Sermon Notes
8 October 2006
Morning Worship
Death,
IT has its
BRIGHT SIDE
Numbers 23
INTRODUCTION:
a. Some people are unrealistic about death ("Oh, it is dark, gloomy, has
absolutely no redeeming quality") -- So they try to ignore it
b. But if we are righteous, then death can have a bright side and a silver
lining - BALAAM’S desire properly can be our prayer
10
Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of
Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like
his!
I. CHARACTER OF "THE RIGHTEOUS" DEFINED:
A. Accidental? Education? Self-effort?
NO
What then?
are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews
and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;
As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: Psa 14:1, 53:1 Ecc 7:20
Only if The Savior "makes" us righteous
19
For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience
of one shall many be made righteous.
How?
7
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is
righteous, even as he is righteous.
22
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit
unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a
pure heart fervently:
B. So we cannot die THEIR DEATH if we are impenitent, merely moral, or just
profess -- We must bear marks of true righteousness:
1. Born of God
3
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a
man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4
Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter
the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of
water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
22
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit
unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a
pure heart fervently:
23
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word
of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
2. Justified
9
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be
not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor
effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners,
shall inherit the kingdom of God.
11
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye
are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the
name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the
gift of the Holy Ghost.
3. Sanctified
3
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were
baptized into his death?
4
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ
was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also
should walk in newness of life.
15
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of
conversation;
3
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is
pure.
4. Maintain the marks in obedient faith
7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one
with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all
sin.
8
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in
us.
9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and
to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
C. So live THE RIGHTEOUS life in Christ
1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,
who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
serve,
and make preparation to die:
1. Believe and act in reference to that life-ending event
27
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
26
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead
also.
2. Concerned to be ready
21
Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus
Christ unto eternal life.
27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither
shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29
My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to
pluck them out of my Father's hand.
3. The only desire that is of value
26
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his
own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
15
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man
love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the
eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will
of God abideth for ever.
II. "LET ME" SO I CAN BE CONFIDENT IN MY HOUR OF DEATH:
A. Subject is solemn; A momentous thing; The point on which hangs my
everlasting destiny; And it is close at hand
14
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It
is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
B. Tragic: Come to end not prepared for
12
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were
opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead
were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according
to their works.
For that one
leaving this world is bidding final good-bye to Gospel opportunities and
holy companionships; into abyss of a starless night
C. But can rejoice if have hope sure and steadfast --MOVING INTO eternal
daylight
12
If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will
deny us:
11
For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the
everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
15
Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints
13
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead
which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may
rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
26
And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou
this?
iii. "LET ME" SO CHRIST MAY BE GLORIFIED BY MY DEATH:
A. Paul's concern in a Roman prison
20
According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be
ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be
magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
B. Peter's and Paul’s destiny, after persecution
18
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself,
and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt
stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither
thou wouldest not.
19
This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he
had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
12
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not
ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able
to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
C. Destiny of all the faithful
6
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in
heaviness through manifold temptations:
7
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that
perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and
honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
8
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet
believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
9
Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
D. If we glorify His Name in life
20
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask
or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world
without end. Amen.
E. Know life must end
5
For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing,
neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
And soon
10
The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of
strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow;
for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
1. Gospel: Hope for resurrection
Behold, I
shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
In a moment,
in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound,
and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
For this
corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on
immortality.
So
when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall
have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is
written,
Death is swallowed up in victory. Isa 25:8
O
death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
Hos
13:14
The sting of
death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
But thanks
be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2. This hope separates truth from false religions
6
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace
of Christ unto another gospel:
7
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert
the gospel of Christ.
8
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you
than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9
As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel
unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
10
For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet
pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
30
As he spake these words, many believed on him.
31
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my
word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
a. No other really deals with death
18
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore,
Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
b. Only in NT is it faced and for it preparation made
24
Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you
faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
iv. "LET ME" SO OTHERS RIGHTLY MOVED BY MY DEATH:
A. Family and friends strengthened by "precious memories" that lift them
also to love
13
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen
them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed
that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
1. In life I showed them importance of Christ
1
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where
Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Of the church
33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these
things shall be added unto you.
