Eternal Perspective: Valuing What Truly Matters
Understanding the True Measure of a Life
Luke 16:19-31
19 “There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. 20 But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, 21 desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. 26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’ 27 “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, 28 for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ 29 Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’”
Luke 16:19–31 (NKJV)
Introduction:
This morning, it is crucial to remember why we do what we do as a church.
What is the vision or mission that God has entrusted us to fulfill before His coming?
Matthew 24:46 (NKJV) 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.
What should we be doing when the Lord comes?
It is vital not to lose sight of the “why,” that is, the purpose of our actions and efforts.
What are our priorities? What is most important and what is not as much? We may be doing many things, but if we neglect the important or essential, what good is it?
The words of the apostle Paul…
1 Corinthians 10:23 (NKJV) 23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.
We need to evaluate our actions, consider their impact on our lives, and use much discernment in how we are living our lives.
We cannot lose sight of our mission to take the everlasting gospel to the ends of the earth, reaching the treasures of darkness.
Those who were once like us, without hope or purpose.
Matthew 10:7–8 (NKJV) 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
For this to happen, we must consider some crucial lessons from the story we read this morning.
For a moment, can you see the invisible realities of the spiritual world?
This story offers us a glimpse into the invisible realities of the spiritual world, describing both the torment of hell and the comfort of heaven.
We see two lives lived on this earth, but with two very different ends.
I ask you which of the two you identify with this morning, and how important it is to recognize that there is still time to change.
In this story, the first thing we see is the importance of having an eternal perspective on life.
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus powerfully illustrates the importance of having an eternal perspective.
This story forces us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and consider the eternal implications of our actions and attitudes.
The story encourages us to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that our actions in this life have consequences in the afterlife.
If there is a heaven and a hell, let no one deceive us this morning; one of these two places will be our eternal destination. Where you spend eternity depends on the decisions you make in life.
Philippians 2:12 (NKJV) 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
Revelation 3:11 (NKJV) 11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.
Revelation 3:5 (NKJV) 5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
Everyone will have to give an account of their actions, no one escapes, whether rich or poor.
Romans 14:11–12 (NKJV) 11 For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” 12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.
Hebrews 9:27 (NKJV) 27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,
Revelation 20:11–12 (NKJV) 11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.
Only what we do for God will last in eternity.
What is important to God should be important to us.
This is what we should be seeking this morning…
Colossians 3:1–2 (NKJV) 1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Living with purpose: this story reminds us to live with a sense of purpose and intentionality, focusing on what truly matters in the light of eternity rather than on passing pleasures.
All that matters in eternity is the eternal, that is, the value of a soul!
Matthew 16:26 (NKJV) 26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
This leads us to the next truth, the responsibility of being good stewards because undoubtedly we own nothing.
1 Timothy 6:7 (NKJV) 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
Luke 12:19–21 (NKJV) 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” 20 But God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?” 21 So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
We must be careful not to be deceived by the success of this world:
What is success here can lead you to an eternity of suffering. Just look at the rich man; what a change of scene… one day in his palace, another moment… which will be for an eternity in suffering.
Not everything that glitters is gold in this life if we do not have a correct perspective of riches.
Matthew 6:19–21 (NKJV) 19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
True wealth comes from serving God and following His teachings, not from accumulating material possessions and not using them for God’s purposes.
It is a balance of wealth with responsibility… steward, not owner.
Beware of wealth and materialism…
Luke 12:15 (NKJV) 15 And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”
1 Timothy 6:9–10 (NKJV) 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Thirdly, we see the importance of compassion, not pity, but genuine compassion for those in need, especially spiritual need.
This rich man was never moved to compassion…
Luke 16:20–21 (NKJV) 20 But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, 21 desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
The rich man’s lack of compassion for Lazarus is a central theme of this story.
It highlights the importance of recognizing the suffering of others and responding with compassion and love.
This morning the Lord challenges us to examine our own hearts and actions, asking ourselves if we are truly compassionate toward those in need.
Matthew 9:36–38 (NKJV) 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
Today, we have the challenge to move into action with compassion. Compassion shares, compassion moves… doing something to make a difference.
Finally, we see the responsibility to go and preach…
Luke 16:27–31 (NKJV) 27 “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, 28 for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ 29 Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’”
The power of His word… this is what we must carry… this is what transforms lives.
We need resources, we need hands willing to work so that others may receive the good news.
This responsibility is ours, no one else’s… not even the angels, it is us, the church.Romans 10:13–15 (NKJV) 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” 14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!”
Questions for Edification: Reflection, Dialogue, and Discussion:
- Reflect on Luke 16:19-31. How do the lives of the rich man and Lazarus illustrate the importance of having an eternal perspective?
- Reflecting on Matthew 9:36-38, how can we cultivate a heart of compassion for those around us?
- What does it mean to be a good steward of the resources God has given us, according to 1 Timothy 6:7 and Luke 12:19-21?
- How do Philippians 2:12 and Revelation 3:11-12 emphasize the importance of working out our salvation with fear and trembling?
- Based on the story of the rich man and Lazarus, how can we move from feeling compassion to taking compassionate actions?
Pagina Del Pastor Jesus Figueroa 