The Path to Dives' Destination
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Jesus reveals details about Hell and why it was Dives' destination in the parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man.
Text: Luke 16:19-26
Date: 08/04/2024, the Combined service.
Series: "Luke: Thy Kingdom Come" Part 159
Description:
After establishing how His disciples should utilize "unrighteous wealth" for the good of the Kingdom, and then responding to the ridicule of the Pharisees-- Jesus tells an epic parable of the consequences of the lust for mammon. In this message we will begin to study the parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man, focusing on just two aspects of this unusually complex parable. First we will analyze the dramatic relationship between the two men, both in the "here and now" and the "not yet". Then we will compile a list of the details and principles Jesus reveals about the nature of eternal judgment in Hell. Finally, we will discuss what made the rich man's sin so egregious as to pave his pathway to Hades. Ultimately, we will recognize the reality of eternal physical retribution and how serious the love of money is in determining the path to Dives' destination.
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I. Introduction
II. Exposition of the text, Luke 16:19-26.
A. Context
B. Redefining wealth and poverty.
1. The rich man, vs. 19.
a. The man's wealth.
i. Not a parable condemning wealth.
ii. What it means to be "rich".
1) The illustration of the rich fool, Luke 12:16,21.
2) Jesus' logic on stewardship, Luke 16:11,12.
3) The error of confusing true wealth, Mark 8:36.
b. The man's clothes.
i. The extravagant material, Gen. 41:42.
ii. The extravagant color, Rev. 17:4.
c. The man's lifestyle, Luke 12:19.
d. The rich man's significance, Rom. 3:2-1.
2. The poor man, vs. 20-21.
a. A desperate condition, vs. 20.
i. Laid at the gate.
1) A place for benevolence, Acts 3:2.
2) A place for judgment, Ruth 4:1,2.
ii. The poorest of the poor.
iii. What's in a name?
iv. The nature of his sores, Job 2:7.
b. A desperate situation, vs. 21.
i. Longing for crumbs.
1) A biblical illustration, Mark 7:27-28.
2) A personal illustration.
ii. A pitiful scene.
c. Making the comparison in the "here and now".
3. The death of the two men, vs. 22.
a. The rich man's death.
i. A lavish burial.
ii. The finality of the grave, Rom. 6:23.
b. The poor man's death.
i. The poor man's funeral.
ii. On the wings of angels.
1) Carried by angels.
2) The bosom of Abraham.
3) A powerful image, John 13:23; Luke 14:15.
4. The destination of the rich man, vs. 23.
a. The meaning of "Hades".
i. Hell is a place for the dead.
ii. Hell is a place of torment.
b. A shocking revelation.
i. Hell is a place of consciousness.
ii. The unexpected sight, 2Chr. 20:7.
c. The view of the Pharisees, John 9:1-3; Job 36:11-12.
5. The cry for mercy, vs. 24.
a. The issue of mercy.
b. Hell is a place of physical pain, Isa. 66:24; Luke 3:17; Rev. 19:20, 20:10,14,15.
c. Hell is not remedial.
6. Abraham's reasoned response, vs 25-26.
a. Hell is a place of justice, vs. 25.
b. Hell is a place of final separation, vs. 26.
III. Application
A. The principles concerning Hell.
B. The principles concerning unrighteous mammon.
IV. Conclusion, Ezek. 16:48-50.
