead to materialism, misinterpretation of Scripture, and a focus on personal gain rather than true worship and service. It emphasizes the need to discern false teachings, prioritize the needs of the poor, and return to the simplicity and compassion of Christ in our lives.
What's in the Heart
By Bill McLeod1.7K1:19:38HeartMAT 6:33LUK 12:151CO 15:58In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a personal experience where they felt deceived and foolish. They emphasize the importance of not giving any room to the devil and not allowing negative influences into one's life. The speaker also shares a powerful testimony of a worship service where God's presence was felt strongly, and an angelic voice was heard. They encourage the congregation to be mindful of their actions and to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with others. The sermon concludes with a reminder to be kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving, as Christ has forgiven us.
Freed From Wordly Attitudes
By Zac Poonen1.6K58:11PRO 4:23MAT 5:16MAT 6:33LUK 12:15ROM 12:2PHP 4:81TH 5:22JAS 1:221PE 4:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of walking upright in a crooked world, focusing on avoiding greed, being cautious about unnecessary curiosity, and filling the mind with useful information that aligns with God's will. It challenges listeners to judge themselves, prioritize spiritual growth, and seek to live a life that glorifies God by being concerned about others and making decisions based on God's kingdom principles.
The Failure of Modern Christianity - 2
By Zacharias Tanee Fomum1.5K1:39:43Modern ChristianityMAT 4:19MAT 25:40MAT 28:19MRK 8:36LUK 12:15LUK 19:10JAS 1:27In this video, the speaker repeatedly emphasizes the importance of looking at examples. He encourages the audience to pay attention and examine the examples he provides. The speaker urges the viewers to read and understand the content he is presenting. Throughout the video, the speaker continuously repeats the phrase "Look at this" to emphasize the significance of examining the examples he shares. The video seems to be focused on the idea of learning and gaining insight from the examples presented.
At Ease in Zion
By David Legge1.5K40:08PRO 22:16ISA 58:6AMO 6:1MAT 7:21LUK 12:15COL 1:23JAS 5:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching about Christ and the gospel in churches. He urges Christians to be stirred and moved by the idolatry and sin in their land, and to be passionate about sharing the message of salvation. The preacher also highlights the decline in church membership and the desperate attempts to attract people through entertainment. He challenges believers to truly believe in the reality of hell and to actively warn others about it. He references Charles Finney's suggestion of studying Bible verses about hell and imagining loved ones in those verses as a way to grasp the urgency of the message.
A Parable That Confuses Many
By Erlo Stegen1.3K52:21PSA 90:12PRO 3:5ISA 55:8MAT 6:24MAT 25:21LUK 5:17LUK 12:15LUK 16:1LUK 16:19JAS 1:5This sermon delves into the parable of the unjust steward, exploring the confusion it causes as the man's actions are commended by the Lord despite being perceived as unjust. It emphasizes the importance of considering one's future and eternity, contrasting the mindset of the rich man who did not think ahead with the actions of the steward who planned for his future. The sermon highlights the need for discernment in understanding God's perspective on right and wrong, drawing lessons from various biblical examples and urging listeners to align their hearts and spirits with the Lord's.
Living for Eternity 1 - Part 2
By Joshua Daniel1.2K08:38MAT 6:19MAT 6:24MAT 6:34MAT 16:26MRK 8:36LUK 12:151TI 6:10JAS 4:141PE 5:8This sermon emphasizes the danger of allowing money to dictate our lives, urging listeners to prioritize spiritual growth over material possessions. It contrasts the worldly focus on wealth with the example of Jesus, who prioritized spiritual authority and service over financial concerns. The speaker shares personal experiences of witnessing demon possession and highlights the importance of being prepared for eternity, living each day as if it could be our last.
The Philosophy of a Fool
By Dennis Jenkins89649:44PhilosophyECC 11:9LUK 12:15LUK 12:20ROM 1:18ROM 1:20HEB 11:1HEB 11:26In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the rich farmer as told by Jesus. The parable highlights the foolishness of placing all emphasis on material possessions and neglecting the spiritual aspect of life. The rich farmer in the parable plans to retire and enjoy the fruits of his labor, but fails to consider the spiritual and the inevitable reality of death. The preacher emphasizes that the materialistic philosophy of life is foolish and disastrous, and urges listeners to prioritize their relationship with God over worldly possessions.
Model for Praying - Part 5
By J. Glyn Owen85744:50PrayingEXO 20:3PSA 34:1MAT 6:11MAT 6:33LUK 12:15JHN 1:1ACT 11:29In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of integrating all aspects of life within the orbit of God's purpose and glory. He highlights the twisted nature of sin that leads us to desire more than our necessities, while a large portion of the world lacks even their basic needs. The preacher draws parallels between our lives and the frugality of Jesus in His demands of the Father. He also mentions the model of prayer that Jesus taught, which starts with focusing on God and His kingdom before addressing our own needs.
Luke 9;57 Waterloo Conference
By Gerry Covenhoven85646:08MAT 6:24MAT 19:16MRK 12:41LUK 9:59LUK 12:15LUK 14:26ROM 7:7In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the importance of prioritizing God's will over worldly desires. They emphasize that we should not be swayed by the attractions and distractions of this world, but instead focus on following God's commands. The speaker also mentions the significance of staying committed to God's plan, even when faced with challenges and difficulties. They highlight the need to trust in God's timing and not question His decisions, as He is the ultimate authority.
