Tag: luke

Forgiveness and Faith – Luke 17:5-6

In Luke 17:5-6, the apostles say to the Lord, “Increase our faith”. This text continues the context of examining humility and what the humble can do. There is an inseparable relationship between humility, faith, and forgiveness. The context is Jesus commanding that if a brother sins seven times a day and repents, he must be forgiven. To forgive unceasingly around the clock is a massive burden, which is why the disciples ask for their faith to be increased.

However, the apostles misunderstood faith by asking for an increase, assuming that a bigger quantity of faith is required for a harder task. Faith is not about quantity. Christians think that if we have more faith, than they could obey the command to forgive. This assumes that bigger and increased faith leads to self-sufficiency, but having spiritual authority does not mean operating independently from God. Asking for increased faith biblically means depending on God more, but the disciples wanted a bigger tool to handle the matter themselves.

Furthermore, saving faith and everyday faith are the same plant; saving faith is the root, and everyday faith is the fruit. Believers already have this faith from conversion. So increasing faith is not about seeking a new, additional power, but living out the faith already possessed.

The Lord defines biblical faith by responding, “If you have faith like a mustard seed”. The issue is not the quantity of faith, but whether there is actual reliance on God. Not how large it is, but if you have true faith. Biblical faith means personally coming to Jesus, leaving self-reliance, and depending on Him for life. It is not just agreeing with Him, but turning from sin and turning toward Christ.

Believers are called to walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Walking by faith does not mean ignoring reality, but relying on God’s word over human feelings and obeying even when it does not make sense. A genuine, small faith is like a mustard seed; while it does not seem impressive, it is real and mighty. Faith might be small, but what matters is that it’s real. The church is also small, a little flock, but size doesn’t matter, as long as it’s a real church. We are all little children, turning from self, letting go of control, trusting God, and depending on Him completely (Mt 18:3).

Jesus tells the disciples that with faith like a mustard seed, they could say to a mulberry tree, “Be uprooted and be planted in the sea, and it would obey you”. A mulberry tree represents something deeply rooted and humanly impossible to remove, much like the command to forgive unceasingly. Just as planting a tree in the ocean to bear fruit seems impossible, true forgiveness and salvation are impossible by human power alone, but with God, all things are possible (Mark 10:24). We must realize that salvation is God’s greatest miracle and accomplished the most difficult task, yet we are saved by faith.

Faith must be expressed and put into practice. For example, when a relative of John Macarthur’s son was tragically murdered by a robber, the parents chose to forgive the killer. How could they do that? Because God commands it and faith obeys. True faith lives in obedience, trusting and depending on the Lord. Similarly, the Roman centurion demonstrated mighty faith simply by trusting Jesus’s authority to heal his servant. His faith was not systematic with lots of details, but he expressed his faith in Jesus without needing to see anything (Matthew 8:8-9). Faith is expressive and practiced. True faith continues to trust, obey, and speak out even when nothing has happened yet and we are still waiting. There’s nothing else we can do but have faith.

Jesus concludes the definition by stating, “and it would obey you”. When real faith is practiced, it aligns with God’s will and participates in His authority. Practicing faith means the result will happen in God’s timing, or He will provide something even better for His glory (Hebrews 11:39-40). The Christian calling to forgive unceasingly, love enemies, and overcome sin is completely beyond natural ability without faith. Therefore, believers must continually practice this small but genuine faith, trusting that God is always good and His power is always enough to handle the impossible.

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A Church that Jesus Builds – Luke 17:3-4

Based on today’s text, Jesus teaches that the church He builds is composed of believers marked by humility. Humility is not synonymous with low self-esteem; rather, it is rightly understanding one’s position before God and others. It consists of two essential components: obedience to the Lord in all circumstances and a genuine love for others expressed through service. As such, humility is foundational to the identity and function of a true church established by Jesus Christ.

The humble church that Jesus builds remains vigilant and spiritually alert (v. 3). In this context, Jesus understood that external influences could cause His disciples to stumble, particularly the influence of the scribes and Pharisees. Therefore, He commands them to pay careful attention and to be aware of the spiritual dangers present in the world. To “be on guard” implies discernment and readiness. The Jewish leaders posed a serious threat because they were false teachers who opposed Christ and rejected His truth.

Those who are humble practice self-denial and rest in God’s sovereignty. Without humility and spiritual alertness, it becomes difficult to rebuke others biblically and consistently. When humility is absent, confronting a sinning brother may lead to pride, anger, or bitterness rather than restoration. Sensitivity to sin diminishes, and the goal of forgiveness may be lost. Hypocrisy can emerge when forgiveness is offered halfheartedly. Failing to guard our hearts may create a chain reaction that damages relationships. In contrast, humility enables believers to respond with both truth and grace, preserving the goal of restoration through rebuke and forgiveness.

The humble church that Jesus builds hates sin and seeks restoration when sin occurs. Jesus clearly instructs His followers to rebuke a brother who sins and to forgive him if he repents (v. 3). The focus here is on relational, or horizontal, sin between believers rather than sin against God. Such sin may involve words, actions, attitudes, or any failure to uphold righteousness in relationships. Since the church is made up of imperfect people, conflict is inevitable. Nevertheless, a healthy church addresses these issues through faithful rebuke and genuine forgiveness.

