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:
We often study this event in Luke 16
Most of the time our focus is on what happens after death
Today Why was the rich man in Hades instead of Abraham's bosom?
He did nothing
Our first defense is: I didn't do anything.
That is a problem. (See James 4:17)
There is no indication that this man did bad stuff - murder, adultery, rape, plunder
Some assume since he was rich he must have cheated, lied, stolen
Man with 1 talent Matthew 25 did nothing!
5 Foolish virgins did nothing!
There are sins of commission AND omission.
John 15:2, 8 we are expected to bear fruit no fruit = cut off
He was selfish and self-centered
Major problem today look out for Number One (me)
He was clothed in purple and fine linen (expensive)
He lived in splendor every day
NOTE: living in joy, ease, splendor not wrong
Wearing expensive clothing not wrong by itself
Look to motive, purpose (show off)
He had no compassion
He saw Lazarus begging for crumbs, scant clothing, sores
Compassion = inner feeling, understand their plight and seek to help
Car broken down on the side of the road fear? - call 911
Hear about family in need? - Government will take care of them
He was not poor in spirit
Matthew 5:3 - Be Happy Attitude
Poor in spirit = we are spiritually destitute, without Christ, we are nothing
We think we are rich really in spiritual poverty
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,
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
Luke 12:15-21 Rich farmer same problem
Matthew 6:19-20 -
He had no thoughts or concern about heaven and eternity
1 Timothy 6:7 We brought nothing in, will take nothing out
ALL WE TAKE WITH US IS HOW WE LIVED!