"Thou Fool": A Biblical Rebuke of the "Enjoy Life" Philosophy – A 2000-Word Sermon Against Worldly Pleasures
Introduction: Steve Jobs vs. God’s Word

Steve Jobs once said, "The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it's all that matters." This sentiment resonates deeply with modern secular culture, which prioritizes personal fulfillment, pleasure, and self-actualization above all else. Yet, Scripture delivers a starkly different message. In Luke 12:20, God says to the rich fool:


"But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?"

This passage is a divine rebuke against a life consumed by comfort, enjoyment, and materialism. The Bible does not condemn joy or legitimate pleasures, but it utterly rejects the idolatry of happiness as life’s ultimate goal. This sermon will expose the dangers of the "enjoy life" philosophy and call believers to a higher purpose: building eternal treasures in heaven.
I. The Deception of the "Enjoy Life" Gospel
A. The World’s Definition of Happiness

Modern culture preaches that life’s meaning is found in:

Personal fulfillment


Wealth accumulation


Experiential pleasures (travel, luxury, entertainment)


Self-expression above all else

This is the gospel of hedonism—a belief that pleasure is the highest good. But Scripture warns:


"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15)
B. The Rich Fool’s Mistake (Luke 12:16-21)

Jesus tells of a wealthy man who had abundant crops. Instead of honoring God or helping others, he said:


"Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry." (Luke 12:19)

God’s response? "Thou fool!" Why?

He lived for temporary pleasure.


He ignored eternity.


He hoarded rather than invested in God’s kingdom.

This man’s philosophy mirrors Steve Jobs’ statement—yet God calls it foolishness.
II. God’s Warning Against Earthly Pleasures
A. The Danger of Loving This World


"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?" (James 4:4)

Many Christians claim faith but live like the world—chasing money, entertainment, and comfort. Scripture warns:

"She that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth." (1 Timothy 5:6)


"Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep." (Luke 6:25)
B. The Vanity of Earthly Pursuits

Solomon, the wisest and richest king, tried everything—pleasure, wine, great works, and wealth—yet concluded:


"Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity." (Ecclesiastes 1:2)

If even Solomon found worldly pleasures empty, why do we chase them?
III. The Call to Build Eternal Mansions

Jesus said:


"In my Father’s house are many mansions... I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2)

But He also commanded:


"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth... but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven." (Matthew 6:19-20)
A. What Does It Mean to Build Mansions in Heaven?

Soul-Winning – Leading others to Christ stores eternal rewards.

"He that winneth souls is wise." (Proverbs 11:30)


Sacrificial Giving – Investing in God’s work yields heavenly dividends.

"God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love." (Hebrews 6:10)


Suffering for Christ – Enduring persecution brings eternal glory.

"For our light affliction... worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." (2 Corinthians 4:17)
B. The Folly of Living for Today

Many Christians waste their lives:

Obsessed with careers, but neglect soul-winning.


Chasing luxury, but ignore the poor.


Entertained to death, but prayerless.

God’s warning remains: "Thou fool!"
IV. The Urgency of Repentance
A. Death Comes Suddenly

The rich fool thought he had "many years," but God said: "This night thy soul shall be required of thee."

You are not guaranteed tomorrow.


Judgment is coming.


Will God call you a wise steward or a fool?
B. The Final Accounting


"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:10)

Will your life be wood, hay, and stubble (burned up) or gold, silver, and precious stones (rewarded)? (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)
Conclusion: Choose Wisely

Steve Jobs’ philosophy leads to eternal loss. God’s Word commands:

Repent of worldly living.


Seek first the kingdom of God.


Invest in eternity.

Will you be like the rich fool—living for pleasure, only to hear "Thou fool!" at death?

Or will you be like the wise servant—storing up mansions in heaven?

The choice is yours.


"Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." (Proverbs 27:1)

Today is the day to repent and build for eternity.