Lesson 1 - The Fishers of Men Ministries

5. Too late… the rich man learned that people can change their eternal ending bychanging the way they live, repent, :30;and that how to live (caring for the poor) is found in the teachings of Moses andthe Prophets, 31. Hopefully, his brothers,and the Pharisees will not be so slow to listen and learn.III. Consideration and Application of the Parable1. Listen & Respond… repent if necessaryWe need to listen and respond to God’s spokesmen - Jesus, Heb 1:1 andHis messengers, Mt 28:19-20. The rich manrefused to listen to God’s prophets, especially regarding care for the needy. Areyou listening to God’s message orwaiting for some spectacular sign to “show “ you the way, :31? Are you listeningto God or the traditions of men,Mt 15:1-9? Are you seeking God’s wisdom or earthly, human wisdom, Js 1:5,3:17?2. Seek God’s… values and prioritiesThe Pharisees and the rich man valued and loved money, clothes…, Lk16:14, 19. God detests those things andloves people, especially the needy and defenseless, Js 1:27. God exalts thehumble and the servant-minded,Lk 18:9-14, 22:25-27. When you study ask yourself, “What is important toGod?” or “Who and what does God value?”3. Please God…Don’t live to please, impress, or look good in the eyes of others. Jesusrebuked the Pharisees for justifyingthemselves in the eyes of others, Lk 16:15, 18:9, 14. Are you doing what is rightto impress the preacher, spouse,father-in-law, official… or because God saved you, says its best for you, andcommands it…?4. Today… live to please God, don’t waitThe rich man had no tomorrow’s. Once dead, you cannot change yourdestiny, nor can you help anyone elsechange theirs. In contrast to the rich man, the unjust steward was shrewd, inpart, because he acted promptly,Lk 16:6. Are you doing what good you can today or waiting until you’re richer,wiser, healthier, more experienced…?IV. Memory Verses - Lk 16:15, 31