Hell and The Gospel

Introduction - Weighing Consequences

In fact, studies show that the part of the brain that comprehends action/consequence may not even fully develop until 25 years of age.

But understanding the consequences of our actions is not the same as considering them.

Human Beings do not look death in the eyes.

It really doesn’t matter why we don’t,

But we agree right?

Nobody looks death in the eyes until death grabs you by the face to stare at you.

Sometimes from a near death experience

sometimes from illness

sometimes from the death of a loved one

Yet just as quickly as we look at death, we turn away. We do everything we can to forget what we saw.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry says understanding actions and consequences comes at 25 years of age.

But I’m not so sure that we consider those consequences Cedar View.

We have been blessed this morning to participate in the ordinance of Baptism.

We have been blessed because at every utterance of the gospel the Christian has the been given the grace of God to be conformed into Christ’s image just a little more.

We saw the Gospel demonstrated through the baptism of Seth.

as he stood

Seth was buried with Christ in baptism, and raised to newness of life.

Was submerged,

and lifted out of the water,

Painting us yet again the picture

Our text this morning speaks of 2 men

One man was buried and did not rise again.

One man will hear the Word of God, and believe the Word with the consequence of eternal life

Another man will hear the Word of God, and reject the Word, with the consequence of eternal damnation

The focus of the passage is on the man who did not rise.

The tone of this passage is heavy, mournful, sober

We will come out the other side rejoicing in the Gospel, but first we must behold the consequences of Adam’s actions. The consequences of our own.

We must behold the consequences of Adam’s actions. The consequences of our own.

For we can only understand the heights of grace and mercy when we behold the depths of God’s wrath upon the unrighteous, like you and I once were.

Who is your ONE?

Keep them in in mind as we explore our text this morning.

Our theme this morning is our battle cry marching into a lost and condemned world:

The Word of God is our Richest Treasure, and our Only Hope of Salvation from God’s Wrath

To explain our theme to a lost and condemned world we will examine 3 PROCLAMATIONS this morning

Proclaim that Man's Feasts will Fade (v.19-23)

Proclaim that Tomorrow's Torment is Everlasting (v.24-31)

Proclaim the Hope of Lazarus (v.22,25,31)

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Proclaim that Man’s Feasts Will Fade ()

Introduction - Weighing Consequences

Read

In fact, studies show that the part of the brain that comprehends action/consequence may not even fully develop until 25 years of age.

But understanding the consequences of our actions is not the same as considering them.

Who is your ONE?

Look at the feasting of the Rich Man this morning an consider what feasts your ONE might enjoy in this life that distracts them from the gospel.

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v.19 - A Rich Man

What is a rich man in America? If I took a poll of every member here at Cedar View, my guess is that not a single one of us would consider ourselves rich.

It can be helpful at times though to recall from history different understandings of wealth.

Christian, consider that Luke, in describing this Rich Man, was making it explicitly clear to the reader that this man was extremely wealthy.

When Luke wrote his gospel, a man wearing purple that feasts every day would be understood to be on par with royalty, if not actually royalty.

By regarding his food and his clothes.

A Rich Man

Clothed in purple and fine linen - signs of royalty

Feasting in abundance daily

Why does Luke emphasize these details?

We are not just told that this is a Rich Man but we are SHOWN that he is a rich man

And then Luke introduces the poor man

So rich in our culture can be more difficult to define. But wealth and poverty are always understood in relation to one another.

So rich in our culture can be more difficult to define. But wealth and poverty are always understood in relation to one another.

Praise God that we literally have food in abundance, and where we don’t have the most expensive clothes available like the Rich Man did, we do have quality clothes that many lack.

So how then do we apply the text? Considering our ONE, do we compare them to the Rich Man or to Lazarus?

To help us better understand and apply “Beware of Today’s Feast” let us move on from the Rich Man and introduce Lazarus

v.20-21 - A Poor Man

Read 20-21

“And at his gate...”

