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Luke 12:21
Verse
Context
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
So is he - That is, thus will it be. This is not an individual case; all who make this life their portion, and who are destitute of the peace and salvation of God, shall, sooner or later, be surprised in the same way. Layeth up treasure for himself - This is the essential characteristic of a covetous man: he desires riches; he gets them; he lays them up, not for the necessary uses to which they might be devoted, but for himself; to please himself, and to gratify his avaricious soul. Such a person is commonly called a miser, i.e. literally, a wretched, miserable man.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
So is he, &c.--Such is a picture of his folly here, and of its awful issue. and is not rich toward God--lives to amass and enjoy riches which terminate on self, but as to the riches of God's favor, which is life (Psa 30:5), of "precious" faith (Pe2 1:1; Jam 2:5), of good works (Ti1 6:18), of wisdom which is better than rubies (Pro 8:11) --lives and dies a beggar!
John Gill Bible Commentary
So is he that layeth up treasure for himself,.... This is the accommodation of the parable. Just such a fool is he, and this will be the end or him, who employs all his thoughts, and spends all his time, in amassing to himself worldly riches and wealth, in laying up treasures on earth for himself, for futurity: and makes no use of his earthly substance to be the good of others; nor shows any concern for spiritual and eternal riches; but places all his hope, trust, and confidence, in uncertain riches: and is not rich towards God; or "in God", as the Syriac and Arabic versions read; in things pertaining to God, in spiritual things, in faith, and in good works; and is not concerned to lay up a treasure in heaven, to have an interest in durable riches and righteousness; whereas one that is rich towards God, acknowledges that he receives all his riches from God, as the Ethiopic version reads; he gives up all into the hands of God, depends upon his providence for the increase, security, and continuance of it; and uses it to his honour and glory, and for the good of his interest; and is chiefly concerned for the riches of grace and glory; and enjoys much of God, and places all his riches in him: such a man is a wise man, but the reverse of this is the fool in the parable.
Luke 12:21
The Parable of the Rich Fool
20But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’21This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Escaping the End-Time Snare
By Mike Bickle2353:15End Times PreparationSpiritual VigilanceMAT 24:14LUK 12:21LUK 21:26ROM 12:2EPH 6:18PHP 4:61TH 5:62TI 4:2HEB 12:1JAS 5:5Mike Bickle emphasizes the urgency of preparing our hearts for the end times, as described in Luke 21, where Jesus warns of increased pressure and fear in the world. He highlights the importance of cultivating a vibrant heart through prayer and connection with God to avoid being weighed down by distractions and sin. Bickle stresses that believers must guard their hearts and prepare themselves spiritually to withstand the challenges ahead, as the time to connect with God is now, before the pressures of the end times intensify. He encourages the church to focus on being rich towards God rather than indulging in worldly pleasures that lead to spiritual lethargy. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a commitment to prayer and a lifestyle that prioritizes spiritual vitality over temporary relief from life's pressures.
Fire! Fire!
By J.C. Ryle0LUK 12:21Greek Word Studies for an aid_number 34356 preaches on the concept of storing up treasures, emphasizing the importance of laying up treasures in heaven rather than on earth, where moth, rust, and thieves can destroy. The sermon delves into the idea of accumulating riches and the transient nature of material wealth, urging believers to invest in spiritual treasures that have eternal value. It highlights the biblical principle of proportionate giving and the need to be rich toward God, storing up offerings and wisdom for the upright. The preacher warns against the dangers of hoarding wealth, emphasizing the futility of treasuring up earthly possessions that do not bring lasting fulfillment.
(God-Centered Praying) 4. the Kingdom of God
By Zac Poonen0God-Centered PrayerKingdom Of GodEXO 23:19PRO 3:9MAT 6:10MAT 6:33MRK 9:1LUK 12:212PE 3:131JN 3:3Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of God-centered praying, particularly the petition 'Thy kingdom come.' He explains that true salvation leads to a desire to be free from self-centeredness, placing God at the center of our lives and prayers. Poonen highlights that a genuine longing for God's kingdom reflects a disgust for the evil in the world and a commitment to living righteously in preparation for Christ's return. He urges believers to examine their lives and ensure they are ready for the kingdom of God, which requires a heart that prioritizes God's glory and righteousness over personal comfort. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep, authentic spirituality that seeks to honor God in every aspect of life.