The necessity of rebuke within the church is emphasized by Jesus in this passage. Its purpose is not to prove oneself right but to restore a sinning brother to fellowship with God and the church. The Old Testament provides a clear example in the life of King David, who committed grave sins. The prophet Nathan confronted David with humility, making it clear that his message came from the Lord. This account demonstrates that true rebuke always involves both truth and grace.

Rebuke, in its basic sense, means to correct, reprove, or offer sharp criticism. This is why many believers avoid it altogether. However, the biblical concept of rebuke involves speaking truth with gentleness and love. As Rod Mattoon explains, “This rebuke is to be strong enough to inspire repentance. To ‘rebuke’ does not mean to point out every sin, for Jesus also warns against being judgmental. Rebuke is always to be done in love and compassion, not in a censoring and judgmental spirit. Its purpose is to bring the sin to the attention of the offending person and restore them to fellowship with the Lord and other believers.”

In a true church, rebuke and forgiveness are normal aspects of dealing with sin. Humility is required in order to rebuke rightly. A humble rebuke does not arise from a sense of superiority or a desire to control. Instead, it is characterized by honesty, gentleness, and a desire for restoration. Scripture calls believers to restore one another in a spirit of gentleness while remaining mindful of their own vulnerability to temptation. This reflects a posture of valuing others above oneself.

Humble rebuke serves as the pathway to genuine repentance and forgiveness. Without it, sin remains concealed, allowing the sinner’s heart to grow hardened and spiritually unhealthy. Hidden sin often intensifies over time, leading to greater destruction. Therefore, humility is essential so that believers may lovingly confront sin for the spiritual benefit of others.

Rebuke grounded in truth produces repentance, and repentance opens the door to forgiveness rooted in grace. True repentance results in a transformed heart and changed behavior. Forgiveness, in turn, involves a deliberate decision not to hold the offender accountable for their wrongdoing. Believers must be committed to forgiving regardless of how their rebuke is received. This includes refusing to seek revenge, harbor grudges, or retaliate. Forgiveness is an act of obedience to God, reflecting the forgiveness believers themselves have received.

The humble church that Jesus builds forgives continually. Jesus teaches that even if a brother sins repeatedly and repeatedly repents, forgiveness must be extended each time (v. 4). This reflects the pattern of God’s own forgiveness toward His people. It also implies that believers should not keep a record of wrongs. Ongoing forgiveness is a vital expression of faithful obedience in the Christian life.

Humility undergirds forgiveness, serving as the soil in which it grows. Recognizing one’s own need for God’s mercy enables a believer to extend that same mercy to others. Forgiveness becomes the outward expression of inward humility. Where true humility exists, God is actively at work in and through that individual.

Biblical forgiveness does not mean ignoring sin for the sake of superficial peace or politeness. Nor does it imply immediate restoration of trust. Restoration is often gradual, requiring time and consistent faithfulness. True forgiveness acknowledges sin and maintains accountability. When forgiveness is absent in a church, it signals a breakdown in fellowship. Conversely, a loving church is marked by continual forgiveness exercised in both truth and grace. A failure to forgive not only damages relationships but also weakens one’s witness and hinders spiritual vitality.

Forgiveness is a lifelong discipline for the believer. In every relationship, a greater measure of forgiveness leads to greater unity and spiritual health. One may obey many commands, but without forgiveness, obedience remains incomplete. The example of Joseph illustrates this truth; forgiveness was essential to the fulfillment of God’s work in his life. Ultimately, the pinnacle of Christ’s suffering and death was the forgiveness of sinners. Forgiveness transforms the heart’s posture toward others, even when trust must be rebuilt over time. God demonstrated His power to forgive through the love and humility displayed at the cross. Without forgiveness, genuine love for God, the church, and even one’s enemies is impossible.

Therefore, believers must remain spiritually alert, engage in gentle and truthful rebuke, and extend forgiveness generously and consistently. As Jesus builds His church, the Spirit works to cultivate humility and love among His people. These qualities serve as clear marks of a church that truly belongs to God, who first loved and forgave us.

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How Essential Biblical Humility Is – Luke 17:1-2

In Luke chapter 17, the primary theme connecting the first ten verses is humility. Jesus directs this message specifically to His disciples, which directly implies the believing community, the church. Believers must be intentional in preparing for eternal realities. Handling stumbling blocks, forgiveness, and serving one another all require one essential trait: biblical, Spirit-produced humility. Every Christian is embedded with the seed of humility at conversion. Without God’s humility, there is no incarnation, no Messiah’s arrival, and no redemption for sinners. Therefore, we must understand how necessary it is to practice humility in every situation.

Biblical humility is not self-hatred, pretending to be worthless, or displaying low self-esteem. Genuine biblical humility means knowing who God is, knowing who you are, and living in dependence on Him instead of yourself. It sees God as holy and sovereign, and sees oneself as a sinner saved by grace. Humility is a heart that bows to God and bends toward others.

