INTRODUCTION

    A. The Islamic faith now boasts 1.3 billion disciples. 

    B. The Catholic denomination now reports 1 billion members. 

    C. While these are the two largest religious bodies, Materialism, as a
         practice, has many more followers.

DISCUSSION

I. JESUS’ WARNING AGAINST MATERIALISM (Luke 12:15).

    A. God does not warn us of trivial matters (Matt. 7:15, 2 Pet. 3:17).

    B. Materialism is the belief that “life” is defined solely by what we possess.

II. THE FOOLISH FARMER.

    A. He Thought Only Of Things.

        1. His life revolved around his fruits, barns, and goods.

        2. He expected these things to bring him ease and merriment.

        3. We must control the things placed in our care and not allow them to 
             control us (Luke 16:9-11).

            a. Be careful how you obtain things (Jeremiah 17:11; Proverbs 28:8; 
                Luke 16:19-21; James 5:1-4).

            b. Be careful how you retain things (Mark 14:7; Ephesians 4:28; 
                1 Timothy 6:17-19).

            c. Be careful how you spend things (Proverbs 21:17, 20).

        4. If we are in control of our things we will be able to see beyond them.

    B. He Deliberated Only On His Own Desires.

        1. Ten times in verses 17 through 19 we find the use of the pronouns I
            and my.

        2. Man cannot direct his own steps (Jeremiah 10:23; Acts 26:9).

        3. The man who follows his own counsel dies (Proverbs 14:12).

        4. We must make all our decisions according to another’s desires
             (Colossians 3:1-3, 5; 1 John 2:15-17).

    C. He Prepared Only For The Present.

        1. He expected his riches to last for many years (Proverbs 23:4-5).

        2. He expected this present life to last for many years (Proverbs 27:1;
             James 4:13-15).

        3. He left behind the earthly body with all its ease and provisions and
            ventured forth with an unprepared soul (Ecclesiastes 2:18-19; 
            Proverbs 11:4).

CONCLUSION

    A. Anyone who provides earthly riches for himself without first ensuring he is
         rich in God’s eyes is a fool (Luke 12:21).

    B. We must plan for the future with the wisdom of farsightedness
        (Deutrtonomy 32:28-29).

    C. If our treasure and our heart are both in heaven we will be content while
         here on the earth (Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Timothy 6:6-8)