What can we learn from the rich man's concern for his brothers' salvation? A brief window into eternity “For I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.” (Luke 16:28) What the rich man suddenly knows • Hell is real, conscious, and irreversible (Luke 16:23–26) • Eternal destinies are sealed at death (Hebrews 9:27) • The Word of God is the only sufficient warning (Luke 16:29) • Lost people on earth urgently need that warning—now Lessons for our hearts • A sobering reality check – Hell is not metaphorical; Jesus speaks of “this place of torment.” – The rich man’s memory, concern, and agony are intact—underscoring that souls remain conscious forever. • Evangelistic urgency – The man’s plea mirrors the apostle’s cry: “We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20). – If the damned could preach, every sermon would end with an altar call. • Scripture is enough light – Abraham’s reply: “They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them” (Luke 16:29). – Miracles cannot replace the Bible’s testimony (Luke 16:31; John 20:31). – “The sacred writings…are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). • Responsibility is personal – The rich man’s brothers must “listen” for themselves. – No one can choose Christ for another, but everyone can point to Him (Romans 10:14–15). • Compassion born from judgment – The man’s torment does not erase his love for family; it intensifies it. – Genuine love longs for people to escape wrath (Ezekiel 33:11; 2 Peter 3:9). Practical take-aways 1. Keep eternity in view – Let the reality of judgment steady priorities: relationships over riches, souls over comforts. 2. Share the gospel while doors are open – “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15). – Speak plainly about sin, cross, and resurrection; tomorrow is not guaranteed. 3. Trust the power of Scripture – Memorize, quote, and give away God’s Word; it carries the very breath of God (Isaiah 55:11). 4. Pray for God-given compassion – Ask the Lord to replace indifference with the rich man’s urgency—before it is too late. The enduring takeaway The rich man’s regret becomes our warning label: people need the gospel now, the Bible is enough to save, and eternity is only one heartbeat away. |
    |