Sunday Morning Sermon

Preached by John Gaines at Leonard Street Church of Christ

July 13, 2003

1. Hebrews 9:27 (NKJV) And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,

a. Life expectancy -- different at different times in history

(1) Before the Flood, people lived to very old ages

(2) After the flood, lifespans became much shorter. By the time Psalms 90 was written, it could be said, The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away [Psalms 90:10 (NKJV)].

(3) Within the last century, great strides have been made in life expectancies. .

b. All of this is mere details, however. Whether we live 969 years like Methuselah or 39 years like the poor Zimbabwean, life "is soon cut off, and we fly away." It is appointed unto man once to die [Hebrews 9:27]. The only ones to escape death are those living when Christ returns. Those people will be changed, in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. [1 Corinthians 15:51-52].

2. Our aim in this study is to look at some of the ways people view death and to come to a better appreciation for how the Bible teaches we should look at death.

I. SOME FEAR DEATH.

A. Dread of the unknown -- death is a dark curtain through which we cannot see. .

B. Expectation of hell -- there is a place of terrible punishment prepared for the devil and his angels [Matthew 25:41 (NKJV) "Then He will also say to those on the left hand, 'Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels"]

1. Some people are so wicked that they know they are bound for hell, but are not willing to make changes necessary to avoid that destiny.

2. The thought of death is terrifying to people who know they are bound for hell. Perhaps they have read about the rich man in Luke 16:24 (NKJV) "Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.' They realize that only a moment after death, they will be experiencing the same torment.

C. Anxiety of uncertainity -- "I don't know if I'm saved"

1. Many people including Christians live in fear that some unforgiven sin will cause them to be lost.

2. It is possible for us to examine ourselves and prove our standing in the faith.

a. Have you been misled by false teaching? [1 John 4:1 (NKJV) Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.] Every teaching should be examined in light of what the Bible says.

b. Has your practice kept up with your profession? [2 Corinthians 13:5 (NKJV) Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?; unless indeed you are disqualified.] Cf. 1 John 2:5 (NKJV) But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.

D. The assurance of Christ's word should enable us to overcome the fear of death.

1. It is a blessing to die in the Lord [Revelation 14:13 (NKJV) Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, "Write: 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.' " "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them."]

2. At the end of his life, Paul could speak with confidence about his hope for eternity [2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NKJV) For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. ]

II. SOME WANT DEATH.

A. For some, readiness for death is simply a realization that "this world is not my home" and they are eager to begin enjoying their eternal rewards. Some time before his death, the apostle Paul admitted his "desire to depart and be with Christ" which he said was "far better" than continuing to live on the earth [Philippians 1:23].

B. Some want death for deliverance from pain and suffering.

1. Heaven is a place where there will be no pain, no sorrow, and no crying [Revelation 21:4].

2. "Why doesn't God let me die?" is a question asked by many suffering people. .

C. Some want death because they think life is no longer worth living.

1. The Bible gives several examples of people committing suicide.

2. "Ending it all" probably seems the easiest solution to people facing a myriad of problems with no visible way out. While we are not in a position to judge anyone's soul, we look in vain in the Bible trying to find anything which indicates God's approval for anyone choosing to take his own life.

III. SOME THINK THEY ARE TOO BUSY TO DIE.

A. Death has caught many people unawares who thought they had too much to do to take care of their health.

1. On average, women live 4½ years longer than men.

2. A great many people realize that something is lacking in their spiritual lives. On some level, they understand that they have a need to "get right with God." They intend to do it someday -- when they have time. For some, that time never comes. Like the rich farmer who was told "This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' [Luke 12:20 (NKJV)]. Jesus' commentary on this parable comes in the next verse -- Luke 12:21 (NKJV) "So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

B. Some would like to postpone death because they have unfinished work to do for the Lord.

1. This is a much higher motive. Paul found himself in this dilemma when his trial before the Roman emperor came. [Philippians 1:20-24]

2. Lots of Christians today have unfinished work which they want to remain in this life and continue.

3. All of that is good . . . but the choice is not ours. It is important that we be able to use the opportunities for service and evangelism that are given to us and that we remain in a state of readiness for the time when death comes to us.

CONCLUSION

1. Are you ready for death?

2. James 4:13-14 (NKJV) Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.

3. Invitation