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Death: Lazarus & The Rich Man Introduction: That which has been revealed is true and important for us to understand. Jesus wanted us to know about life and death. Luke 16.19-31 is one of the few glimpses the Bible gives us on the subject of what happens after we die. Is it a parable of a true historical event? Jesus is speaking to a group of Pharisees that valued money and public esteem. I) The Account A) Lazarus a poor, destitute man that received evil in this life. B) A rich man that remains unnamed, lived in utter luxury, he had plenty to eat, and never wanted for anything. C) Both men died, the length of time is not important or the cause of death is not give, Proverbs 22.2 II) The Rich Man Learned A) Life does not end at the grave 1. The soul of man is eternal, God created man a spiritual being, the soul returns to God who gave it, Ecc. 12.7b 2. We will be conscious of our condition; this man knew where he was. a. Hades – the realm of the dead, grave, or pit, or hell. We see it is divided into two areas. b. Paradise—Abraham’s bosom, is a place prepared for those that are faithful, Luke 23.43 c, Torment v. 23—Tartarus, place for the unfaithful, 2 Peter 2.4-9 3. The Bible teaches this is not the final place but a place reserved for the unfaithful until the Day of Judgment, 2 Corinthians 5.10 B) He learned that you can not take it with you 1. Material blessings are temporary at best, 1 Timothy 6.17 a. All men die, the rich, the famous, the ordinary, and the poor. b. Those cherished possessions will belong to somebody else c. Our material possessions are just a table at McDonalds 2. There is a difference between what we possess and what is important, Luke 12.15 a. If too busy making a living to pray, to study, to worship God, then you are too busy to go to heaven. b. If you possess too much, get rid of some stuff C) There is no going back or getting out 1. Can not go back to warn others, Luke 16.25,26, 27-29 a. What do we have today? Matthew 17.5 b. What if Jesus walked on the face of the earth today? 2. Can not go back to do all the things you should have done. D) There will be no comfort in hell 1. No temporary relief, he asked for just a drop of water but received none, no pain relief, Matthew 25.30 2. No relief due to relationships, he did not want his brothers to be there. a. Some people are determined to follow the footsteps of their parents no matter where it shall lead them. b. If your father or mother or anyone else is lost they will not want to see you there with them. E) Those who have suffered and done God’s will, will be saved 1. There are times we wonder about the fairness of this life and what we are giving up for the future. 2. Jesus tells us to carry the cross, Matthew 16.24-27 3. We have a reward ahead of us, Romans 8.28 Dennis Tucker. @ Westside Church of Christ 02.18.07 |