Prepared by: A. Dale Carter
The Parable of The Renter, The Leaser, & The Owner
Luke 12: 22 - 34

Introduction:

	In this portion of scripture we can see many things:

	A.  God meeting our needs.

	B.  Making serving God the priority in our lives.

	C.  Building up treasure in heaven is more important.

	The fact is that we as individuals have different levels of commitment to Christ.  
For the purpose of preaching lets look at it this way.  There is a completely different 
mentality we a person rents an apartment/house, leases an apartment/house, or buys a 
HOME.

	I believe our commitment to serving God can be broken down the same way and 
the same mentalities apply.

	In a sort overview of this message, I believe that what holds many of you back is 
you have most of you priorities made around you and not God.  Some have gotten so 
caught up in their lives, jobs, families, and hobbies that you have forgotten God.  And 
even as important is that God's blessings and total touch in your life has been hinder by 
your lack of commitment and prioritizing.

	And so goes the church as a direct result of what God is doing in your life.  Thus 
God has given me this parable to give to you.  The Renter, The Leaser, and the Owner.


I.  The Renter (Physical Example)

	A.	The person that rents a place to live is more than likely a sort term tenet.  
This 			person does not want to make a long term commitment to the place 
because 			he wants to be free to leave on a short notice.

	B.	The renter may never completely unpack his boxes and suitcases.  He 
doesn't do much decorating or invest much time in the apartment or house.  After all, he 
is just renting.  Therefore his apartment or house never feels like home.


IA.  The Renter (Spiritual Example)

	A.	In the same way this is a person that has not really sold out to Christ.  
They are 	just trying out the church stuff to see what happens.  Doesn't want to make 
a 
		long term commitment.  Wants to be able to leave without much hindrance 
if he decides too.  Small commitment, small return.

B.	Again, this person never completely unpacks so the church and serving Christ 
never becomes home.  Because they never unpack they continue to carry all 
	the baggage from the place they have moved from.  After a while they normally 
	become discouraged and just move on to some other place.

II.  The Leaser (Physical Example)

	A.	Even though the leaser signs a commitment for a period of time, he is still 	
		setting himself up to be able to leave without a problem.  Just as the renter, 
he 			never really makes the place home.

	B.	In a lease as a rental agreement the client never takes that much of a risk.  	
		Maybe just time.  The landlord does all the work.  Does all repairs and is 	
		expected to keep the facility in a fully operating and livable condition.

IIA.  The Leaser (Spiritual Example)

	A.	This person is ALMOST sold on serving God.  They feel that they will 
hold on for a while but don't want to burn any bridges or send out the change of address 
cards just yet.  

	B.	They enjoy want is happening now, but what if things change.  What if I 
just 			happen to change my mind.  I might backslide or something.  Just 
better sign a 			lease.  "I know I can make it 6 months so lets just take it 6 
months at a time."

III.  The Owner (Physical Example)

	A.	The mentality that comes with the owner is one of being completely 
committed.  They take on the responsibility of the upkeep and maintenance.

	B.	They do not hesitate to completely unpack and decorate.  Instead of 
having just an apartment or house, they have a HOME.

	C.	They are ready to repair, maintain, and defend it.  It is their home.


IIIA.  The Owner (Spiritual Example)

	A.	We see the best example in the scripture we read in the beginning of this 	
		message.  Luke 12 shows us a "Home Owner."  Nothing less is required 
and 			expected of God from us.  He wants us to be completely sold out 
and 				committed to Him.

	B.	Our priorities should be made though Him and not without Him.  Too 
many times we do not even put church in the hat of priorities.  So many excuses not to be 
there.  So many excuse not to get involved.  They are all excuses and Christ will not 
except any of them.

Conclusion:

	In this very last days we must entertain the question of this parable.  Are you a 
Renter, Leaser, or Owner?  The answer to this question also will answer your dilemma. 

	Why must I struggle so much?  Are you a renter, leaser, or owner?

	Why do such hard times fall on me and my family?  Again, Are you a renter, 
leaser, or owner?

	I am not saying that because you may have troubles in your life that your a renter 
or leaser.  Sometimes we have difficulties as owners.  However, most of us have the 
struggles and problems we do because of a lack of commitment.  "Take up your cross and 
follow ME." said Jesus Christ."

	Who are you following?  Jesus Christ or your own wishes and goals.  This 
question can be answered through this parable.

	Are you a Renter, Leaser, or Owner?



Prepared by:  Rev. A. Dale Carter, Jr.