Sermon Cloud

God Knows Our Heart Luke 16:14-31

Who can judge our hearts?  Who can really know our deepest motivations?

Who can honestly know why we do the things we do?   God can and does!

In verse 15 Jesus points out we have two ways to live.

(1) We can justify ourselves (But God knows our hearts)

(2) We can rely upon the Grace Of God and press into the Kingdom Of God

I. (14-18) A Warning Against Self Justification

A. (14) The Reason For The Warning

1. Self Justification

2. God Knows Our Hearts

Romans 2:16 .... in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.

B. (15) The Rebuke For Self Justification

C. (16) The Reminder Of The Kingdom

D. (17-18) The Reminder Of The Law

1. Not To Abolish But To Fulfill

2. Example: Marriage

II. (19-31) A Story About Selfish Indifference

Literal Names:Lazarus and Abraham   ----Jesus is Quoting Abraham

Lazarus=One whom God Helps

Rich Man= His name is not worth remembering

A. (19-21) A Life Of Plenty And A Life Of Problems

A story of contrasts.  Remember the context of Verse 15 (Esteemed VS Abomination in God's eyes)

1. Rich Man

Fared Sumptuously= lived in luxury in a flashy way.

Jesus makes note that Lazarus is at the rich man's Gate: A gate would indicate more of an estate or mansion rather than just a normal home.

The main point is clear: the rich man and his associates did nothing to help the beggar

a)    The Bible Declares This World’s Inequity It Is Temporary

Psalm 49:16-20 Do not be afraid when one becomes rich, When the glory of his house is increased; 17 For when he dies he shall carry nothing away; His glory shall not descend after him. 18 Though while he lives he blesses himself (For men will praise you when you do well for yourself), 19 He shall go to the generation of his fathers; They shall never see light. 20 A man who is in honor, yet does not understand, Is like the beasts that perish.

A man who is important in this life but does not understand and respond to spiritual things is like a beast the eventually dies...

2. Lazarus

B. (22-23) A Life Of Comfort And A Life Of Pain

The rich man simply died and was buried, without any heavenly honors. To the end of his life he enjoyed luxury, and did not suffer any earthly loss

1. Heaven / Paradise

2. Hell / Torment

C. (24-31) A Plea Of Mercy For Self And Family

D. An Exhortation To Be Involved In God's Kingdom