Furthermore, humility is a mark of true salvation. The humble person constantly depends on God’s grace and gladly obeys His authority. It objects to the self-righteousness of the Pharisees, who built their faith on a work-based mindset. Instead, humility says, “I obey because I belong; I serve because of God’s grace”. Philippians 2:5 commands believers to have this sustained mindset and deep disposition, which was also in Christ Jesus. If Jesus were prideful, there would be no cross and no salvation.

Jesus states in Luke 17:1, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come”. Because we live in a fallen, sinful world, facing stumbling blocks is unavoidable and sure to come. A stumbling block literally means a trap, snare, or bait—anything that causes a person to sin, trip spiritually, or fall away from the faith. In the believing community, stumbling blocks can manifest as false teaching, hypocrisy, pride, legalism, worldliness, or careless words.

However, Jesus issues a precautionary warning: “But woe to him through whom they come”. This is a serious warning from Jesus to all believers. Humility comes to the rescue in avoiding this trap. Humility recognizes personal weaknesses, making the believer self-aware of how fragile and broken they are. Because the humble person knows they need God to help them live right, they do not take unnecessary risks. Humility redirects attention outward to love and serve others, preventing the self-centered impulses that lead to sin.

The consequences of putting a stumbling block before another believer are gravely serious. Jesus declares in Luke 17:2, “It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea than that he would cause one of these little ones to stumble”. This is not poetic exaggeration but a serious warning. A millstone was a massively heavy stone turned by a donkey, and could weigh up to 1000 pounds. This is a better punishment than causing one of these little ones to stumble.

Who are these “little ones”? While they certainly include children, broadly speaking, the little ones are genuine, born-again Christians (Matthew 19:17, 1 John 5:21). Every Christian can be vulnerable, weak, and gullible. Because believers are not yet glorified and face many temptations, remaining in sin exposes our limits. Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall (1 Corinthians 10:12). “This does not mean that Christians who cause someone else to stumble will lose their salvation and incur God’s eternal wrath. If that were so, none could be saved, because we all have sinned in this manner.” (Steven Cole) Jesus uses this vivid, severe language to indicate that causing a vulnerable believer to fall into sin is a devastating offense.

Because causing offense is so serious, believers must actively cultivate the humility given at conversion. First, look to Jesus as the only perfect role model, who learned obedience and humility through suffering (Hebrews 5:8-9). Second, realize that suffering is a teacher in the school of humility. Like Jacob, whose soul became humble through days of evil and trial, suffering is meant to wear down pride and train the believer (Genesis 47:9). Never waste suffering, but use it to bow down before God. Finally, grow in humility by receiving correction and accountability without making excuses (Proverbs 12:1). A humble Christian constantly asks, “Will my actions build faith? Am I serving out of love and truth, or ego and anger”?

Biblical humility does not weaken necessary actions like church discipline; rather, proper discipline protects the little ones from wider stumbling. Church discipline is often blamed for causing some to stumble; it is often the case that the lack of church discipline allows sin to remain, which sets a poor example, leading to the stumbling of others. Therefore, we must all be humble lest we stumble or cause others to stumble. Humility is the most precious compliment a believer can receive. As Charles Spurgeon noted, one should not desire to be the principal man in the church, but rather be lowly and willing to be a doormat for all to wipe their boots on, so long as God is glorified. Let the church continually cultivate this deep humility to protect the vulnerable and honor the Lord.

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Signs of the Hell-Bound – Luke 16:27-31

The rich man in this passage is depicted as suffering intensely in hell, tormented not only by his own anguish but also by the dreadful realization that his family may share the same fate. His misery is compounded by the awareness that those he loves remain on the same path of destruction. Within this account, Scripture reveals several indicators that led to his eternal ruin—signs that characterize those who are bound for judgment.

The hell-bound take the Word of God lightly.

One defining mark of the hell-bound is a dismissive or indifferent attitude toward the Word of God. Though the rich man was a Jew and therefore regularly exposed to the preaching and teaching of Scripture, his heart remained unmoved. He showed no genuine concern for applying God’s Word to his life. Rather than esteeming Scripture as primary, he relegated it to a secondary place beneath religious tradition and outward expressions of piety. External religiosity replaced heartfelt obedience.

When Jesus refers to “Moses and the Prophets,” He is affirming the authority of the Old Testament—what we now understand as both the Old and New Testament that make up the Bible. This principle extends to the whole of God’s Word. Scripture possesses ultimate authority because it proceeds from God Himself; it stands above all human opinions, traditions, and philosophies as the final standard for truth and morality. When Scripture speaks, God speaks. It reveals who He is, who we are, and how we may be saved. It confronts sin, corrects error, and calls for obedience. God’s Word is not merely theological in abstraction; it is personal and demands response. Just as Noah obeyed God’s command to build the ark in faith, so every hearer is called to trust and obey. The hell-bound, however, resist this authority through deliberate lawlessness—an inward rebellion that eventually manifests outwardly.

