All around us we see the signs of a “consumer culture.” Everything is “new and improved” and we are made to think by the advertising geniuses that we could not possible do without the latest and greatest thing. We search more and more for happiness in things instead of the Lord. And the more we search, the more we realize that we “still haven’t found what we’re looking for.” Jesus shows us that we cannot find meaning and satisfaction in amassing more and more stuff, in trying to fulfill the bumper-sticker maxim he who dies with the most toys wins. We need to stop, take a breath, and hear Jesus words “one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” We can begin to understand the real meaning of life when we realize “The Foolishness of Stuff” (Luke 12:13-21).

I. Possessed by Possessions
A. Can’t You See?
B. Are You On Guard?

II. Centered on Self
A. Not the Blessings
B. The “Me” Solution

III. Inadequate Preparation
A. Not Enough Time
B. Not Enough of God

Questions for consideration: (1) What things does it seem that you cannot live without? Why is that? (2) Why is the gathering of “stuff” so dangerous to us spiritually? (3) What opportunities do the truths of this passage give us in our testimony before others?