📖 Sermon 125 – The Rich Man and Lazarus (Part 1)
Date: [no date given]
Text: Luke 16:19–23
Introduction
Jesus presents a vivid contrast between two men: one clothed in luxury, the other covered in sores. Their earthly conditions reverse in eternity. This is not a parable about earthly wealth itself, but about the heart’s response to God, and the eternal consequences of unbelief.
A. “Clothed in purple and fine linen”
A picture of comfort, status, and extravagance.
B. “Fared sumptuously every day”
His life was a continual feast.
He lived for himself.
C. No mention of God
Worldly pleasure filled his horizon.
A. Laid at the rich man’s gate
Full of sores, helpless, humiliated.
B. Desiring the crumbs
He longed for the rich man’s leftovers.
C. The dogs had more compassion
They licked his sores.
Human pity is absent; only animals show kindness.
A. “The beggar died…”
Earthly misery ended.
B. “…and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom”
An image of comfort, fellowship, and eternal blessedness.
C. “The rich man also died…”
Death claims both poor and wealthy alike.
D. “…and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments”
Earthly privilege provides no exemption.
He awakens to judgment.
Conclusion
The first part of this account reveals a sobering truth: earthly conditions do not determine eternal destiny. What matters is faith, humility, and repentance. The story now turns from life to the afterlife — and its lessons grow ever more solemn.
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