Jesus further emphasizes that the Word of God is sufficient to save. No miraculous sign, not even a resurrection, can persuade a hardened heart apart from Scripture. The doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture teaches that the Bible contains all that is necessary for salvation and for a life of faithful obedience. It clearly reveals God’s plan to reconcile sinners to Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ. No additional spectacle or human innovation is required to accomplish what God has already provided in His Word.

Scripture is sufficient because it is effective. As Isaiah declares, God’s Word accomplishes His purposes and does not return void. The Holy Spirit, who inspired the Scriptures, works powerfully through them to convict and regenerate. If the Spirit does not move upon the sinner’s heart, that person remains governed by self-will and spiritual blindness. The fundamental problem, therefore, is not lack of evidence but resistance of the heart.

True hearing of God’s Word produces faith, understanding, submission, and trust. Many may listen outwardly, but few receive the gospel with humility and openness. Without divine revelation, sinners cannot rightly grasp God’s holiness or the depth of their own sin. The rich man’s tragedy was not ignorance but indifference. A heart filled with pride and love of sin grows increasingly hardened over time. Salvation ultimately hinges not on the extent of knowledge but on the posture of one’s heart before God.

The hell-bound is natural and earthly.

Another defining characteristic of the hell-bound is a natural, earthly mindset. The rich man’s request that Abraham send someone to appear before his brothers reveals his belief that visible proof would be more persuasive than Scripture. For him, seeing would produce believing. Yet Scripture teaches that the natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are spiritually discerned. Human reasoning, pragmatism, and sensory evidence often take precedence over divine revelation in the natural mind.

The rich man’s proposed solution is centered on spectacle rather than Scripture. In doing so, he reflected a worldview grounded in human creativity and showmanship. If his brothers relied on such methods, they too would follow him into judgment. Signs and dramatic experiences cannot create genuine repentance. Even Judas Iscariot witnessed countless miracles performed by Jesus, yet his heart remained unconverted. Abraham’s response makes clear that salvation does not come through visible wonders but through the faithful proclamation of God’s Word.

The hell-bound does not live by faith.

Finally, the hell-bound are marked by an absence of true faith. Hearing the Word of God is essential, for it is the ordained means by which saving faith is granted. Through Scripture, the spiritually dead are made alive. Genuine repentance produces outward change because it flows from inward transformation. No one is brought to saving faith apart from God’s revealed Word, and those who reject it will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead. The raising of Lazarus demonstrated this sobering reality, as many still refused to believe despite witnessing extraordinary power.

How, then, can we know whether we are heaven-bound rather than hell-bound? Jesus teaches that true disciples abide in His Word, know the truth, and are set free by it. Authentic conversion bears fruit in a life of ongoing sanctification. Christians are not sinless, but they are marked by a growing hatred of sin, a continual struggle against the flesh, and an increasing love for and conformity to the Lord Jesus Christ.

The reality of hell carries eternal weight. If hell exists—and Scripture affirms that it does—it should profoundly shape our priorities and our concern for others. This parable calls us to sober self-examination and earnest compassion for every soul we encounter. After death, the opportunity for repentance is gone. As R.C. Sproul solemnly warned, a true understanding of hell’s reality should drive us urgently and humbly to the cross—the only refuge for sinners and the only path to eternal life.

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Urgent Request from Hell – Luke 16:27-28

Living righteously rather than comfortably carries eternal consequences. Our daily pursuits reveal whether we seek to honor God or merely secure worldly ease. In Jesus’ parable, the rich man represents a life compromised by comfort and self-interest, while Lazarus exemplifies faithful endurance. Though outwardly religious and materially blessed, the rich man lacked genuine spiritual life. Like the warning in Matthew 16:26, he gained the world yet forfeited his soul. As John MacArthur observes, his wealth likely reinforced his false assurance of divine favor. In contrast, Scripture teaches that those bound for heaven live by God’s grace, denying ungodliness and pursuing righteousness (Titus 2:12). From the rich man’s urgent plea to Abraham, several sobering truths emerge.

First, hell is depicted as a place of conscious agony and irreversible separation. The rich man experiences intense torment with no relief (vv. 24–26). His suffering underscores divine justice: there is no crossing the chasm fixed between heaven and hell. Separation from God is not trivial; it means the absence of all goodness and the presence of unending judgment.

Second, the rich man becomes an unexpected evangelist. Realizing the horror of his condition, he pleads for his family to be warned (vv. 27–28). His request highlights the urgency of evangelism. Christians, who know the biblical truth about judgment, are called to proclaim the gospel and warn others while there is still time. Like the Apostle Paul in Romans 9:3, believers should feel deep concern for the lost and urge repentance and faith in Christ as the only way of salvation.

Third, the parable teaches the finality of eternal separation. Though dialogue appears between the rich man and Abraham, Jesus uses this imagery to emphasize the permanent divide established by God. Communication between the living and the dead is not possible, countering beliefs such as necromancy. Scripture alone provides sufficient revelation about death and judgment. The responsibility to proclaim truth rests with the living; the dead cannot return to call others to repentance.

Finally, the only opportunity for repentance is in this life. Any notion of a second chance after death contradicts biblical teaching. Eternal separation affirms God’s justice, while eternal life reflects His mercy toward those who repent and trust in Christ’s finished work on the cross and His resurrection. Genuine faith results in transformed living. While believers continue to struggle with sin, true conversion produces visible fruit through the Holy Spirit’s work.

