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TITLE: Why was the Rich Man Lost?

TEXT: Luke 16:19 "There once was a rich man, expensively dressed in the latest fashions, wasting his days in conspicuous consumption.

PROPOSITION: The rich man was lost because of his attitude more than his actions and sins of commission.

QUESTION: Why?

KEY WORD: Reasons

Introduction:

  1. We often study this event in Luke 16

  2. Most of the time our focus is on what happens after death

  3. Today – Why was the rich man in Hades instead of Abraham's bosom?

He did nothing

  1. Our first defense is: “I didn't do anything.”

  2. That is a problem. (See James 4:17)

  3. There is no indication that this man did “bad stuff” - murder, adultery, rape, plunder

  4. Some assume – since he was rich – he must have cheated, lied, stolen

  5. Man with 1 talent – Matthew 25 – did nothing!

  6. 5 Foolish virgins – did nothing!

  7. There are sins of commission AND omission.

  8. John 15:2, 8 – we are expected to bear fruit – no fruit = cut off

He was selfish and self-centered

  1. Major problem today – look out for Number One (me)

  2. He was clothed in purple and fine linen (expensive)

  3. He lived in splendor every day

    1. NOTE: living in joy, ease, splendor – not wrong

    2. Wearing expensive clothing not wrong – by itself

    3. Look to motive, purpose (show off)

He had no compassion

  1. He saw Lazarus – begging for crumbs, scant clothing, sores

  2. Compassion = inner feeling, understand their plight and seek to help

    1. Car broken down on the side of the road – fear? - call 911

    2. Hear about family in need? - Government will take care of them

He was not “poor in spirit”

  1. Matthew 5:3 - Be “Happy” Attitude

  2. Poor in spirit = we are spiritually destitute, without Christ, we are nothing

  3. We think we are rich – really in spiritual poverty

  4. Revelation 3:17 – Laodicea – Because you say, I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing, and do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked,

  5. Message Bible - You brag, 'I'm rich, I've got it made, I need nothing from anyone,' oblivious that in fact you're a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless.

He laid up treasures on earth, not in heaven

  1. Luke 12:15-21 – Rich farmer – same problem

  2. Matthew 6:19-20 -

  3. He had no thoughts or concern about heaven and eternity

  4. 1 Timothy 6:7 – We brought nothing in, will take nothing out

  5. ALL WE TAKE WITH US IS HOW WE LIVED!



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