Bible Reading
Luke 16:19-31 (ESV) – The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus —
> “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.’”
1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19 (ESV) —
> “But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. ... As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”
Observation Questions
- In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, what differences do you notice between the lives and afterlives of the two men? ([12:50])
- According to Paul’s words to Timothy, what dangers come with the desire to be rich? ([17:09])
- What does Paul say is the source of true contentment? ([20:01])
- What are the virtues Paul encourages Timothy (and us) to pursue instead of wealth? ([22:29])
Interpretation Questions
- Why do you think Jesus chose to contrast the rich man and Lazarus so sharply in his parable? What message was he trying to get across to his listeners? ([12:50])
- How can the pursuit of “just a little more” become a form of captivity, as described in the sermon? ([18:06])
- What does it look like, practically, to set our hope on God rather than on wealth or possessions? ([21:01])
- How do the virtues of righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness serve as “exercises” for the soul? ([22:29])
Application Questions
- The sermon mentioned making wish lists and believing that getting those things will make us happy. What is something you have longed for in the past that, once you got it, didn’t bring the satisfaction you expected? How did that realization affect you? ([16:16])
- Paul warns that the love of money can lead people away from faith and into ruin. Are there ways you see this happening in your own life or in the world around you? What steps could you take to guard your heart against this trap? ([18:06])
- Contentment is described as a gift from God, not dependent on circumstances. When have you experienced contentment in a situation where you didn’t have everything you wanted? What helped you find peace in that moment? ([20:01])
- The sermon compared growing in virtues to working out at the gym. Which of the virtues—righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness—do you feel called to “exercise” more intentionally this week? What is one practical way you could do that? ([24:51])
- Generosity is said to flow naturally from a heart set free from the love of wealth. Is there an area of your life where you could be more generous—with your time, resources, or attention? What is one step you could take this week to practice generosity? ([26:01])
- The sermon talked about being people who bring light and healing to a world marked by greed and anxiety. Who in your life or community could use encouragement or support right now? How might you reach out to them? ([28:08])
- God may not give us everything on our wish lists, but promises to provide what we need for a life that is truly life. How does this promise challenge or comfort you as you think about your own desires and needs? ([28:57])
