What Is Your More?

About this sermon

What does it really mean to be “built for more”? In this message from the Built Different series, Pastor Ed Newton teaches from Luke 12:13–21 and Jesus’ parable of the rich fool to challenge the way we think about money, possessions, success, generosity, purpose, and eternity. The goal is not to die with more, but to live for more. Jesus’ warning against greed and covetousness is not simply directed toward people with money. It exposes an issue of the heart. Greed says, “I want more,” while covetousness looks at what someone else has and believes, “If I had more, I would be more.” But when our identity becomes connected to what we own, earn, achieve, or accumulate, enough will never be enough. Our passions are connected to our possessions, which is why Scripture calls us to guard our hearts against allowing comparison, success, wealth, influence, or material possessions to determine our value. Your worth is not based on your wealth. Your income does not determine your identity, and your possessions do not determine your value. Pastor Ed illustrates this truth with a $100 bill. Whether it is crisp or crumpled, its value remains the same because of the image it bears. In the same way, your circumstances do not determine your worth. You were created in the image of God. Your net worth will never compare to the worth of your soul. The parable also reveals an important biblical principle about stewardship: God is the source, and we are the stewards. Everything we have ultimately comes from Him, including our time, abilities, relationships, opportunities, resources, influence, and even the breath in our lungs. Instead of living with a “mine” mentality, followers of Jesus are called to recognize God’s provision with gratitude and live with open hands. Biblical generosity goes far beyond money. Pastor Ed identifies five areas of wealth: financial, relational, educational, physical, and spiritual. God has given each of us something we can use to serve others. Your experience can encourage someone. Your relationships can support someone. Your spiritual gifts can strengthen someone. Your resources can meet a need. Your calling is greater than your comfort, and everything God has placed in your hands carries an assignment. The question is not simply, “What has God given me?” It is, “What does God want me to do with what He has given me?” God is not concerned only with what you own. He is concerned with what owns you. The Christian life is not about constantly increasing our standard of living. It is about asking whether God may be calling us to increase our standard of giving and use what we have for something bigger than ourselves. Jesus reminds us that eventually everything we possess will belong to someone else. We cannot take our possessions with us, but we caparable of the rich fool,n leverage them for the glory of God while we are here. A life of faith thinks beyond immediate gratification and invests in people, the Kingdom of God, and generations we may never meet. It is like planting an oak tree knowing someone else will one day sit beneath its shade. Ultimately, Jesus asks us to decide where we are storing our treasure. Are we living only for today, or are we living with eternity in mind? Being “rich toward God” means using our time, talents, resources, influence, spiritual gifts, and opportunities to invest in others and advance God’s Kingdom. When we seek first the Kingdom of God and live with open hands, our blessings become opportunities to bless others. Your life should leave a legacy. The things you accumulate will eventually be left behind, but a life surrendered to Jesus can continue influencing people long after you are gone. You were not built merely to have more. You were built to live for more. We are Community Bible Church located in San Antonio, Texas. You may be brand new and want to explore what we are about, or you may have been with us a while but want to learn more. Either way, we are glad you are here! To learn more about Community Bible Church, visit http://www.communitybible.com To connect with us socially: Facebook - https://cbc.social/facebook Twitter - https://cbc.social/twitter Instagram - https://cbc.social/instagram Online Church is a ministry of Community Bible Church. We gather at http://OnlineChurch.com and enjoy good music and a message. We have services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We hope you will find a service or several services that work for you and join us at Online Church. To connect with us socially: Facebook - http://facebook.com/cbconline