Salvation is urgent. Many postpone repentance, assuming there will be more time. Yet life is uncertain, and death brings judgment (Hebrews 9:27). As R.C. Sproul warns, God’s mercy has a boundary—the end of one’s earthly life. After that, it is too late. A right understanding of hell should compel sinners to flee to Christ and motivate believers to share the gospel earnestly.

The rich man’s plea remains a solemn warning. May Christians pray and labor so that those around them hear and respond to the good news of salvation found only in the Lord Jesus Christ.

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Hell Is Hellish – Luke 16:22-26

In today’s text, Pastor Paul will explore the biblical description of hell, with the hope that believers will be compelled to proclaim the gospel to sinners so that they might avoid going there. Hell is real. Hell is hellish. Though this passage may be presented as a parable about Lazarus and the rich man, the reality it conveys is sobering—many are entering hell today and will remain there for eternity. On Earth, people receive second chances and opportunities to recover from failure. But once someone enters hell, there is no return.

Hell is described here as Hades. Hades is the general dwelling place of the dead. Broadly speaking, it consists of two realms—the place of blessing and the place of torment. The rich man, in torment, looked up and saw Lazarus in comfort. In Hebrew, Hades is referred to as Sheol, the realm of the dead. In this intermediate state, the righteous and the unrighteous are separated. What is experienced in Hades anticipates the final reality of hell.

Hades foreshadows hell. The dead await the return of Christ. After the millennial kingdom and the final judgment, those in Hades will be cast into hell (Gehenna), the lake of fire. In other words, sinners are presently confined in Hades awaiting their final sentencing. Revelation 20:14 declares, “Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.”

Hell is a conscious state of existence following physical death. In hell, they experience real suffering rather than ceasing to exist. Some deny consciousness after death, but Scripture clearly teaches otherwise. “In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom…” (Luke 16:23–25, 27–28). Both the rich man and Lazarus are conscious. They remember their lives, their identities, and even their families.

Although sinners are conscious in Hades, they are consciously separated from God. Their awareness intensifies their suffering. The rich man cried out, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me… for I am in agony in this flame” (Luke 16:24). He was fully aware of his pain and helplessness.

Jesus depicts several sobering images of hell in this passage:

  • Torment and fire. The agony never ends. Hell is the outpouring of God’s righteous wrath. It is divine justice. In hell, sinners are utterly separated from God and from all that is good.
  • The undying worm. This imagery conveys relentless, unending torment without relief.
  • Unquenchable thirst. The rich man longed for even a drop of water to cool his tongue (v. 24), but God’s judgment would not permit it.
  • Memory and awareness. The rich man remembered the comforts of his earthly life, which only deepened his anguish. The torment is not merely physical but also psychological and spiritual.

The torment of hell is just. God’s justice demands full accountability. Hell is the consequence of a sinner’s decision to remain in unbelief. Even in torment, there is no repentance. As C.S. Lewis wrote, “The gates of hell are locked from the inside.”

  • Christopher W. Morgan describes it this way:
  • “Those in hell suffer intense and excruciating pain—emotional, spiritual, and physical. Hell is worse than being drowned in the sea. It is worse than any earthly suffering. The suffering never ends… The intensity of the suffering corresponds to the wickedness of the person’s behavior. Hell is utterly dreadful; the suffering is constant.”
  • Revelation 14:11 declares, “The smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever; they have no rest day and night.”
  • Hell is eternal because the soul does not die, and sin is committed against an eternal, holy God. The infinite worth of the One sinned against explains the eternal weight of judgment.

There are several impossibilities in hell:

  • Irreversible unbelief. The rich man cried, “Father Abraham,” revealing his Jewish heritage. Yet lineage and religious background cannot save. There is no repentance after death.
  • No transformation. If the heart is not changed on earth, it will not be changed in hell. The rich man sought relief, not repentance.
  • Unbridgeable separation. A great chasm separates the righteous from the unrighteous. This division is fixed by God Himself.
  • No mediator. The rich man appealed to Abraham, but there is no mediator in hell. The only mediator between God and man is Jesus Christ.
  • No annihilation. Scripture does not teach that hell is temporary or that its inhabitants cease to exist. The language of “destroy” often refers to ruin and ongoing torment. Revelation describes the torment as “forever and ever.” Hell is a present and continuing reality.

Understanding the permanence of hell and the impossibility of escape should drive every Christian to examine their faith and urgently proclaim the gospel. None of us knows when our last day will be, yet most live as though we have unlimited time.

R.C. Sproul warns:
“Two words you never want to hear from God are ‘too late.’ God is merciful beyond human comprehension. But His mercy has a boundary—the end of your life. ‘It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment’ (Heb. 9:27). If we cry for mercy after we’re dead, it is too late. If you truly understand the reality of hell, you would crawl over broken glass to the cross—to the only One who can bring you safely home for eternity.”