Remember that the Rich Man is the main character in this story. Lazarus is introduced as a supporting actor, a part of the setting to demonstrate fully the overwhelming wealth and status of the Rich Man.

And like the Rich Man’s description, Luke does not merely tell us that Lazarus is poor, but Luke demonstrates to us clearly the DETAILS of his poverty.

Laid at the Gate - Likely the place that the desperate, crippled, and homeless came to beg and panhandle in this day

Covered with sores

Desired just the crumbs from the table

Dogs came to lick his sores.

Consider these 2 men.

One Rich enough to own a gate, ---- the other so poor he can merely beg beneath it.

One clothed in the clothes of royalty, ---- the other clothed in open and weeping sores

One eating to excess every day, ---- the other begging to eat the crumbs from the floor

One lacking no comfort, ---- the other so desperate for comfort that only the dogs of the street came to offer relief from his pain.

There exists a divide in this life Christian.

There are those that have and those that have not.

We see first hand the feasts of this life.

Either at our own table or at our neighbors.

There are some of us and many in our community that devote their entire lives to becoming Rich Men.

But

They strive and push to indulge in all of Man’s Feasts to show themselves approved in retirement, to live in comfort, ease, and abundance.

To clothe themselves in purple, to feast daily

Luke wants us as the reader to behold the feasts the Rich Man and the table crumbs of Lazarus.

But Christian, the terror of this text begins as we read v.22-23

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I would hazard to guess that most of us in here have not interacted with a homeless man or woman in the past year maybe even the past 5 years. Since living in Olive Branch I have not myself because it is just far less common to see in rural areas.

But so just as it is difficult to define wealth in our culture, who in our culture can relate to Lazarus?

But so just as it is difficult to define wealth in our culture, who in our culture can relate to Lazarus?

Certainly the Homeless Man

Certainly the Orphan and the Widow

In a culture where even most “Lazarus’s” are able to eat and clothe themselves, must we say that ONLY homeless individuals can identify with Lazarus?

But what of the Man in Crippling Debt?

What of the Man with Terminal Illness?

I do not think so. While the homeless man certainly sees himself in Lazarus I think we can broaden this out as well.

What of the Man Separated from His Family by Force?

What of the Man Who Cannot Seem to Work enough Hours to Pay His Bills?

What of the Woman Feeling Trapped in an Abusive Relationship?

There are many listed here and many more that we could name that feel as though the world has let them pass by.

Many that feel there is no end or escape to the dangers and pitfalls of our society.

Consider what the credit system has done to the general population of America.

v. 22-23 - Who Am I?

My goal in speaking to you so far is to make you feel some tension as you try to place yourself as either a Rich Man, or as Lazarus in the story.

I am convinced that in this life, on this side of eternity, far more of us switch between Rich Man and Lazarus than those that are from cradle to grave rich or poor.

Christian, Man’s Feasts will fade upon death.

Now understanding the intention of this parable, I think we are given the freedom to say that a feast may not be literally food for you or your ONE

Maybe they have a feast of income. Their money distracts them from the gospel.

Maybe they have a feast of family or friendships, and those relationships push them and turn them away from the gospel.

Maybe they have a feast of pride, and that pride pushes out of their mind the need for a Savior

Maybe they simply have a feast of Ease, and they simply have never encountered true hardship in their lives

If you are here this morning and your ONE is devoting their life to bridging the divide between yourself and the “Rich Man” of their dreams then we must shout at them to WAKE UP

Our end comes more swiftly than we realize.

Let us not allow the feasts of today distract our ONE from the reality of tomorrow.

Let us not stand accused by our ONE that we never told them of the true and better feast, the Wedding Supper of the Lamb

Let us not stand accused that we did not tell our ONE of the true and better clothes, the garments of righteousness won by Jesus Christ.

Let us not stand accused of withholding true wealth from our ONE, every spiritual blessing lavished upon God’s people in wisdom and insight.

