5 Day Bible Study Reading Plan: Hell Is Not A Hearing Problem
Welcome to the "BIG IDEA: Hell is not a hearing problem" 5-day Bible reading plan, inspired by Pastor Paul's message at Sonrise on November 12, 2023. In this plan, we will delve into the profound teachings of Jesus found in Luke 16:14-31. Pastor Paul's insightful exploration of this passage highlighted the contrasting experiences of individuals in this life and the next, emphasizing the critical role of responsiveness to God's revelation. As we journey through these verses, we'll examine core passages, explore cross-references, and reflect on the implications for our lives. May this reading plan deepen our understanding of God's Word and inspire transformative conversations within our communities.
Day 1: Recognizing Hypocrisy and God's Knowledge
Scripture:
Luke 16:14-15: ' The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. '
Cross References:
Matthew 23:27-28: ' Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. '
Proverbs 21:2: ' Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart. '
Jeremiah 17:10: ' I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.’
Reflection Prompts:
In what ways do I sometimes justify myself before others while neglecting the condition of my heart before God?
How can I cultivate a genuine and humble heart that aligns with God's standards rather than societal expectations?
Day 2: Contrasting Earthly Experiences
Scripture:
Luke 16:19-21: ' There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. '
Cross References:
James 2:5-6: 'Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? '
Proverbs 14:31: 'Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him. '
Matthew 25:35-36: 'For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’
Reflection Prompts:
How do I view and treat those who are materially less fortunate than me?
In what ways can I show kindness and generosity to those in need, reflecting God's love in my actions?
Day 3: Contrasting Afterlife Experiences
Scripture:
Luke 16:22-26: 'The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ '
Cross References:
Revelation 21:4: 'He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” '
Matthew 25:46: 'And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”'
2 Corinthians 4:17-18: 'For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.'
Reflection Prompts:
How does my understanding of eternity influence my priorities and actions in the present?
In what ways can I invest more in the eternal, recognizing the transient nature of earthly pursuits?
Day 4: The Danger of Ignoring God's Revelation
Scripture:
Luke 16:27-29: 'And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ '
Cross References:
Hebrews 4:7: 'again he appoints a certain day, “Today,” saying through David so long afterward, in the words already quoted, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” '
John 5:39: 'You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, '
Psalm 119:105: ' Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. '
Reflection Prompts:
How attentive am I to God's Word, and do I recognize its significance in guiding my life?
In what areas of my life do I need to be more open to God's warnings and guidance through His Word?
Day 5: The Root Cause of Judgment
Scripture:
Luke 16:30-31: 'And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”'
Cross References:
Romans 10:17: 'So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. '
Acts 17:11: 'Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. '
John 12:48: 'The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. '
Reflection Prompts:
How does the concept of faith coming from hearing influence my attitude towards sharing the Gospel with others?
Am I convinced of the power of God's Word in transforming lives, including my own?
It’s Better Together
Sharing this experience with friends adds a layer of accountability, support, and diverse perspectives that can enhance your collective understanding of the message. Consider inviting 1-3 friends to join you in reading this 5 day Bible Study reading plan throughout the upcoming week, and then meet up afterward to discuss your insights.
Here are 5 questions to help get you started:
What stood out to you the most in the daily passages, and how did it resonate with your personal experiences or beliefs?
In what ways can the lessons from this study be applied to our daily lives and interactions with others?
Were there any cross-references that provided a new perspective or challenged your understanding of the core passages?
How do you think our modern context aligns with or differs from the situations Jesus addressed in the story?
What specific steps can we take individually or collectively to respond to the insights gained from this study and grow in our faith journey?
