Rich Man, Poor Man

Rich Man, Poor Man

Luke 16:19-31

September 11, 2005

Luke 16:19-20 (NLT)

Jesus said, "There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed and who lived each day in luxury. [20] At his door lay a diseased beggar named Lazarus.

A Story of Two Men

 There are many divisions amongst people

– Racial

– Socio-economic

– Cultural

 A man of means and a man with needs

– The needs were in front of the rich man

– We are confronted with needs all around us

 We can choose to address those needs or ignore them

Luke 16:21 (NLT)

As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores.

Many Needs....Many Opportunities

 Lazarus had multiple needs

– Shelter

– Food

– Medical attention

 Our communities have many needs as well

– Hunger

– Clothing

– Medical

– Broken Homes

Luke 16:22-23 (NLT)

Finally, the beggar died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, [23] and his soul went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Lazarus in the far distance with Abraham.

Death is Inevitable

 Death is not the end

– Judgment

– Reward

 Heaven and Hell

– Not figurative places

– Heaven is a place of reward and intimate fellowship

– Hell is a place of judgment and separation

Luke 16:24 (NLT)

The rich man shouted, ’Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in anguish in these flames.’

The Tables Are Turned

 The rich man now knew what it meant to suffer

– He was in eternal torment and pain

– He knew that things could have been different

 The rich man wanted the things that he had never been willing to give

– Mercy

– Compassion

– Help

Luke 16:25-26 (NLT)

"But Abraham said to him, ’Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. [26] And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. Anyone who wanted to cross over to you from here is stopped at its edge, and no one there can cross over to us.’

No Going Back

 The decisions we make today carry eternal weight

– The rich man could not change the choices of his life

– His eternal condition had been determined by his life choices

 Only Jesus can bridge the gap from death to life

– Some will choose Him

– Others will reject Him

Luke 16:27-28 (NLT)

"Then the rich man said, ’Please, Father Abraham, send him to my father’s home. [28] For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them about this place of torment so they won’t have to come here when they die.’

[29] "But Abraham said, ’Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read their writings anytime they want to.’

Sounding the Warning

 The rich man wanted Lazarus to return and warn his family

– Many are facing eternal hell

 God has given many warnings

– His word

– His messengers

– His influence upon your life

Luke 16:30-31 (NLT)

"The rich man replied, ’No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will turn from their sins.’

[31] "But Abraham said, ’If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t listen even if someone rises from the dead.’ "

A Prophetic Statement

 Those who are hard hearted are not easily moved

– They become anesthetized to the move of God

 Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem to die

– The religious leaders of the day would not be swayed by his resurrection either

 You have seen and you have heard

– Will you allow Jesus to be Lord of your life?

**Powerpoint available on request