We MUST recognize, appreciate, and beware of those feasts that we enjoy in this life. There are some like Lazarus that never see such blessing in this life. Most of us however see both abundance and lack as we move through different seasons in this world.

We MUST recognize, appreciate, and beware of those feasts that we enjoy in this life. There are some like Lazarus that never see such blessing in this life. Most of us however see both abundance and lack as we move through different seasons in this world.

Maybe they have a feast of income. Their money distracts them from the gospel.

Maybe they have a feast of family or friendships, and those relationships push them and turn them away from the gospel.

Maybe they have a feast of pride, and that pride pushes out of their mind the need for a Savior

Maybe they simply have a feast of Ease, and they simply have never encountered true hardship in their lives

The Rich Man personifies everything you could ever want or desire in this life.

Now

v. 23 -

Conclusion - Our Time is Coming

The Rich Man had all he could need, want, or imagine. His wealth was such that he either ignored the man begging at his table or he simply did not even notice.

The Rich Man personifies everything you could ever want or desire in this life.

In this fallen world we can see that there are few things black and white.

Few of us would say that we resemble the Rich Man in every area of life, Many if not all of us would say that we resemble the Rich Man in SOME areas of life.

This fallen world is fluid, unsettled, ever changing.

So as we examine the Rich Man in life we must recognize that Man’s Feasts Will Fade

But as we continue we will see that where in life experiences are fluid and unsettled, in death, all things are final, all things are absolute absolute.

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The Word of God is our Richest Treasure, and our Only Hope of Salvation from God’s Wrath

Proclaim that Man's Feasts will Fade (v.19-23)

And

Proclaim that Tomorrow's Torment is Everlasting (v.24-31)

Proclaim that Tomorrow’s Torment is Everlasting ()

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V.24-26 - Deliver Me

V.24-26 -

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Church this is a sobering story to hear. If you are not moved by the terror of what we are reading then I challenge you to ask yourself, “Do I consider the wrath of God or God Himself someone to be feared?

You will never experience deeper joy and appreciation for the work of Jesus Christ on the cross then when you consider God and His wrath that you deserve.

Hear this morning this Rich Man’s story and remind yourself that you should be joining him in hell apart from Christ. Allow yourself Christian, to feel the terror and hopelessness from this man.

Because Tomorrow’ Torment is Everlasting.

The Rich Man is in hell, being in torment.

As he sees Abraham he somehow recognizes him immediately.

What is the first thing from the Lips of the Rich Man?

Have mercy on me.

Then this man has the audacity to ask Abraham to send Lazarus, a man on whom the Rich Man never bothered to show mercy or care for as he reached desperately for the crumbs from his table, to give him but a drop of water, for he is in anguish in the flame.

Now feel the weight of Abraham’s gentle but decisive words

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Abraham bears no hatred or animosity toward the Rich Man because there is no need. All anger, vengeance, and retribution was and is being accomplished by God through hell.

But the news that Abraham delivers to the Rich Man is a Cold truth to challenge the fires of Hell itself “A great chasm has been fixed”

But the news that Abraham delivers to the Rich Man is a Cold truth to challenge the fires of Hell itself “A great chasm has been fixed”

Christian allow the horror of the Rich Man to motivate you as you consider your ONE.

Behold this terrible, this glorious reversal between the Rich Man and Lazarus

Where he had every comfort of this world, Lazarus now has every comfort in Christ

Where the Rich Man feasted on bread daily, Lazarus now feasts on and with the Bread of Life

The Word of God is our Richest Treasure, and our Only Hope of Salvation from God’s Wrath

Proclaim that Man's Feasts will Fade (v.19-23)

But Tomorrow’s Chasm is Everlasting

Proclaim that Tomorrow's Torment is Everlasting (v.24-31)

The Rich Man hears these words from Abraham and it seems he recognizes immediately that they are true.

V.27-28 - Deliver my Family

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The Rich Man does not continue arguing his defense but he immediately asks regarding his family, that they might not join him in torment.

Now we ought to feel every bit of sorrow and pity due a man experiencing the wrath of God.