Do you desire to be saved? Nothing is more important. Nothing should come before your salvation. Delaying your salvation is dangerous. Today is the day of salvation. If, by God’s grace, you understand the gospel, then repent of your sins and place your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for forgiveness and eternal life.

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The Sobering Truths – Luke 16:19-22

Introduction

Death is a sobering reality; everyone lives on God’s borrowed time. Death comes for everyone, to anyone, at any time, and no one can stop it. In Genesis, Methuselah lived 969 years, and he died (Genesis 5:27), but on average, just as the amazing Bible explains, our days are seventy or eighty years (Psalm 90:10). It is a mistake to believe that death is extinction, unconscious nothingness, or the end of personhood. Death is not annihilation; rather, it ends one mode of existence—the earthly and fleshly—and transitions the individual into a new mode of existence, either in Christ or outside of Christ.

There are three types of death: physical death, where the soul and body separate; spiritual death, which is separation from God; and eternal death, the second death, where one remains in heaven or hell forever. Death was brought into the world by the curse of God as a judicial response to the consequences of sin. It is the natural effect of humanity’s rebellion, conformed by God’s law and tied to the curse. As Romans 5:12 states, sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, affecting all humanity. However, not all death is equal. The quality of death is different for every person because how one lives today determines the kind of death they will experience.

Living Well is Not Enough

The first sobering truth is that living well is not enough to result in being separated unto God. A person can be respected, wealthy, and successful in the eyes of the world without a guarantee of going to heaven. Jesus describes the rich man in this passage with vivid detail, noting he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day. Purple fabric represented royalty, luxury, and power, and this man feasted sumptuously every single day, not merely occasionally (Luke 16:19).

Jesus did not charge the rich man with a specific crime or dishonest character, but his habitual life of luxury revealed a life full of sin and an orientation centered entirely on self. It is not a matter of perfection but orientation; the rich man turned blessings into self-service rather than stewardship for God. He did not deny himself; he avoided the cross (Luke 9:23) and, while he gained the whole world, forfeited his own soul (Luke 9:25). Those who live blindly and recklessly for themselves, ignoring Jesus, will eventually hear the ultimate response: “Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness” (Matthew 7:23).

Living Right is Essential

The second sobering truth is that living right is essential to being separated unto God in death. No one is born to live right, and if life were fair, everyone would be hanging on a cross (Romans 3:10). Living right is impossible through human trials or inventions; it is only possible through being justified by faith and having peace with God through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). Jesus specifically names Lazarus, whose name means “God helps,” showing that while many are called, few are chosen.

The life of Lazarus reflects a spirit in complete poverty; he had nothing to offer God and relied entirely on His mercy. True Christians are “poor in spirit,” possessing a humility that knows they need only what God provides (Matthew 5:3). Lazarus was content even with crumbs, showing that living right is the fruit of salvation, not the root. This orientation of total dependence on God’s mercy is the most necessary fit for being separated unto God.

Everyone Dies and the Consequences Follow

The third sobering truth is that everyone dies, and the consequences follow. Both the rich man and Lazarus died, but their deaths were not equal. When Lazarus died, he was carried away by angels to Abraham’s side. This royal escort language implies that after a Christian dies, it is a grand homecoming where God notices and initiates a glorified transition. For the believer, death is a relocation, not a loss; because they have been crucified with Christ, they have already gone through the first death and only eternity remains. Death loses its power to harm and becomes a gateway to Chris,t where no more tears or sin exist. Abraham’s side is a place of comfort, safety, and rest, where the believer is a companion of the righteous in the joy of God.

In contrast, the rich man also died and was buried. His death was miserable and empty because he had no Jesus. He was not carried by angels; he was simply buried, which represents the emptiness of a final earthly end. While a non-Christian might have an impressive funeral with beautiful eulogies, they enter a state of conscious separation from God and immediate regret. They must face the final Judge, and for them, death is not a gateway but a wall. For the non-believer, eternal suffering starts at death because they have no hope in Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

Everyone is living on God’s borrowed time, and this precious time must be used wisely for salvation. If a person is not yet saved, they must repent and trust the Lord, not testing God’s patience. If saved, the call is to worship, love, and obey Him in all circumstances, enjoying the transformation God has provided. God can transform those who used to be like the rich man into those like Lazarus, who totally depend on the Lord. While life on this earth will end, those in Christ have a guarantee that it is not the end, but a gateway to a perfect and eternal home because Jesus did everything perfectly.

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Damning Spiritual Wickedness – Luke 16:16-18

In Luke 16, Jesus gives a serious indictment of the Pharisees. While they appeared righteous on the outside, Jesus, who knows the heart, exposes their true spiritual deadness. Our current passage leads directly to the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, warning us that those who appear “nice” but remain spiritually wicked will face eternal damnation.

Spiritual Blindness

Spiritual wickedness is not just an outward moral failing; it is evil that operates in the realm of faith, worship, and authority. It is the willful corruption of what is holy, often masquerading as righteousness. The Pharisees would argue over the minutiae of the Sabbath as a pretense of righteousness while they would challenge Jesus, the Lord of Sabbath. Spiritual wickedness is sin against God. Like Eli’s sons who “did not know Yahweh” despite being priests and committed horrible sins in the name of God, spiritual wickedness is a sin primarily against God rather than man (1 Sam 2:12, 25). This wickedness leads to spiritual blindness, where one can no longer recognize the truth of God’s Word or the person of Jesus Christ.

