How Tomorrow Shapes Today Luke 16:19-31

Nov 09, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: Living with Eternity in Mind

Every person will one day face the end of their earthly life, and what matters most is not what we have accumulated or experienced here, but how we have responded to God and lived in light of eternity. The story of the rich man and Lazarus reminds us that earthly status, wealth, or comfort cannot secure our future beyond the grave; only our relationship with God truly matters. When we allow the reality of eternity to shape our perspective, it brings urgency and purpose to our daily choices, prompting us to invest in what lasts forever rather than what quickly fades away. Let the certainty of eternity move you to live each day with intention, compassion, and faithfulness, knowing that what you do now echoes into forever. [27:58]

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: If you knew today was your last, what would you do differently to live with eternity in mind?

Day 2: The Danger of Valuing Wealth Over God

It is easy to believe that having enough money or possessions will bring security and satisfaction, but Jesus warns that trusting in wealth can blind us to our need for God and to the needs of others. The rich man in the parable had every comfort and luxury, yet in the end, his wealth could not save him or bring him true joy. We are called to examine our hearts and ask whether we are holding too tightly to the things of this world, justifying our lack of generosity or compassion, and missing the greater treasure found in God alone. True security is not found in what we own, but in whom we trust, and in using what we have to serve God and others. [35:03]

Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Reflection: What is one way you can loosen your grip on material things today and use your resources to bless someone in need?

Day 3: Taking God at His Word

Many times, we read the Bible through the lens of our culture or our feelings, but God calls us to take His Word seriously and let it shape our beliefs, actions, and priorities. When we have a low view of Scripture, we filter God’s truth through our own preferences, but when we trust that what God says is real and authoritative, it transforms us from self-centered to Christ-centered people. The rich man’s plea for his brothers to be warned shows the sufficiency and urgency of God’s Word—if we do not listen to it now, no miracle will convince us later. Let God’s Word be the lens through which you see yourself, others, and the world, and let it move you to obedience and faith. [54:18]

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Reflection: Is there a specific teaching or command in Scripture you have been resisting or rationalizing away? What would it look like to trust and obey God in that area today?

Day 4: Generosity and Stewardship in Light of Eternity

When we realize that everything we have is a gift from God and that our time on earth is short, we are freed to be generous and faithful stewards of our resources, talents, and opportunities. The call is not to hoard what we cannot keep, but to invest in what cannot be lost—using our lives for God’s purposes and the good of others. Generosity becomes possible when we know our true treasure is in heaven, and we are accountable to God for how we use what He has entrusted to us. Ask God to show you how you can be intentional with your time, money, and abilities, living as if eternity really matters. [57:06]

1 Timothy 6:17-19 (ESV)
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.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can use your time, money, or talents this week to serve God and others, rather than yourself?

Day 5: Responding to God’s Call—Living as if Eternity Matters

God invites each of us to respond to the truth of the gospel, to look to the cross and receive the forgiveness and new life that only Jesus offers. Whether you have never trusted Christ or have grown complacent in your faith, today is the day to turn to Him, to repent of living for lesser things, and to ask for a heart that is satisfied in Him above all else. When we are convinced of the reality of eternity and the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice, it changes everything—our priorities, our relationships, and our willingness to share the hope we have with others. Let your life be marked by a deep conviction that eternity is real and that Jesus is worth everything. [58:32]

John 5:24 (ESV)
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

Reflection: What step do you need to take today—whether it’s trusting Christ for the first time, repenting of misplaced priorities, or sharing your faith with someone who needs hope—to live as if eternity truly matters?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered as a church family to honor our veterans, to worship together, and to reflect deeply on the reality of eternity and how it shapes our lives right now. We began by recognizing those who have served in the armed forces, expressing our gratitude for the sacrifices made by both veterans and their families. Their service has helped secure the freedom we enjoy to worship openly, a gift we must never take for granted.

Turning our hearts to the Word, we looked at the story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16. This passage confronts us with the truth that life is fleeting and that eternity awaits every one of us. No matter our status, wealth, or comfort in this world, all of it will one day fade, and we will stand before God. The story draws a stark contrast between a man who had everything in this life but nothing in eternity, and a man who had nothing here but gained everything in the life to come. It’s a sobering reminder that what we value and pursue now reveals where our hope truly lies.

We often get caught up in the trivialities and comforts of daily life, losing sight of the urgency and significance of eternity. The rich man’s regret in the afterlife was not just for himself, but for his family—he longed for them to know the truth before it was too late. This should stir us to live intentionally, to steward our resources, time, and opportunities for the sake of God’s kingdom, not just our own comfort.

