This past Sunday, Pastor Gustafson delivered a thought-provoking sermon that encouraged us to shift our focus from worldly possessions to the eternal riches found in God's Word. Reflecting on the parable from Luke 12:13-21, he reminded us of the dangers of covetousness and the importance of recognizing God as the true giver of all blessings.

• Guarding Against Covetousness: Pastor Gustafson highlighted Jesus' warning about covetousness, urging us to be mindful of where we place our trust and value. He reminded us that life does not consist in the abundance of possessions but in the richness of our relationship with God.
• Recognizing True Wealth: The sermon emphasized the concept of 'wordly wealth'—the spiritual riches we gain through Christ. Unlike worldly wealth, which is fleeting, the treasures found in God's Word are eternal and transformative.
• Living with a Christ-Centered Focus: We were encouraged to emulate Christ's humility and generosity. By focusing on what God has done and continues to do in our lives, we can find true joy, peace, and contentment.

As we move through the week, let's strive to prioritize our spiritual growth over material gains. May we all seek to deepen our understanding of God's Word and allow it to guide our actions and decisions. We're blessed to have you in our community, and we hope to see you at our next gathering.

August 3, 2025 Sermon

Reading

• Luke 12:13-21
• Philippians 2:5-11
• 1 John 2:15-16

Warm Up

• Reflect on a time when you were focused on accumulating possessions. How did it make you feel in the long run?
• What do you currently understand about the concept of covetousness and its impact on your spiritual life?

Scripture Exploration

• Read Luke 12:13-21. What is the main point of the parable Jesus tells?
• How does Philippians 2:5-11 describe the attitude of Christ in contrast to the rich man in the parable?
• Explore 1 John 2:15-16. How does this passage warn against the love of worldly things?

Personal Reflection

• What does the parable in Luke 12:13-21 teach us about the dangers of self-reliance and greed?
• How does understanding Jesus’ humility in Philippians 2:5-11 help us combat covetousness?
• Consider the term "wordly wealth" mentioned in the sermon. How does it differ from "worldly wealth," and what implications does this have for your life?

Personal Application

• In what ways can you shift your focus from worldly possessions to spiritual riches this week?
• Identify one area in your life where you may have placed material possessions above your relationship with God. What steps can you take to realign your priorities?
• How can you use your resources to benefit others and glorify God, reflecting the selflessness of Christ?
• Consider your community. What actions can you take to encourage others to value spiritual over material wealth?