The “Law and the Prophets” refers to the entire Old Testament. The Law means the books of Moses and the Prophets means the rest of the books in the Old Testament. All of them, starting in Genesis, tell of the coming Messiah. They could not see the role of God’s word and the role of John the Baptist and ultimately could not recognize Jesus ChristThe Pharisees spent their lives studying these scriptures, yet they missed the “real thing” standing before them.

  • The Old Testament is not inferior; it is God-breathed (2 Tim 3:16). God used human authors like musical instruments to play His melody.
  • From Moses (Deut 18:15) to Isaiah (Isaiah 9:6-7), the scriptures clearly pointed to Jesus.
  • Even today, we can be spiritually blind if our Bibles gather dust or if we lack “spiritual perception”. We must tremble at the Word (Isaiah 66:1-2) rather than treating it as a common or familiar thing.

Spiritual Insensitivity: Failure to repent 

John the Baptist served as the bridge between the old and new eras. His role was to prepare the way for Jesus by calling people to repentance. John the Baptist cannot be separated from Jesus Christ. The Law shows us our sin and weakness, and John the Baptist points us to the Lamb of God who takes away that sin. The Pharisees hated John’s message because the spiritually blind hate to repent; they think they are already pure based on their own self-righteousness. Do you know your heart condition? How wicked and sinful you are? If you really knew, there is nothing you can do but repentance in Jesus. The wicked are blind to this desperate need. They think they can be blessed without repentance.

Spiritual Arrogance

From the beginning (Genesis 3:15), the good news of Jesus has been provided. The promise was given to Eve that her offspring would defeat the serpent. This promise is proclaimed loudly and clearly all through the Old Testament. It is impossible to miss the good news. The Kingdom of God is “good news” because Jesus is a righteous and life-giving King. It is good news because the Kingdom is not just a political entity; it is a “family business” where we are co-heirs with Christ. However the Pharisees’ kingdom was political. They had their own kingdom, separate from the Kingdom of God. They could not get into God’s kingdom because they were not willing to repent. No one in hell will say, I tried so hard to get saved by Jesus but it didn’t happen. It is because you refused to repent. (Matthew 3:2)

The Cure to Spiritual Blindness 

For the non Christian, you are spiritually blind if your salvation and Jesus is not the most urgent need in your life. Psalm 90:3 says your life is fragile and temporary. Today must be the day of salvation. For the Christian, if your transformation and godly character are not your priority then you might be spiritually blind. We need signs of love and growing holiness and mortifying sin. The cure is the same. Repentance

How do we know if we are no longer blind? We find ourselves “forcing” our way into the Kingdom (Luke 16:16).

  • Holy Zeal: This is not salvation by works, but a “pressing hard” with intensity and determination. It is the mark of someone who sees the light and pursues it like a person lost at sea rowing toward a lighthouse.
  • Pressing On: Like the Apostle Paul, we must reach forward and “press on toward the goal” (Phil 3:13-14).

Jesus loves us and He shed his blood for us. He showed His love for us. We must reciprocate that love with our passionate pursuit of Him. If you claim to see but do not strive, your sin remains. We must acknowledge our blindness, turn from our self-righteousness, and desperately pursue Christ through repentance and faith.

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One of the Worst Sins, Part 3 – Luke 16:15

God sees and knows every human heart. Nothing is hidden from Him. Jesus speaks in this passage about the inner person—the heart—which God examines fully. As He exposed the hearts of the Pharisees, so He knows ours.

The idolatrous heart is detestable in the sight of God.
The heart is the center of thought, desire, and moral decision-making. It reflects who we truly are and how we respond to God. God’s knowledge of the heart goes beyond outward behavior to inner motives and intentions. We cannot conceal our hearts from Him.

What does God do with man’s heart?

  • He exposes what is within it.
  • He breaks the heart (mind and will) through suffering, frustration, circumstances, and failure.
  • He purifies and renews the heart through new life in Christ.

“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

For believers, this truth is comforting. God knows our weaknesses and invites us to approach Him humbly for grace, comfort, and peace.
“A bruised reed he will not break…” (Isaiah 42:3).

Yet Scripture also teaches that evil flows from the human heart.
“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts…” (Mark 7:21–23).

The Bible describes hearts that are hardened, divided, proud, or unbelieving. The greatest barrier to spiritual growth is not merely sin, but an unwilling heart. A spiritually dead heart requires God’s intervention and renewal.

Jeremiah 17:9 declares:
“The heart is deceitful above all things and extremely sick…”

Because the human heart is deceitful, people cannot fully understand themselves. Unbelief and hypocrisy grow from this self-deception. Only the Holy Spirit can convict, lead to repentance, and bring saving faith in Christ.

Modern culture encourages people to “follow your heart,” but Scripture warns that this leads to destruction. Apart from God, the heart cannot be healed. Only the light of the gospel reveals the true human condition.