We also considered why we sometimes fail to live with eternity in mind. Too often, we have a small view of life, seeing it as a means to serve ourselves. We may have a low view of Scripture, treating God’s Word as optional or negotiable rather than as the ultimate truth that shapes our reality. Ultimately, we may have a low view of God Himself, forgetting that He calls us to something far greater than what this world offers.

The call is clear: to live as if eternity is real, to hold loosely to the things of this world, and to be generous and intentional with all God has entrusted to us. Whether you are still searching for Christ or have walked with Him for years, today is an invitation to turn your heart toward what truly matters and to let the reality of eternity transform the way you live.

Key Takeaways

1. Eternity Gives Urgency to Today When we truly believe that eternity is real, it changes how we live each moment. The fleeting pleasures and comforts of this world pale in comparison to what awaits us. Living with eternity in view brings urgency and purpose to our daily choices, relationships, and stewardship. [26:42]
2. Earthly Wealth Cannot Secure Eternal Life No amount of money, status, or earthly security can guarantee our standing before God. The rich man’s story is a warning that what we cling to here may ultimately leave us empty. True security is found only in Christ, and we are called to steward our resources for His kingdom, not our own gain. [36:51]
3. A Small View of God Leads to a Small Life When our vision of God is limited, we settle for lesser things—serving ourselves, chasing comfort, and neglecting His call. But when we see God as He truly is—holy, sovereign, and loving—it compels us to live sacrificially, generously, and with a heart for others. [55:39]
4. Scripture Must Shape Our Reality If we take God at His Word, it will transform our thinking, our priorities, and our actions. The Bible is not just a collection of stories, but the revelation of truth that should filter every aspect of our lives. A high view of Scripture leads to a life centered on Christ and His mission. [54:18]
5. Generosity Flows from Eternal Perspective When we know that what we have is temporary and that God has something far greater in store, we can give freely and joyfully. Generosity is not just about money, but about our time, talents, and hearts—offered to God for His purposes, trusting that we cannot outgive Him. [57:06]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:56] - Announcements and Soup Fundraiser
[03:40] - Veterans Day Recognition
[05:05] - Armed Forces Tribute Video
[09:56] - Honoring Veterans and Families
[11:12] - Prayer for Veterans and Worship
[13:13] - Offering and Kingdom Giving
[16:19] - Worship: At the Cross
[20:18] - Worship: What He’s Done
[24:05] - Introduction to Luke 16
[26:42] - The Reality of Eternity
[30:00] - Reading: The Rich Man and Lazarus
[33:15] - Context: Money, the Pharisees, and Priorities
[36:51] - The Danger of Valuing Wealth
[40:09] - Life’s End and Eternal Consequences
[47:13] - The Great Reversal: Who Truly Wins?
[49:47] - Regret and the Desire for Another Chance
[53:02] - Why We Miss Living for Eternity
[55:39] - A Higher View of God
[57:49] - Invitation: Living for What Matters
[65:30] - Closing Announcements and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading

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.’”

Observation Questions

What are the main differences between the lives of the rich man and Lazarus before and after death? (Luke 16:19-31)
According to the story, what does the rich man ask Abraham to do for him and for his family? What is Abraham’s response? (Luke 16:24-31)
In the sermon, what reasons were given for why people often fail to live with eternity in mind? [53:02]
What does the passage say about the role of “Moses and the Prophets” (Scripture) in warning people about eternity? (Luke 16:29-31)

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus chose to use such a stark contrast between the rich man and Lazarus in this parable? What point is he making about what truly matters? [28:38]
The rich man’s regret in the afterlife was not just for himself but for his family. What does this reveal about the urgency of sharing truth with others before it’s too late? [51:01]
The sermon mentioned that a “small view of God leads to a small life.” What does it mean to have a small view of God, and how does that affect the way someone lives? [55:39]
How does the story challenge the idea that earthly wealth or comfort can secure our future or standing before God? [36:51]

