Luke: Follow Jesus- What does Hell teach us about Love?

OUTLINE:

• Identification    16:19-23
• Disintegration    16:24
• Separation    16:25-26
• Deception    16:27-31

QUESTIONS:

1. 16:19-23  Lazarus is named; the rich man is not.  Lazarus’ name means “God is my help.”  What do the things you instinctively turn to for help reveal about what you're bonded to?  In chemistry, what we bond to names us, we become what we are bonded to.  What things are you bonded to and building your life on that most shape what you are becoming and will ultimately become?
2. 16:24  Even in torment, the rich man still gives orders.  Where do you notice sin shrinking your empathy and compassion toward others?  When you are at your worst- impatient, defensive, controlling- what bonds are being exposed or threatened?
3. 16:25-26  Small separations become fixed chasms over time.  What subtle distancing patterns-avoidance, numbing, self-protection- might God be inviting you to address before they harden?
4. 16:27-31  The rich man never repents- he redirects.  He shifts responsibility and manipulates to maintain control.  Where do you see manipulation, deflection or externalization show up in your own thinking?  Where are you tempted to demand more clarity when God may be asking for more obedience?
   Jesus took hell onto Himself.  He experienced separation, darkness and judgement so that we wouldn't have to.  How does this deepen your understanding of the seriousness of sin and the magnitude of your Savior's love?
    

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE:

Luke 16:19-31

NEXT WEEK:

Luke 17:1-10