A parable is a simple story that illustrates a profound truth. Did you know that more than a third of Jesus' recorded teaching is in the form of parables? When we study the parables, we hear the voice of Jesus. What is He saying? What is our response?

Through this study, we will grow into a deeper love of the One of whom it was said: "No one ever spoke the way this man does." John 7:46

Fascinating Bible Studies on Every Parable says, "Life is not measured by how much you possess but by what you do with your 'stuff'".  There is a real danger in greed and covetousness. We should use our resources to advance the kingdom of God and not squander them on selfish pleasures. How are we to build up treasures in heaven yet provide for ourselves?

Our Scripture readings are 1 Timothy 6:6-10; Luke 12:16-21.

Plan to join us this Sunday morning at 10:30 am OR go to our FB page to link to Youtube live on Sunday mornings or anytime on our website redoakpresbyterianchurch.com

Questions to Ponder:

1. What did someone in the crowd want Jesus to do? Why didn't Jesus resolve this dispute?

2. Occasionally, Christ will point-blank tell us the meaning of a parable. This is one of those times. Christ tells us to beward of which kind of greed? Just as important, what does Christ tell us that "life" is not defined by?

3. Read 1 Timorty 6:6-10. What are some of the dangers of lust for wealth in our current culture? How can we avoid them?

4. The No-Prep Bible Study Series says, "Most Americans would probably agree that we live in a society full of greedy people. Yet, you'd be hard pressed to find any Americans that would actually admit that they themselves are greedy. Clearly, something is out of whack here. We can't be living in a greedy society that has no greedy people in it." Some questions to get started:

Is greed more about wanting a lot or getting a lot?

Is greed more of an attitude or an action?

Is greed more of a natural human instinct, or is it more of a learned trait?

5. How successful was this farmer? Was his success a good thing or a bad thing?

6. How focused on self was this man? How many times did he metion "I" or "my"? How many times did he mention others?

7. Read Luke 12:33-34. What key word links vv. 33-34 back to v 21?

8. What is Jesus' aggressive antidote to greed?

9. How has the study of this parable influenced changes in your lifestyle and how you spend your money?