Application Questions

The sermon said, “When we truly believe that eternity is real, it changes how we live each moment.” Is there an area of your life where you are living as if this world is all there is? What would it look like to live with eternity in mind in that area? [26:42]
The rich man wanted someone to warn his family about the reality of eternity. Is there someone in your life who needs to hear about Jesus or the hope of eternity? What is one step you could take this week to share with them? [51:01]
The sermon challenged us to “hold loosely to the things of this world.” Is there something (money, comfort, status, possessions) you are holding onto too tightly? What would it look like to trust God with it instead? [57:06]
The message said, “If we take God at His Word, it will transform our thinking, our priorities, and our actions.” Is there a specific teaching or promise in Scripture that you have been treating as optional or negotiable? How can you begin to take it more seriously? [54:18]
Generosity was described as flowing from an eternal perspective—not just with money, but with time, talents, and your heart. What is one practical way you can be more generous this week, trusting that God will provide? [57:06]
The sermon mentioned that sometimes we have a “small view of life” and see it as a way to serve ourselves. In what ways are you tempted to live for your own comfort or pleasure? How can you shift your focus to serving God and others? [53:02]
The pastor said, “If we believe eternity is real, we believe that there really is a heaven, we believe that there really is a hell, that really ought to change us, church.” What is one change you feel prompted to make in your daily life as a result of this truth? [59:13]

Sermon Clips

“What if we met with God today in such a way that revival happened on a time we didn't schedule it on our calendar? What if what if we were so struck by the truth of of who God is that that we were changed in such a way that we didn't even recognize ourselves that the people we come in contact with looked at us and go I don't know there's something something different about you.”

“When we begin looking at what God says not only about life now, but what's coming in the future, I believe there is a certain urgency and a certain importance to life that we just miss. Does anybody ever get caught up and and I will I will raise my hand first in in the trivial in the things of of day-to-day life and and and the the thought of eternity.”

“All of us one day, unless the Lord comes back and takes us home alive, what a glorious day that would be. But un unless that happens, all of us are going to come to a day that they put on our tombstone, that that end date. And all of us will stand in front of God one day and give an account for what we did in these in this life as we lived.”

“If all we have is what this world has to offer, we have absolutely nothing. How many people and and I I wonder just I mean I'm sure we could do the math somehow and figure this out, but how many people have been on the top or near the top of the world's richest person's lists, richest families, whatever it is, and they thought they had it all figured out and they passed from this life and they stand in front of God and they realize that money that gave them so much comfort, so much pleasure in this life meant absolutely nothing.”

“But I think almost all of us in the room could go. But we also fi find a way to spend that money really quickly. And if we're not good stewards with what we have now, be faithful in a little, as we talked about a couple of weeks ago, we're not going to be faithful with a lot. That's just how it works. Because money doesn't solve all of our problems.”

“Because if you're storing up your things here and and this life is all that there is, you're going to be disappointed at the end of it. You're going to be really disappointed at the end of it because at the end of this life, eternity awaits. Eternity awaits. Both of these men were were carried off.”

“And the one that had everything lost everything. And the one that had absolutely nothing gained everything. Why is it that we hold on so tightly to the things of this world?”

“When we live life for eternity, we make the most of time now. By the way, but consider what he said. He said f first he said, "Hey, can can Lazarus just come down and dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue?" I mean, look at that great reversal there. The man who I what I couldn't even give uh my scraps to is the very one that I'm so tormented in this place that if he can just give one single drop of water.”

“If church, if we really believe that's true, if we really think that that God is is true when he says that in his word, should that affect at all the way that we live? Should that affect at all the way that that we see each and every moment of every day, every interaction, every every time we uh we we live or every every time we uh we do anything?”

“If we really take God at his word, and I mean that, take him at his word, then it's going to change how we think. It's going to change how we feel. It's going to change how we live. If we we take the words of God even in this passage as real and it's going to begin to shape us from people that are self-c centered to people that are Christ centered.”

“It's how God intends to to in uh uh to reveal himself to us. It's how God intends to to reveal the world to us, how things are in life. There's not just the revelation of God, but there's a revelation of ourselves. There's a revelation of of why the world is the way that it is.”

“When we begin to see God for who he actually is, it affects life. Now, Jim Elliott, um, a missionary who, um, very famously was martyed shortly after, um, going to his his missionary assignment. Famously said this, he is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

“So often in life, we we feel like, man, if I if I can just get all of this of life, everything's going to be okay. If I can squeeze everything out of life and and enjoy it as much as I can, that's all that matters. But God is calling us to something more than that, to something deeper and and and more true than this this world.”

“We can give it away because we know at the end of the day, there is more waiting for us in heaven than we could ever have here. I don't want to gain the whole world but lose my soul. You know, some of us are holding on to to our life, to our whole life.”

“If we believe eternity is real, we believe that there really is a heaven, we believe that there really is a hell, that really ought to change us, church, that really ought to change us.”

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