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Scripture Reading: Luke 16:19-24

What a Sinner Learned After Death

 

Intro.

1.  The only time some will think of death is at a funeral, Eccl. 7:1-2 (Isa. 5:11-12).

2.  God wants you to think about your death, Ps. 90:10-12; 39:4-6.

3.  Luke 16:19-31: Jesus spoke of a sinner and lessons he learned after his death. We must learn these lessons while alive in anticipation of our death.

 

I.  LESSONS LEARNED AFTER DEATH, Luke 16:19-31.

  A.  He Learned Earthly Wealth is Nothing, Luke 16:19-22 (Eccl. 5:15). (You can’t take it with you.)

    1.  We must not trust in riches, 16:14.

      a.  No satisfaction of the soul, Eccl. 5:10-12 (4:8); Matt. 16:26.

      b.  No benefit from hoarding wealth, Eccl. 5:13.

      c.  No assurance of a legacy of money, Eccl. 2:21.

    2.  The riches of the righteous.

      a.  Worldly view of wealth is indulgent living, Luke 12:15-19.

      b.  Righteous motivated by blessings to do good with possessions, Luke 12:20-21; 16:20-21; 1 Tim. 6:17-19; Ps. 49:16-20.

  B.  He Learned Punishment for Sin is Real, Painful, and Eternal, Luke 16:23-25. (“I am in agony in this flame!”)

    1.  Hell is hot and it hurts, Mark 9:43-48.

      a.  God will punish sinners after death, Rom 2:5, 8-9 (2 Thess. 1:8-9).

      b.  God desires our salvation as long as we live, 1 Tim. 2:3-4.

    2.  Its punishment it is unending and cannot be eased, Luke 16:24.

      a.  It is as unending as the rest of the saints, Rev. 14:10-13.

      b.  The torment of the wicked is forever and ever, Rev. 20:10, 15.

  C.  He Learned Death is Permanent, Eccl. 9:3-6. (“You will never pass this way again!”)

    1.  Death permanently ends material existence, Luke 16:27, 30.

      a.  Doctrines of reincarnation, future lives on earth, etc. – false.

      b.  Resurrection of the dead is not for life on earth, 1 Cor. 15:50.

    2.  Death permanently brings rest or punishment, Luke 16:24-26; Rev. 14:13.

      a.  While this describes events before the Day of Judgment, it foreshadows the eternal reward and punishment, Heb. 9:27.

      b.  Unimaginable sorrow and suffering, or indescribable rest and peace, Matt. 13:49-50; Rom. 2:7-10 (Phil. 1:23)

  D.  He Learned Misery Does Not Love Company, Luke 16:27-28. (Where have all the good times gone?)

    1.  Sinners entice weak and naïve to join them in sin (Prov. 1:10-19).

      a.  They don’t hang around when trouble comes – they leave you holding the bag, Prov. 18:24; 27:6.

        (1)  The young boy who says before marriage: “if you love me you’ll have sex with me!”

        (2)  The drug dealer who offers you a joint, a pill, a line: “the first one’s on me!”

        (3)  The drinker says, “Have a drink, just one!” Prov. 23:31-32

        (4)  The immoral woman who entices the fool, Prov. 7:7, 21-27.

      b.  Endure temptations and resist the devil, James 1:12; 4:7.

  E.  He Learned the Inspired Word of God (Bible) is Sufficient, Luke 16:27-31. (Do not refuse Him who speaks.)

    1.  It is enough to convict and convert sinners, John 16:8; 2 Tim. 3:16.

      -Godly sorrow and repentance:

        (1)    cf. King Josiah, 2 Chron. 34:14-21, 27-28.

        (2)   cf. Bereans, Acts 17:11-12.

    2.  It is enough to complete us in Christ, 2 Tim 3:17.

      a.  Without using creeds, confessions, or catechisms.

      b.  By using the powerful word of God, Col 1:28.

      c.  Hear Jesus.

 

Conclusion

1.  We must learn these lessons now and obey God before we die in sin.

2.  Judgment awaits; Will we have rest or regret when we die?

 

 

(Adapted from sermon by Justin Monts)

 

 

By: Joe R. Price

Posted August 26, 2022