I. Probably the most effective tool used by Jesus was the parable.

A. Purpose of a parable is:

1. To teach the truth.

2. To make the truth easy to understand.

3. To make the truth easy to remember.

II. We must make sure that we interpret parables correctly.

A. We must look at the context in which it is being delivered.

B. We must remember that a parable was designed to deliver one main lesson.

C. The parable may deliver numerous incidental lessons but we should not try to make every little fact mean something.

III. This afternoon we are going to look at the parable of the rich fool.

A. Read parable.  Luke 12: 15-22

B. I thought that, in studying this parable this afternoon, we would look at some of the reasons that God called this man a fool.

C. He was a fool because:

1. He was a materialist.

2. He ignored his responsibility to God.

3. He ignored his responsibility to fellow man.

4. He did not include God in his plans.

1. He was a fool because he was a materialist.

A. It is not a sin to be rich.

1. Abraham was rich.

2. David was rich and Solomon was rich.

B.Being rich becomes a sin when we put wealth before God.

1. We have to be willing to leave all of our material goods if it were ever necessary.

2. 

a. The rich young ruler was not willing to give up his wealth for Christ.

b. This does not mean that we must give up all of our wealth to follow Christ.

c. Jesus knew this man's heart and was testing him.

3. Matthew 6:21 – “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

C. Prosperity is often a test. 

1. 1 Timothy 6:7-10 – “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.   And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.  But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.    For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”  From this we learn:

a. We should be content.

b. We will take nothing out of the world when we leave.

c. Being rich often brings on temptations.

2. He was a fool because he ignored his responsibility to God.

A. Observe the "I's" and "my's" that the rich young ruler used.

B. He forgot that everything belongs to God, and he did not give God the credit.

3. He was a fool because he left out his fellow man.

A. When we are blessed, we are expected to help those who are less fortunate.

1. Galatians 6:10 – “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”

2. Matthew 22:37-39 – “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”

      B. Christ went around doing good.

1. Acts 10:38 – “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him.”

4. He was a fool because he did not include God in his plans.

A. He did not realize that riches will not last forever if your heart is not right with God.

1. 1 Timothy 6:7 – “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”

B. He forgot that he could die at any moment (Hebrews 9:27)

1. He was not rich toward God (Luke 12:21).

2. He had allowed the cares of the world to overcome his duty to God (Luke 12:31). “But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

3. He trusted in riches and not God (Mark 10:24-25).  “And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!  It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”

Conclusion

I. We need to make sure that we do not make the same mistakes as the rich fool.

II. He was a fool because he was a materialist, he ignored his responsibility to God and fellow man, and he forgot that he could die at any moment.

III. We need to make sure that we do not allow the love of material things come in the way of our relationship to God.