Praying From Hell Series

“Praying From Hell”

Luke 16:19-31

1-22-2023 AM

Before Ray Comfort became nationally know he preached a series called Hell’s Best Kept Secret.

He revealed that in one year there was in one denomination over 200,000 professions of salvation and yet there was only 14,000 that could be accounted for in church attendance.

He said that 85-90% of all converts do not know what salvation is.

Matthew 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

In our text we see 2 people who both reach their last day on earth.

A certain rich man and Lazarus

This is not considered a parable. (an earthly story with a spiritual meaning)

1. It names a person specifically

2. Jesus Did not call it a parable.

Let’s look at this portion of scripture and as we examine “Prayers In The Bible”

As we see this passage unfold I notice that there are also two ways of life.

1. Vs. 19 “There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:”

2. Vs. 20-21 “And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.”

Neither one described tells us about their spiritual condition.

You might think without knowing the whole text that the wealth and well dressed “certain man” would have the greatest advantage, and that Lazarus was left alone by God with no hope.

Vs. 22 tells us that the eternal destination does not rely upon our standing while on this earth.

Vs. 23-24 “And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And 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.”

A plea for mercy from the place or torment.

Vs. 25-26 “But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.”

We now see the Prayer From Hell in,

Vs. 27 “Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:”

1. How convenient it was that the message of salvation was available to those alive, and now the rich man’s only hope was a message from someone else.

I have heard these same words from family and friends.

“Please preacher would you go and visit my _______....?”

What is wrong with you?

Scary, it is

Nerves we are.

2. With the taste of a moment in hell and this man does not want anyone else to go there. Vs. 28 “For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.”

It is not too late while we have breath and life to take the Gospel message to someone whom we care for.

3. We see the unexpected answer. Vs. 29 “Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.”

The Word of God is still sufficient to safe the lost, but they must hear the message.

4. He knew the hearts of his five brothers. Vs. 30 “And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.”

They are looking for the supernatural yet the Bible is the message that can and will bring a person unto salvation.

Galatians 3:24 “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”

5. A supernatural event will not persuade a person into their need of a Saviour. Vs. 31 “And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.”

Conclusion:

Shall we wait like this man?

If you are saved there ought to be a hunger to see others saved, especially our own family.

We can spend a lifetime to wait for the perfect moment for the message of salvation to be spoken OR we can speak the truth with love and pray the Holy Spirit will reveal to the lost their need of a Saviour.