Uncertain Riches - Jer. 9:23
This sermon warns against the dangers of selfish living and calls listeners to turn to Jesus Christ for salvation.
Bernard Fell preaches about the contrast between the rich man's glory in his riches and the humble, yet rich, life of Lazarus, emphasizing the transient nature of worldly wealth and the eternal value of treasures in heaven. He highlights the consequences of selfish living and the importance of accepting Jesus as our Savior to avoid spiritual poverty. Through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, we are brought to a wealthy place, redeemed from sin, and filled with unceasing joy.
Text
Let not the rich man glory in his riches.
Jeremiah 9:23
See the rich man in his palace,
Self-sufficient, careless, gay,
Clothed in purple and fine linen,
With a banquet ev'ry day.
See the hungry, unloved beggar
Lying helpless at his door,
Waiting for the tiny morsels
From the rich man's lavish store.
Now one day the King of Terrors
Laid his hand upon the twain;
Where, O rich man, is thy treasure?
Death, O Lazarus, is thy gain!
Jesus drew aside the curtain
And revealed the solemn scene--
One in comfort, one in torment,
With a great gulf fixed between.
Go to now, ye rich and wanton,
Though thy coffers overflow,
Fame and plenty now thy portion
In this transient world of woe,
Know ye not that selfish living
Is deep poverty indeed!
And to die without the Saviour-
Who for mercy then can plead?
Jesus came, the Lord of Glory,
From His palace-home so fair;
He beheld in sin's dominion
Moral lepers lying there.
He endured the cross of Calv'ry,
Was there ever love so great'?
In deep poverty and anguish
Took our place outside the gate.
Sing aloud and sound His praises
Ye who know His saving grace:
He hath raised us to the heav'nlies,
Brought us to a wealthy place.
Now no longer lost, insolvent.
Crushed beneath the load of sin;
By His blood we have been purchased,
Joys unceasing now begin.
Sermon Outline
- The Rich Man's Pride
- The Reality of Death
- The Gospel of Jesus Christ
- The Call to Repentance
- The rich and wanton are called to know their true poverty
- The need to turn to the Saviour for mercy
Key Quotes
“Know ye not that selfish living is deep poverty indeed!” — Bernard Fell
“He hath raised us to the heav'nlies, Brought us to a wealthy place.” — Bernard Fell
“By His blood we have been purchased, Joys unceasing now begin.” — Bernard Fell
Application Points
- We must recognize the true nature of our poverty and turn to Jesus Christ for salvation.
- Selfish living is a form of deep poverty that can lead to eternal separation from God.
- Through Jesus Christ, we are raised to a wealthy place and have joys unceasing.