Eternal Perspectives: Faith, Compassion, and God's Kingdom
Summary
Today’s teaching focused on the story of the rich man and Lazarus from Luke 16, a parable that draws a stark contrast between two men: one who lived in daily luxury and another who suffered in poverty and sickness. The rich man, clothed in purple—a color so costly it was worth more than gold—enjoyed every comfort, while Lazarus, utterly destitute, longed for even the discarded scraps from the rich man’s table. Yet, in death, their fortunes were reversed: Lazarus was comforted at Abraham’s side, and the rich man found himself in torment, separated by an unbridgeable chasm.
This story reminds us that death and judgment are the great equalizers. No matter our status or possessions, every person will face eternity, and our choices now determine our eternal destination. Earthly success, wealth, or status do not guarantee a place with God. What matters is a genuine relationship with Him—a faith that transforms our hearts and priorities. Lazarus was not saved by his suffering, nor was the rich man condemned for his wealth; rather, it was the posture of their hearts toward God and others that made the difference.
We are challenged to examine where our focus lies. Are we building our own kingdoms, or are we using what God has given us to serve His purposes? Jesus modeled a life of self-sacrifice and service, calling us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. When loving God becomes our greatest priority, it reshapes every other area of our lives—our families, our work, our ambitions.
Finally, we are called to be attentive and responsive to the needs around us. The rich man knew Lazarus by name, yet did nothing to help him. True faith is never indifferent; it moves us to action, to love our neighbors in practical ways. As a church, we are invited to step into opportunities to serve, not just as a one-time event, but as a daily posture of living with others in mind. In doing so, we reflect the heart of Jesus and open doors for others to encounter His love.
Key Takeaways
- Eternity is Real and Urgent
Heaven and hell are not abstract ideas but real destinations, and every person will spend eternity in one or the other. The parable warns us that once we cross into eternity, our destination is set—there is no second chance to change course. This truth calls us to live with a sense of urgency, not presuming on tomorrow, but responding to God’s invitation today. [38:38]
- Earthly Success Does Not Equal Eternal Security
The world’s measures of success—wealth, comfort, status—do not impress God or secure our place with Him. The rich man’s luxury did nothing for him in eternity, while Lazarus, though destitute, was welcomed by God. What matters is not what we have, but who we trust and how we live in light of that trust. [42:04]
- The Heart’s Focus: Building God’s Kingdom, Not Our Own
God is not against success or resources, but He cares deeply about the orientation of our hearts. When our lives are centered on building our own kingdoms, we miss the call to serve and sacrifice for others as Jesus did. True discipleship means letting God’s priorities reshape our ambitions, relationships, and daily choices. [45:04]
- True Faith is Expressed in Compassionate Action
Knowing about the needs around us is not enough; genuine faith compels us to act. The rich man’s failure was not ignorance, but indifference—he saw Lazarus daily and did nothing. We are called to create space in our busy lives to notice, care for, and serve those in need, reflecting the kindness and love of Christ. [51:40]
- Living with Eternal Perspective
Psalm 90:12 urges us to “number our days” so we may gain wisdom. Remembering the brevity of life helps us focus on what truly matters—loving God, serving others, and living as light in the world. When we live with eternity in view, our priorities shift, and our lives become a testimony to God’s grace and purpose. [56:40]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[30:08] - Announcements and Spanish Service Update
[31:15] - Introduction to Luke 16
[32:04] - The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
[33:56] - Contrasts Between the Rich Man and Lazarus
[34:37] - The Significance of Purple and Wealth
[36:23] - The Depth of Lazarus’ Poverty
[37:55] - The Great Equalizer: Death and Judgment
[38:38] - The Reality of Heaven and Hell
[40:10] - Earthly Success vs. Eternal Value
[43:16] - The True Basis for Salvation
[44:25] - Building God’s Kingdom, Not Our Own
[45:53] - The Call to Self-Denial and Following Jesus
[48:48] - The Sheep and the Goats: Serving the Least
[51:40] - Compassion in Action: Loving Our Neighbor
[53:20] - Practical Opportunities to Serve
[56:40] - Living with Eternal Perspective and Closing Prayer
[01:02:43] - Prayer Teams and Connection Opportunities
[01:03:44] - Final Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16)
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### Bible Reading
- Luke 16:19-31 (The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus)
- Matthew 25:31-46 (The Sheep and the Goats)
- Psalm 90:12 (“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”)
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### Observation Questions
1. In the parable, what are some of the main differences between the rich man and Lazarus in their daily lives? ([33:56])
2. What does the “great chasm” between the rich man and Lazarus after death represent? ([38:38])
3. According to Matthew 25, what kinds of actions does Jesus say are done “for Him”? ([49:45])
4. What does Psalm 90:12 encourage us to do, and why? ([56:40])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to highlight that the rich man knew Lazarus by name, yet did nothing to help him? What does this say about the difference between awareness and action? ([51:40])
