June 16, 2019

The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

Luke 16:19-31
19 “There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day.
20 “But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate,
21 “desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell[fn] from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 “So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried.
23 “And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’
25 “But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented.
26 ‘And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’
27 “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house,
28 ‘for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’
29 “Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’
30 “And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’
31 “But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ ”

Main Topics/Questions

Please consider the following topics/questions as you listen to the sermon:
1. How is this parable different from other parables?
2. How do we know the Lazarus of this parable is not the Lazarus in John Chapter 11?
3. What is the main point Jesus is making in Luke 16:19-21?
4. What happens after a believer dies? What happens to non-believers?
5. How do some people misunderstand the Parable of the Rich Man? What is humanity’s biggest problems?
6. What is hell like? In what areas does it appear Jesus is using figurative language?
7. What is the most important point Jesus wants to teach us?

Conclusion:

This is the biggest of the many teaching points here in Christ’s parable. Do you want to encourage people to repent? Do you want people to come to a saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ? Do you want people to go to heaven instead of hell? Give them Scripture. Teach them God’s Word. Preach what the Holy Bible has to say. Because if the Bible doesn’t convince people to repent and believe, nothing else will. Not even a miracle. Without faith in God’s Word even miracles will be misinterpreted. It is only when you believe in Scripture to begin with that miracles make sense and strengthen your faith. So if you want to see the Holy Spirit move in a genuine way give people the Bible the Holy Spirit inspired. Yes it is a stumbling block to some. Yes it is foolishness to others. But to the rest it is the power of God to salvation. So don’t focus on the fluff. People need the Lord and they only get to Him through the Word.

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Do you feel an emptiness in your life? Are you seeking answers but don't know where to look? Have you ever wondered if you are good enough? Please read the summary of the gospel message, "Four Things You Need to Know About God"

Please send an email to the Pastor if you have questions.