Text: Luke 16:19-31
Focused Only on This Life (v. 19)
- Nothing wrong with riches (1 Timothy 6:17) or enjoying life (Ecclesiastes 11:9)
- But wealth & enjoyment are not our ultimate goal (1 Timothy 6:9; Ecclesiastes 7:2-3)
- If we’re not careful, these can turn us away from God (Luke 8:14)
- This world is only temporary (1 John 2:17) — we must lay up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21)
Ignored the Needs of Others (v. 20-21)
- Generosity and a willingness to help should be characteristics of Christians (Galatians 6:10)
- Our responsibility is dependent upon our ability (2 Corinthians 8:12)
Did Not Appeal to God (v. 23-24)
- Interesting that this man appealed to Abraham for mercy — God is the one to whom we should appeal for mercy (Romans 9:15)
- Abraham was the father of the faithful (Romans 4:11) — but our faith must be in God, not in Abraham
Believed He Was Superior to Others (v. 24)
- The Scriptures teach that all men are equal (Genesis 1:27; Acts 17:26)
- This doesn’t mean that one man can’t have others that serve or work for him (Colossians 4:1) — but it must be in an arrangement where the worker/servant is compensated (James 5:4)
Had No Faith in the Power of the Word (v. 27-30)
- We have everything we need in the word of God (John 20:30-31)
- The gospel is the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16)
Read the article: Sins of the Rich Man
