Explore the hard truths about the reality of Hell, the consequences of greed, and the urgency of repentance, as illustrated in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31.
Good morning, Church family. We're diving deep today into a passage that really hits hard - Luke 16:19-31.
You know, Watchman Nee once said, "One gains by losing self for others and not by hoarding for oneself." We're going to unpack that today, as we talk about the reality of Hell, the consequences of greed, and the urgency of repentance.
Let me read to you from Luke 16, verses 19 to 31.
[Read passage]
Let's bow our heads for a moment of prayer.
Lord, we come before You, humbly asking for Your guidance as we delve into these hard truths. Please open our hearts and our minds to Your word. Help us to understand, to learn, and to apply these truths in our lives. We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.
Alright, folks, let's get into it.
The reality of Hell is a topic that is often avoided in many circles, even within the Church. It is uncomfortable, it is sobering, and it is frightening. Yet, it is a reality that we must confront if we are to truly understand the fullness of the Gospel message. In our passage today, Jesus paints a vivid picture of Hell as a place of torment, a place of regret, and a place of separation.
The rich man: He lived a life of luxury and comfort but finds himself in torment after death. This is a stark contrast to the popular belief that wealth and comfort in this life equate to favor in the afterlife. The rich man's torment is not just physical, but also emotional and spiritual. He is in agony, longing for even a drop of water to cool his tongue. This is a clear depiction of the suffering that awaits those who reject God's grace and mercy. Hell is not a place of rest or peace, but of unending torment.
A place of regret: The rich man, in his torment, remembers his life on earth. He remembers his wealth, his comfort, and his disregard for Lazarus, the poor man who lay at his gate. In Hell, he is confronted with the reality of his choices and their eternal consequences. This regret is a torment in itself, a constant reminder of the opportunities he had to repent and turn to God, but chose not to.
A place of separation: The rich man is separated from Abraham and Lazarus by a great chasm. This chasm represents the finality of death and the eternal consequences of our choices in this life. Once we die, there is no crossing over from Hell to Heaven. The choices we make in this life determine our eternal destiny. This is why the message of the Gospel is so urgent and so important. It is a message of life and death, of Heaven and Hell.
Hell was not created for us: It was created for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). God does not desire for any of us to perish, but for all of us to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Hell is a reality, but it is not a reality that we have to face. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can escape the torment of Hell and look forward to an eternity in Heaven.
Sober and motivate us: It should motivate us to live our lives in light of eternity, to share the Gospel with those who do not know Christ, and to live in a way that honors God. The reality of Hell should also fill us with gratitude for the grace and mercy of God, who has provided a way for us to escape this terrible fate.
The rich man, who lived in luxury, showed no compassion or care for Lazarus, who was poor and suffering ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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