The Rich Man’s Blind Spots

Introduction The sermon focuses on the story of the rich man and Lazarus from Luke 16:19-31. The message emphasizes what the rich man seemingly did not know, and how that applies to listeners today. The core idea is that many people live as if they don’t know certain truths about God, death, and eternity, even though they do. It Seems Like He Didn’t Know That Riches Won’t Do The rich man was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. He had worldly wealth beyond comprehension. He put his trust in something that ultimately failed him. Riches are of no value when it comes to death and the afterlife. Death is not concerned with bank accounts or tax brackets. If worldly possessions are prioritized over God, they will be of no use in the end. It’s better to live humbly and be right with God than to have worldly riches and miss out on heaven. The story is not a parable but a true account, as Lazarus’ name is mentioned. God knows the names of those who are His. It Seems Like He Didn’t Recognize That He Was His Brother’s Keeper The rich man failed to recognize his responsibility to help those in need. Cain asked, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” after killing Abel. 1 John 3 warns against shutting up compassion when seeing a need and being able to help. Regardless of one’s own spiritual state, helping those in need is a responsibility. Good neighbors help each other in times of need. The rich man passed Lazarus at his gate every day and could have offered him something. He could have given him bread or water. Everything one has is a blessing from God and can be used to minister to others. Trust God to provide so you can help others. It Seems Like He Didn’t Know That the Beggar Knew Who Jesus Was The rich man didn’t realize that Lazarus, despite his condition, knew God. Lazarus was full of sores and desired to be fed with crumbs from the rich man’s table. The dogs came and licked his sores. One’s worldly condition does not determine their relationship with God. It’s not about appearances but what’s in the heart. Lazarus was closer to God than the rich man. Jesus knew Lazarus’ name. Being born again and transformed by the power of God is what matters. Church membership and good deeds alone are not enough. The closest to God may be those who have nothing in this world. Many people trust in their riches, thinking it will sustain them. It Seems Like He Didn’t Realize That Death Was Close The rich man didn’t seem to understand the brevity of life. Life is like a vapor, here one minute and gone the next. Life is like a flower that blooms, wilts, and fades away. No one is promised another tomorrow. The world lives as if they don’t know death is on their trail. The rich man had no concept of the fragility of life. Every breath is borrowed. People live as if they will have another chance to repent and do something for God. The way one lives reveals the state of their heart. If people truly knew that today could be their last, they would live differently. They would love better, forgive, help, and give more. Most importantly, they would ensure they are ready to go to heaven. The time to make peace with God is now. Today is the day of salvation. It Seems Like He Didn’t Realize There Was a Hell The rich man died and was buried, and in hell, he lifted up his eyes in torment. He didn’t seem to know he was going to die or that he was going to hell. The Holy Ghost reveals the reality of hell. This knowledge should break one’s heart and lead them to call on Christ. The rich man did nothing in his life to prepare to escape hell. Going to church and being good to family is not enough. Anyone who truly knows hell is real would not go there on purpose. It’s irrational to live for worldly pleasures while ignoring the possibility of eternal torment. At nine years old, the reality of hell was revealed, leading to fear, weeping, and a turning to Christ. It Seems Like He Didn’t Remember or Realize That in Hell Was a Great Number of Torments In hell, the rich man could see Lazarus in Abraham’s bosom. There is a great gulf fixed between heaven and hell. Those in hell can see what’s happening in heaven, but not vice versa. The rich man asked Abraham to send Lazarus to dip his finger in water and cool his tongue. One drop of water would be like paradise in hell. Abraham refused. Abraham told the rich man to remember that in his lifetime, he received good things, and Lazarus received evil things. Those in hell will remember what they knew in life. The watchman cries out to warn people so they may know the truth. People will be reminded of what they really do know. Many people know the truth but turn a deaf ear and a blind eye to it. They will not have an excuse when they stand before God. The rich man knew that hell was forever. What matters is being ready to leave this world and having things fixed up for eternity. The rich man pleaded for his five brothers, asking that Lazarus be sent to warn them. He didn’t want them to come to that awful place. Abraham said that his brothers had Moses and the prophets. They had the same opportunity to escape hell that he did. The rich man asked for someone to be sent from the dead, thinking they would believe. If the Word of God can’t save them, neither will a resurrected person. It’s not that they seem to not know; they know. Conclusion It may seem like people don’t know that life is short and that hell awaits those who die without God. The truth is, they do know, and that knowledge makes them accountable. There will be people in hell who will remember the messages they heard, all saying, “You knew.” There is a need to do something about what you know. The Holy Ghost can reveal truths that one will never forget. Trust in Christ to escape hell and have one’s name written in His book.