Rich Man - Poor Man: Discussion Guide
Daily Devo's and Discussions
Bruce Lawrence
Part of Baxter Sermons
October 31, 2024

Summary

The sermon focused on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus from Luke 16:19-31, exploring themes of wealth, mercy, and spiritual priorities. The speaker emphasized the importance of recognizing our spiritual needs and the dangers of relying solely on material wealth. The sermon also highlighted the role of technology in spreading the gospel and the importance of being a conduit for God’s blessings to others.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for bringing us together today. Open our hearts and minds to receive Your word and help us to understand the lessons You want us to learn. May we be receptive to Your guidance and be willing to apply it in our lives. Amen.

Ice Breaker

What is one thing you are grateful for this week?

Key Verses

  1. Luke 16:19-31
  2. John 10:1-4
  3. Matthew 15:21-28

Questions

  1. What stood out to you the most in the story of the rich man and Lazarus?

  2. How do you interpret the significance of the rich man’s clothing in the parable?

  3. In what ways can we be ‘gates’ for others in our daily lives?

  4. Why do you think Jesus used the name Lazarus in this story?

  5. What does the parable teach us about the use of wealth and resources?

  6. How can we ensure we are focusing on ‘God things’ rather than just ‘good things’?

  7. What role does mercy play in our relationships with others?

  8. How can we apply the lesson of this parable to our own spiritual journey?

Life Application

This week, identify one area in your life where you can be a conduit of God’s blessings to someone in need. Take a practical step to share what you have, whether it’s time, resources, or encouragement.

Key Takeaways

  1. Material wealth is temporary and should not be our sole focus.
  2. God calls us to be conduits of His blessings to others.
  3. True mercy comes from God and should be extended to others.
  4. Our spiritual condition is more important than our physical status.
  5. Recognizing our need for God is the first step towards spiritual freedom.

Ending Prayer

Lord, thank You for the lessons we have learned today. Help us to apply them in our lives and to be mindful of the needs of others. May we always seek Your guidance and be willing to share Your love and mercy with those around us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.