What does the rich man's lifestyle reveal about his spiritual priorities? Setting the Scene: Luke 16:19 in Context “Now there was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen, and he lived in luxury every day.” (Luke 16:19) What His Lifestyle Looked Like • Purple garments—costly, royal-level status • Fine linen—expensive Egyptian fabric for under-garments • Lived in luxury every day—habitual, not occasional; constant indulgence What Those Choices Reveal About His Heart • Pursuit of status over service • Comfort prioritized above compassion • Daily routine centered on self, not God Scripture Echoes That Illuminate the Picture • Matthew 6:19-21—Treasures on earth reveal where the heart truly is • Proverbs 11:28—“He who trusts in his riches will fall” • 1 Timothy 6:9-10—Desire for riches leads to ruin and destruction • James 5:1-3—Wealth hoarded will testify against its owner • Isaiah 58:6-7—True worship includes sharing bread with the hungry (contrast with his neglect of Lazarus in v.20-21) Spiritual Priorities in Sharp Relief • Earthly riches > Eternal riches • Appearance before people > Approval before God • Daily feasting > Daily fellowship with the Lord • Closed door to the needy > Closed heart to the Spirit Takeaway for Today The rich man’s habitual luxury advertised a heart settled on the temporary. In God’s economy, stewardship and compassion mark genuine faith; unchecked self-indulgence exposes a life detached from eternal priorities. |
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