2. The sermon says that neither wealth nor poverty determined the eternal destiny of the two men, but rather the posture of their hearts. What does it look like to have a heart that is truly oriented toward God? ([43:16])
3. How does living with an “eternal perspective” change the way someone might approach their daily priorities and ambitions? ([56:40])
4. In Matthew 25, why do you think Jesus connects serving “the least of these” with serving Himself? What does this reveal about God’s heart for people? ([49:45])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to “examine where our focus lies.” Are there areas in your life where you are more focused on building your own kingdom than God’s? What is one step you could take this week to shift your focus? ([44:25])
2. The rich man saw Lazarus every day but did nothing. Is there someone in your life or community whose needs you have noticed but not acted on? What is one practical thing you could do for them this month? ([51:40])
3. Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. What is one comfort, habit, or ambition you might need to “deny” in order to better serve God and others? ([45:53])
4. The sermon mentioned that “true faith is never indifferent; it moves us to action.” What is one way you can create space in your busy schedule to serve someone in need this week? ([52:38])
5. Psalm 90:12 reminds us that life is short. How does remembering the brevity of life affect your decisions about what is truly important? Is there a change you feel prompted to make? ([56:40])
6. The church is offering practical opportunities to serve, like “Love Thy Neighbor” and “Single Moms Morning Out.” Is there a specific way you feel called to get involved, or another way you can serve in your daily life? ([55:27])
7. When you think about your current priorities (family, work, church, etc.), how does making “loving God” your greatest priority reshape the way you approach these areas? ([48:19])
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Devotional
Day 1: Eternity Is Real—Heaven and Hell Await Everyone
Both the rich man and Lazarus, despite their vastly different lives on earth, faced death and judgment, reminding us that no matter our status or possessions, eternity is the great equalizer. The story Jesus tells in Luke 16 makes it clear that our choices and relationship with God in this life determine our eternal destination, and once we cross into eternity, it is too late to change our fate. We are urged not to delay in turning to God, for tomorrow is never promised, and living only for today can blind us to the reality of what comes after this life. [38:38]
Luke 16:19-31 (ESV)
“There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house—for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you are putting off making things right with God, assuming you have more time? What step can you take today to respond to Him?
Day 2: Earthly Success Does Not Equal Eternal Reward
The world often measures success by wealth, status, and comfort, but Jesus teaches that these things do not guarantee a place in God’s kingdom. The rich man in the parable had everything the world could offer, yet it did not secure his eternity, while Lazarus, who had nothing, was welcomed into God’s presence because of his faith. Our value in God’s eyes is not determined by our possessions or achievements, but by our relationship with Him and our trust in His promises. [42:39]
Philippians 2:12 (ESV)
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
Reflection: In what ways are you tempted to measure your worth or security by earthly success? How can you shift your focus to what God values most?
Day 3: Build God’s Kingdom, Not Your Own
The rich man’s downfall was not his wealth, but his self-centeredness and focus on building his own kingdom rather than God’s. Jesus calls His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him, using what they have to serve others and advance God’s purposes. When loving God becomes our greatest priority, it transforms every other area of our lives, shaping our goals, relationships, and how we use our resources. [45:53]
Matthew 16:24-27 (ESV)
“Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.’”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are tempted to build your own kingdom instead of God’s? How can you surrender this area to Him today?
Day 4: True Faith Is Shown by Caring for Others
Those who truly know God will not be indifferent to the needs around them; instead, they will respond with compassion and action. Jesus makes it clear that serving “the least of these” is serving Him, and that our love for God is demonstrated by how we treat others, especially those who are vulnerable or overlooked. We are called to create space in our busy lives to notice and meet the needs of others, allowing God’s love to flow through us in practical ways. [50:35]
Matthew 25:31-46 (ESV)
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Reflection: Who is someone in your life or community that you have overlooked or ignored? What is one practical way you can serve or encourage them this week?
Day 5: Live with Eternity in Mind
Life on earth is brief, and we are called to number our days so that we may gain a heart of wisdom and live for what truly matters. Remembering the temporary nature of this life helps us focus on God’s priorities, love others well, and invest in things that have eternal significance. Each day is an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love, serve those around us, and build God’s kingdom rather than our own. [57:14]
Psalm 90:12 (ESV)
“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”
Reflection: What is one change you can make today to live more intentionally for eternity, rather than just for the present moment?
Quotes
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