I'm sure many of us here know loved ones, or know of other’s loved ones that have died without any assurance of their salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

This is a realty that is painful.

But don’t misunderstand, the Rich Man was not repentant, nor did he see the error of his ways, even in hell

The Rich Man wanted the torment to cease but he did declare Jesus as Lord

And we see AGAIN the audacity of the Rich Man who doesn't even consider Lazarus worthy of being addressed.

The Rich Man speaks to Abraham directly and assumes Lazarus to be of low enough station that he can be his errand boy to deliver water to his lips and a message to his family.

V. 29-31 - Denial of Delivering Power

And yet Abraham’s response was simple:

Look to the Bible

And it is here that we see the heart of the Rich Man.

We see the horror of the man in Hell

and we ought to look on in sorrow as we view the utter blindness of the poor Rich Man

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The Rich Man denied the means of salvation to a lost world. The Word itself.

Surely a man raised from the dead would convince them!

But Abraham’s response should teach us something about our responsibility to our ONE

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Christian, if you think for a second that you lack the ability, that you lack the knowledge, or that you lack the personality to share the gospel with your ONE then I am here to tell you alongside Abraham .

Your responsibility is not to convince your responsibility is not to convict. It is not even your responsibility to elaborate when it comes down to it but you ARE responsible to proclaim the word of God to a lost and dying world for the gospel in the WORD OF GOD is the power of God for salvation through Jesus Christ.

There is nothing Cedar View could ever do, no event, no VBS, no revival, that could ever be more flashy or more convincing than seeing a man raised from the dead.

And Abraham says if they don’t hear the Word of God and believe, then dead men walking wont convince them either

Be relieved Christian this morning that the weight and power of salvation does not rest on your shoulders.

But be challenged Christian that we are merely called to proclaim the Word and we still often fail to do even that.

Let the story of this Rich Man light a fire in you.

Let the despair of hell motivate you to proclaim the Word to your ONE and others.

Our last day is fast approaching and for all those apart from Jesus Christ, torment, thirst, and despair is all that awaits them.

Ma

The Word of God is our Richest Treasure, and our Only Hope of Salvation from God’s Wrath

Proclaim that Man's Feasts will Fade (v.19-23)

Proclaim that Man's Feasts will Fade (v.19-23)

Tomorrow’s Chasm is Everlasting

Proclaim that Tomorrow's Torment is Everlasting (v.24-31)

But what hope can we share with a lost and dying world?

As I said before, this is the Rich Man’s story and Lazarus was just a supporting character.

But consider Lazarus as an opportunity to share Christ with a hurting world.

Proclaim the Hope of Lazarus (v.22,25,31)

Conclusion: Rejoice in True Hope

Proclaim the Hope of Lazarus (, , )

In the main plot of our parable this morning we see the Rich Man descend from height of this world’s riches down to the deepest Despair of God’s Eternal Wrath

But we also see another story unfold in the background. The Story of Lazarus

Look with me at verses 22, 25, 31.

V.22 - A Poor Man Dies

First we see a poor man die.

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But in a twist of fate we do not pity the poor man in his death but we pity the rich man!

The Rich Man was buried and immediately entered torment, but PRAISE GOD Lazarus the Poor Man was immediately carried, escorted, straight to paradise to be with God forever!

The Poor Man was carried on the backs of angels to Heaven like royalty.

The Rich Man’s purple robes burned immediately in the fires of God’s judgement.

Because not only did Laz

V.25 - A Poor Man is Made Rich

Second we see a poor man made rich

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In nothing short of God’s Common Grace extended to all mankind, the Rich Man enjoyed every comfort under the sun in this life.

But tell me, who was shown more grace?

The Rich Man who had every comfort in life but is no living out his 2000th year out of eternity in hellfire?

Or the poor man who did not even have the comforts of a home or health in this life but was pardoned his sin by his faith in the gospel?

Is this not a good news worth sharing Cedar View?