The Damnation of Riches
By Ian Goligher83631:45LUK 12:15LUK 12:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not being consumed by material possessions. He uses the analogy of a person from a primitive island being introduced to the luxuries of city life and then returning to their simple existence. Similarly, he describes the experience of someone being taken to heaven and witnessing the glory and worship of God. The preacher highlights the truth spoken by the Lord that a person's life does not consist of the things they possess. He also references the parable of the rich fool, who faced a decision when he had more harvest than he had storage space. The sermon concludes with the reminder that our earthly possessions hold no significance when we face our final appointment with God.
Two Priorities in 2013
By Ken Miller72645:10PrioritiesMAT 6:19MAT 6:24LUK 12:15LUK 16:13JHN 6:66HEB 12:1In this sermon, the focus is on making a choice between serving God or serving wealth. The speaker emphasizes that there is no middle ground and we must make a decision. The sermon then moves on to discuss two concerns: the needs of the natural life and the importance of using our time wisely. The speaker encourages the audience to think seriously about how they spend their time and to live in a way that redeems it, so that at the end of their lives they can say they have lived a significant life.
The Lost Son
By Welcome Detweiler70311:30MAT 6:33MAT 7:21MAT 25:31LUK 12:15LUK 15:1In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the well-known story of the prodigal son from Luke's Gospel, Chapter 15. The story revolves around a father with two sons, with the younger son expressing a desire for material possessions and a good time. He eventually receives his inheritance and squanders it all, leading to a famine in the land and his desperation. The preacher draws parallels between the prodigal son's actions and the temptations faced by individuals in their pursuit of worldly pleasures, emphasizing the importance of using one's God-given strength for His glory.
Undisciplined Lifestyles (Part 2)
By Mose Stoltzfus6041:11:58PRO 11:24PRO 22:7MAT 6:33LUK 12:151CO 9:241TI 6:10JAS 5:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discipline and self-control in the Christian life. He compares the Christian's journey to a race, where one must keep their body under control in order to win the prize. The preacher also highlights the dangers of living in a prosperous and peaceful society, as it can lead to complacency and a lack of appreciation for the sacrifices of others. He uses the example of John Wesley, who lived a simple and modest lifestyle despite his success, as a role model for Christians to follow. The sermon encourages believers to prioritize the needs of others and to resist the temptations of luxury and self-indulgence.
Give Me More, Give Me More - Part 1
By Steve Mays52834:47Christian LifeEXO 18:21MRK 7:21LUK 12:152CO 10:12JAS 4:1In this sermon, Pastor Steve Mays discusses the issue of coveting and its impact on society. He emphasizes that the greed and covetousness of individuals and nations are causing conflicts and divisions. Pastor Mays highlights the importance of a rediscovery of Jesus Christ and a transformation of the heart to overcome coveting. He also addresses the curse of coveting and the need for a cure, which involves aligning our desires with the things of God rather than worldly possessions.
A Changed View on Possessions
By Stewart Ruch46131:14PossessionsMAT 6:19LUK 12:15In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the rich fool and his possessions. Jesus gives a guideline before telling the story, urging his listeners to guard against covetousness and being possessed by possessions. The preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the biblical teaching on saving and the proper mindset towards money and possessions. The sermon also highlights the preacher's emphasis on teaching generosity, as seen in the teaching ministry of Jesus and the numerous biblical references to money and generosity.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Beware of covetousness - Or rather, Beware of all inordinate desires. I add πασης, all, on the authority of ABDKLM-Q, twenty-three others, both the Syriac, all the Persic, all the Arabic, Coptic, Ethiopic, Armenian, Vulgate, all the Itala, and several of the primitive fathers. Inordinate desires. Πλεονεξιας, from πλειον, more, and εχειν, to have; the desire to have more and more, let a person possess whatever he may. Such a disposition of mind is never satisfied; for, as soon as one object is gained, the heart goes out after another. Consisteth not in the abundance - That is, dependeth not on the abundance. It is not superfluities that support man's life, but necessaries. What is necessary, God gives liberally; what is superfluous, he has not promised. Nor can a man's life be preserved by the abundance of his possessions: to prove this he spoke the following parable.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
unto them--the multitude around Him (Luk 12:1). of covetousness--The best copies have "all," that is, "every kind of covetousness"; because as this was one of the more plausible forms of it, so He would strike at once at the root of the evil. a man's life, &c.--a singularly weighty maxim, and not less so because its meaning and its truth are equally evident.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he said unto them,.... Either to the two brethren, or to his disciples, as the Syriac and Persic versions read, or to the whole company: take heed, and beware of covetousness; of all covetousness, as read the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, Arabic, and Ethiopic versions, and some copies; that is, of all sorts of covetousness, and every degree of it, which of all vices is to be avoided and guarded against, being the root of all evil; and as the Persic version renders it, is worse than all evil, and leads into it: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth; of flocks and beasts, as the Persic version renders it: a man's natural life cannot be prolonged by all the good things of the world he is possessed of; they cannot prevent diseases nor death; nor do the comfort and happiness of life, lie in these things; which are either not enjoyed by them, but kept for the hurt of the owners of them, or are intemperately used, or some way or other imbittered to them, so that they have no peace nor pleasure in them: and a man's spiritual life is neither had nor advantaged hereby, and much less is eternal life to be acquired by any of these things; which a man may have, and be lost for ever, as the following parable shows.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:15 Guard against every kind of greed: See Exod 20:17; Deut 5:21; Job 31:24-25; Ps 49; Eccl 2:1-11.