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3 New Testament Fools
TEXT: Luke 12:16-21


 Introduction:

  1. "April Fool" brings a laugh but a New Testament Fool is a tragedy.
  2. The Old Testament specifies the fundamental root of the weed of folly
    Psalm 53:1 – Fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.”
  3. Only by the gospel and by the help of God can man escape these deadly follies.

I. The Materialist Fool serves the material and the fleshly rather than God.

He thinks this will satisfy his inner self. He forgets judgment.

  1. Jesus gives an example - Luke 12:16-21 – Rick farmer
  2. The rich young ruler shows the bondage (Luke 18:18-25)
  3. Zaccheus shows the way to freedom (Luke 19: 1-10).
  4. Jesus states the issue (Luke 16:13),
  5. Jesus states the consequence (Luke 9:23-26)
  6. Each person must choose eternal loss or gain.

II. The Legalist Fool trusts self-righteousness rather than God-righteousness.

He thinks that righteousness is rule keeping and misses the value and necessity of fellowship with the person of God.

  1. Jesus gives an example in the Pharisee
    1. Matthew 23 – Hypocrites
    2. Luke 18:10-14 – Pharisee and tax collector prayers
  2. Paul gives an example in the Jew - Romans 9:30 - 10:3 – being ignorant
  3. Paul gives an example in formality - 2 Timothy 3:5 – having form – deny power
  4. John gives an example in Laodicea - Revelation 3:14-22 - lukewarm
  5. The examples show the consequences.

III. The Rationalist Fool trusts his reasoning rather than the revelation of God's Word. He thinks that his thoughts and his philosophy have more value and understanding than the Word of God.

  1. Paul gives an example in "idol" worship - Romans 1:18-23 – became fools
  2. Paul gives an example in intellectual "wisdom" - 1Corinthians 1:18-25 – Foolishness of God is wiser than men
  3. Peter gives an example of the corruption  - 2 Peter 2:18-22 – escape world and then return = worse condition than before
  4. The examples show the consequences in corruption

Conclusion:

  1. The essence of folly is the exaltation of self and the satisfaction of the flesh.
  2. This exaltation of self dethrones God and denies the authority of the Word of God.
  3. Degradation of life and final judgment from God will always be the consequence.

 

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