That EVEN IF we compare the WEALTHIEST, HAPPIEST, MOST SENSATIONAL Rich Man this world has to offer

and the lowest, poorest, most terminally ill and suffering individual this world has to offer

Listen to me, because this is the hope of Lazarus

Even the poorest man, is Richer in Christ,

Than the richest man, not covered by the blood.

In the main plot of our parable this morning we see the Rich Man descend from height of this world’s riches down to the deepest Despair of God’s Eternal Wrath

In this supporting character Lazarus, we see a Poor Man, ascend from the depths of human pain, lacking, and struggle, up to the highest Hope of God’s Eternal Mercies and Graces

V.31 - How do we Proclaim the Hope of Lazarus?

So how do we proclaim this hope?

Abraham gives us our answer

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I said it before but I did not explain it. Abraham saying Moses and the Prophets is shorthand for the entire Old Testament.

The Old Testament when this event took place was the Entire Bible for Christians like Luke and Lazarus.

We now have the Books of the New Testament preserved and added to the Old Testament.

I say all of that to say, Abraham simply means “if someone does not hear the truth of the gospel from God’s Word, then they will not be convinced no matter what you do”

Now why is that such a great hope to you Cedar View?

Church, rejoice with me that our job is not to persuade someone of the gospel but to PROCLAIM the gospel!

There is not a single person in this church that can’t read the Word to their ONE, even if that is all you do!

I am going to give you this one example then I will wrap up what we have seen this morning

If you are at a loss, as to what you should do with your ONE then let me encourage you in saying step one is MERELY BEING THEIR FRIEND.

Like speak to them regularly, ask them about their life, be their friend.

But if you don’t know what to do from there, then listen up.

We have access to a gospel tract written by Pastor named Paul Washer

That literally just walks through a series of bible passages with the intention of explaining their sin, their need, their Savior, and their opportunity for repentance.

For those of us in here that do not feel equipped to answer questions, THAT IS OK

I would encourage you if possible to sit down with your ONE

Read through the tract and the passages together, out loud

When you finished or as you go ask them if they have any questions that they would like more information on

Ask them if they would be comfortable with you bringing their questions to Pastor Matt

WRITE DOWN THOSE QUESTIONS IN A NOTEBOOK AS THEY ASK

Bring Matt the questions and you discuss them

Conclusion

Guys it really is that SIMPLE, because praise God the power for salvation is found in the Word of God not in you or in me

But I know that just because something is simple, does not mean it is easy.

As you consider your ONE, consider the blessings and graces God has bestowed on them in this life.

But be fearful for your ONE, Because Man’s Feasts Will Fade

As you consider your ONE, consider that our lives are fleeting and unpredictable

And mourn for your ONE Because Tomorrow’s Torment is Everlasting

Let the story of this Rich Man light a fire in you.

Let the despair of hell motivate you to proclaim the Word to your ONE and others.

Our last day is fast approaching and for all those apart from Jesus Christ, torment, thirst, and despair is all that awaits them.

Let your anticipation and your dread of coming judgement light a fire in you today

But what should motivate you even more than the dread of your ONE facing hell,

Is knowing that God is deserving of ALL WORSHIP, and that he is worthy of you proclaiming Him to a lost world.

If fear, dread, and mourning for the lost are the flame of your motivation that burns bright

Then your love and zeal for God’s glory ought to be the white hot coals of your motivation that burns hot and keeps the flame alive.

our motivation that burns hot and keeps the flame alive.

As Josh comes, know that Matt and I will be down in front to speak with you during the time of response.

I challenge you this morning to take ownership of your ONE. And if you still have not selected a person as your ONE then to do so.

Our passage this morning told us of a Rich Man that heard the Word of God, but rejected it. And he is experiencing the wrath of God as we speak today.

Tragically, some of our ONE’s may hear the Word of God from our lips and reject it.

But Cedar View, let it never be said of us that we had the Word of God, the power for salvation, yet we kept our lips shut.

Pray with me