Jesus, the true Light, exposes the heart and brings salvation to those who receive Him (John 1:9–12). He revealed the Pharisees’ idolatry—they loved money and power more than God.

“To be free of idols you must live with God…” (J. Douma).

The proud heart is detestable in the sight of God.
The Pharisees were not only idolaters but also proud. Pride places self on the throne rather than God. All sinners possess pride because God is not central in their lives.

Even believers can harbor subtle pride, often revealed through anxiety, discontentment, frustration, or a victim mentality. This mindset resists correction and avoids repentance. Pride is especially offensive to God because it is a vertical sin against Him and damages all relationships. Scripture records God’s severe judgment against the proud (Acts 12:22–23).

Believers must remain vigilant, for “a proud heart is Satan’s throne” (Charles Bridges). Pride separates people from God, as seen in Adam, Eve, and Moses. Pride relies on self and rejects God’s word.

Jesus Christ is the supreme example of humility.
“Have this way of thinking in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:3, 5).

Pride is destroyed only through union with Christ. When the old self is crucified, Christ reigns in the heart. Humility marks those who truly abide in Him.

The Pharisees refused to die to self and were therefore an abomination to God. This warning remains true today. We must examine our lives for idolatry and pride and repent.

Let us ask whether idolatry or pride characterizes our daily lives. If so, may we repent and walk humbly before our Lord.

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One of the Worst Sins, Part 2 – Luke 16:14-15

We sin every day, but we usually only count the sins that are made in the sight of man. We must remember that sin is always committed in the sight of God. While all sin is sin, not all sin is equal. Scripture clearly distinguishes between sin in ignorance and intentional sin. God considers motivation, impact, and their heart of rebellion when evaluating sin. (John 19:11). In our text, we see some of the worst sins.

The Love of Money

Money is a tool, but when you love money, it is an abomination. The love of money is the root of all sorts of evil (1 Tim 6:10). When money is loved, it replaces love for God, leading to idolatry. The love of money motivates sinful behavior, creates spiritual blindness, and aligns our hearts with worldly values instead of Godly virtues. You cannot serve God and money together.

Unbelief

Unbelief is demonstrated by scoffing, turning up the nose, and holding Jesus in contempt. Even with Christ’s miracles, great teaching, and genuine character, those who practice unbelief refuse to believe. This refusal stems from a corrupted heart—morally ruined, spiritually diseased, and possessing a darkened mind. Unbelief is the suppression of the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18-19). Healing from this deep corruption requires God’s regeneration and new life, revealed through the Holy Spirit’s correction and rebuke.

Undenied Self

The third severe sin is the outcome of the undenied self. Self is the root of human problems; it is the source of pride, self-seeking, and rebellion, ruling our hearts and decisions apart from God. Inside, we are all born full of robbery and wickedness (Luke 11:39).

Self-justification is when a person defends their own actions and motives instead of acknowledging their mistakes. In a spiritual sense, this practice is extremely dangerous because it:

  • Prevents Repentance: It keeps us busy defending the self, leading to no confession of sin.
  • Hardens the Heart: It blinds us to spiritual reality, causing repeated sin without remorse.
  • Blocks Grace: Self-justification makes one proud and unable to receive the grace offered through Christ (Luke 23:39).
  • Opposes Christ: It is the ultimate rebellion, denying the cross and rejecting the grace of Jesus. Self-justification claims we do not need Christ, who alone is the antidote for sin (Galatians 2:21).

We must embrace being crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). This is not physical death but the daily, spiritual mortification of the self. It means surrendering self-centered pride, letting Christ’s life govern our actions, and yielding to God’s will over self-control. We live by faith, trusting Jesus who died for us. A Christian should obey before understanding. That doesn’t mean we don’t understand but we obey even if we don’t understand.

Seeking Human Approval

This is another worst sin we practice often. Seeking human approval means valuing the praise, acceptance, and recognition of people more than what is God-honoring. The Pharisees were trapped in this sin, seeking to justify themselves “in the sight of man” (Luke 16:15). They seek popularity and attention (Matthew 23:5).

Seeking human approval is devastating because it:

  • Replaces God: It is a form of idolatry, replacing our loyalty to God with loyalty to people.
  • Produces Hypocrisy: It corrupts motives, turning worship into performance and sincerity into showmanship (Matthew 6:1-2, 5).
  • Suppresses Obedience: Fear of man’s disapproval leads to silence regarding the truth and the rejection of God’s will.

A key cause of people-pleasing is a lack of fear of God. When people look strong, and God seems weak, the fear of man becomes a snare.

Cure for Human Approval: We must find our identity in Christ. Your worth is rooted in being loved and adopted by Him. We must grow in the fear of God, knowing He judges perfectly, seeing the inside, while man only sees the outside. Make it your daily aim to please God, because pleasing people leads only to slavery. We are called to live for eternal evaluation.

Remember, we are all God’s kingdom priests. The work of salvation is finished by Jesus. There is no room for self. We are called to seek His kingdom and His righteousness, defeating these worst sins by choosing simply to trust and obey Him every day.

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