Peter's Attitude to Money and Correction
By Zac Poonen0Faith and WealthHumility in CorrectionMAT 16:22LUK 5:1LUK 12:21JHN 6:68ACT 3:6Zac Poonen emphasizes Peter's journey of faith and his attitude towards money and correction, illustrating how God had a greater calling for Peter that required testing and approval. When Jesus called Peter to leave his fishing business, he chose to follow Christ instead of seeking material wealth, demonstrating a profound understanding of true riches in God's kingdom. Poonen contrasts Peter's response to wealth with the modern Christian mindset that often seeks prosperity and material gain, warning against the deception of earthly-mindedness. He highlights Peter's humility in accepting public rebuke from Jesus, showcasing that true discipleship involves embracing correction as a path to eternal life. Ultimately, Peter's choices reflect a commitment to spiritual wealth over earthly success.
(Gaining God's Approval) 9. the Testing of Peter and Judas
By Zac Poonen0MAT 16:22MAT 26:14LUK 5:1LUK 6:38LUK 12:21LUK 16:11JHN 6:68JHN 12:4JHN 13:29ACT 3:6ACT 20:35Zac Poonen contrasts the attitudes of Peter and Judas Iscariot towards money and correction. Peter, when called by Jesus, immediately left his fishing business to follow Him, prioritizing eternal wealth over earthly riches. In contrast, Judas Iscariot, although chosen as an apostle, failed the test of faithfulness by stealing money meant for the poor and betraying Jesus for personal gain. Peter embraced correction from Jesus, recognizing it as words of eternal life, while Judas, offended by correction, ultimately chose to betray Jesus. The sermon emphasizes the importance of humility in receiving correction and the eternal consequences of our responses.
Some Reasons for Perpetual Financial Difficulties
By Zac Poonen0Financial StewardshipGenerosityDEU 14:23PRO 21:13PRO 21:26LUK 6:38LUK 12:21LUK 14:33ACT 20:351CO 10:312CO 9:6Zac Poonen addresses the reasons behind perpetual financial difficulties, emphasizing that selfishness in holding onto God's blessings leads to spiritual death. He contrasts the clenched fist of Adam's race with the open palm of Jesus, urging believers to recognize that all they have belongs to God and to give cheerfully, as the quality of giving is paramount under the new covenant. Poonen highlights the importance of being rich towards God and helping others, noting that generosity leads to abundance while stinginess results in lack. He also warns against the love of money, which can ensnare believers if not properly judged and cleansed. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a heart transformation towards giving and reliance on God's provision.
Trials Not Evils
By Mary Wilder Tileston0MAT 6:19LUK 12:21PHP 4:6JAS 1:21PE 5:7Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of being rich toward God rather than solely focusing on earthly treasures, highlighting the value of daily cross-bearing, self-denial, and enduring trials with patience and cheerfulness as ways to enrich our relationship with God. She encourages viewing troubles and trials as opportunities for blessings, sent by God for our growth and transformation. Surrendering all our worries and cares to God's hands, even the smallest things we cannot comprehend, leads to a transformation of burdens into blessings.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
So is he - That is, thus will it be. This is not an individual case; all who make this life their portion, and who are destitute of the peace and salvation of God, shall, sooner or later, be surprised in the same way. Layeth up treasure for himself - This is the essential characteristic of a covetous man: he desires riches; he gets them; he lays them up, not for the necessary uses to which they might be devoted, but for himself; to please himself, and to gratify his avaricious soul. Such a person is commonly called a miser, i.e. literally, a wretched, miserable man.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
So is he, &c.--Such is a picture of his folly here, and of its awful issue. and is not rich toward God--lives to amass and enjoy riches which terminate on self, but as to the riches of God's favor, which is life (Psa 30:5), of "precious" faith (Pe2 1:1; Jam 2:5), of good works (Ti1 6:18), of wisdom which is better than rubies (Pro 8:11) --lives and dies a beggar!
John Gill Bible Commentary
So is he that layeth up treasure for himself,.... This is the accommodation of the parable. Just such a fool is he, and this will be the end or him, who employs all his thoughts, and spends all his time, in amassing to himself worldly riches and wealth, in laying up treasures on earth for himself, for futurity: and makes no use of his earthly substance to be the good of others; nor shows any concern for spiritual and eternal riches; but places all his hope, trust, and confidence, in uncertain riches: and is not rich towards God; or "in God", as the Syriac and Arabic versions read; in things pertaining to God, in spiritual things, in faith, and in good works; and is not concerned to lay up a treasure in heaven, to have an interest in durable riches and righteousness; whereas one that is rich towards God, acknowledges that he receives all his riches from God, as the Ethiopic version reads; he gives up all into the hands of God, depends upon his providence for the increase, security, and continuance of it; and uses it to his honour and glory, and for the good of his interest; and is chiefly concerned for the riches of grace and glory; and enjoys much of God, and places all his riches in him: such a man is a wise man, but the reverse of this is the fool in the parable.