In this passage, Jesus tells the story of a rich man who lived in luxury and a beggar named Lazarus who lay at his gate, covered with sores and longing for scraps. When both died, Lazarus was carried by angels to Abraham’s side, while the rich man found himself in torment in Hades.
The story reminds us that life doesn’t end at death. Every human being will one day cross over to eternity — either to Heaven or to Hell. There is no middle ground. Once death comes, there’s no opportunity to return and correct anything.
The rich man didn’t go to hell because of his wealth. Abraham, too, was rich and yet was in Heaven. The difference was what ruled their hearts.
For the rich man, money had become his god.
Jesus warned in Matthew 6:24 that “you cannot serve both God and mammon.” Many people today have unknowingly made money their master. They skip worship, ignore God’s commands, and chase after wealth as if it’s the only thing that matters.
Money is not evil, but the love of money leads people away from God (1 Timothy 6:10).
Lazarus, on the other hand, was a believer — his name means “God is my help.” He loved God, yet his earthly life was full of suffering.
Though he made it to Heaven, his condition on earth was an error. A child of God should not live defeated or helpless. Ecclesiastes 10:7 says, “I have seen servants on horses, while princes walk on foot like slaves.”
Our lives should reflect God’s glory. We are meant to be living testimonies of His grace and goodness on earth — not just waiting to go to Heaven.
Many Christians have a poor understanding of what it means to walk with God. They think salvation is only about escaping to Heaven someday, but God designed us to rule and have dominion on earth (Genesis 1:26–28).
Wrong teaching and wrong thinking lead to wrong results. You can’t live above the level of your thoughts (Proverbs 23:7). Renew your mind through God’s Word (Romans 12:2) and see yourself as God sees you — blessed, capable, and destined for impact.
The Bible commends wise planning. In Luke 16, the shrewd manager said, “I know what I’ll do!” Strategic thinking led him out of trouble.
Jesus Himself modelled foresight — in John 6:6, the Bible says He already knew what He would do before performing a miracle.
Ask the Holy Spirit for divine insight and practical wisdom. Think, plan, and act wisely. Faith does not cancel wisdom.
Like the prodigal son in Luke 15:17, many believers forget who they are. He said, “How many of my father’s servants have food to spare, and here I am starving?”
Until you know who you are in Christ, you will live below your potential. You are a child of the King, redeemed and crowned with glory and honour. Refuse to accept anything less than God’s best — not sickness, not poverty, not fear.
Romans 8:17 says, “We are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.”
Some believers are too passive. In Matthew 20, Jesus described labourers who stood idle all day. When asked why, they said, “No one has hired us.”
God doesn’t bless idleness. Even in the parable of the talents, the servant who buried his gift was called “wicked and lazy” (Matthew 25:26).
Work hard. Take initiative. Occupy until Jesus comes (Luke 19:13). Every great person God used — Moses, David, Peter, Paul — was busy doing something when God called them.
Poor discipline and attitude can destroy destiny. Many Christians grumble at work, deliver late, or lack excellence. In Matthew 20, the labourers complained about their wages — that’s bad ethics.
Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”
Your attitude determines your altitude. Be diligent, honest, and dependable. God honours excellence.
Luke 16:25 says, “In your lifetime, you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things.” Lazarus didn’t suffer because God wanted him to — he accepted less than what God had prepared.
Mark 11:24 says, “Whatever things you desire when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them.” Don’t desire crumbs when God offers a feast. Believe for the best. Desire the best. Receive the best.
May your life — both now and in eternity — reflect the glory and goodness of your God.
(Written from a sermon preached by Rev. Simon Ampofo at Gracefields Chapel – Havilah City Temple on the 19th of October, 2025.)