And of real faith
32
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which
is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which
are sanctified.
2. And the important things emphasized in death
13
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead
which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may
rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
3. Thus left a good name to remember
1
A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the
day of one's birth.
2
It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of
feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his
heart.
B. Some wanderer might be turned, saved
4
By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by
which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his
gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
1. Leave a legacy: Example to encourage, words to motivate (letters /
lessons / tapes / notes-in-Bible)
2. Help give them hope for the goal
23
But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I
shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.
4
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away,
reserved in heaven for you,
CONCLUSION:
a. Think concerning the REALITY of death
27
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
b. Yes, THE RIGHTEOUS must die; Be wise: Pray to die as they die
13
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead
which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may
rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
c. Must choose one of two different destinies: Can be dark, dreary,
hopeless; Or bright and glorious (the door to eternal joy)
d. How will it be for you? Make preparation TODAY
28
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the
graves shall hear his voice,
29
And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of
life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
A CHRISTIAN
I Peter 4:14-16
14
If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
15
But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
16
Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
INTRODUCTION:
a. A CHRISTIAN: One who belongs to Christ and follows Christ
b. This is a Divine calling
15
And ye shall leave your name for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord GOD
shall slay thee, and call his servants by another name:
And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.
And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
c. Apostolic endorsement of the name
If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
15
But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
16
Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
I. IN FAITH - A CHRISTIAN IS A BELIEVER:
A. This one trusts Jesus as The Son of God
24
I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye
believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.
But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
B. And believes the Good News
II. IN RELATIONSHIP -- A CHRISTIAN IS A CHILD:
A. Become children by (the) faith
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
B. The grand privilege is an expression of God's love
21
Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
III. IN CHARACTER - A CHRISTIAN IS A SAINT:
A. SAINT: "Separated from common condition and use"
To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
B. The Catholic idea is unscriptural
17
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Iv. IN KNOWLEDGE - A CHRISTIAN IS A DISCIPLE:
A. DISCIPLE: "A learning follower"
As he spake these words, many believed on him.
31
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
B. This means that He and His cause are first
3
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
23
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny
himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
2. Relation to Him must be stronger than family ties
If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
v. IN INFLUENCE -- A CHRISTIAN IS A LIGHT:
A. The influence should be compelling
13
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour,
wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to
be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be
hid.
15
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a
candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and
glorify your Father which is in heaven.
And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
B. Satan's effort is to get us to neglect our duty, lose our zeal, love the world
10
For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is
departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
16
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
C. Let us guard our influence; Keep it powerful
Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.
Vi. IN SERVICE - A CHRISTIAN IS A PRIEST:
A. ALL in the family are priests
5
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy
priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus
Christ.
15
But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave
thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the
pillar and ground of the truth.
But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
B. SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES - Not as under the Law of Moses
1
Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and
a worldly sanctuary.
2
For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick,
and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.
3
And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of
all;
4
Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round
about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's
rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
5
And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we
cannot now speak particularly.
6
Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the
first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.
7
But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not
without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the
people:
8
The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was
not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:
9
Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both
gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service
perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;
10
Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal
ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
11
But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater
and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of
this building;
12
Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered
in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
13
For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer
sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
14
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit
offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works
to serve the living God?
15
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually,
that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
16
But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God
is well pleased.
1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present
your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your
reasonable service.
2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing
of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and
perfect, will of God.
Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.
16
For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.
17
Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
18
But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
vii. IN PROGRESS -- A CHRISTIAN IS A PILGRIM:
A. Ours is just a short time here
9
For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a
tale that is told.
10
The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of
strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow;
for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
14
For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
15
And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
16
But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
17
By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
18
Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Gen 21:12 Rom 9:7 Gal 3:16
19
Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
20
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
21
By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.
22
By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
23
By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.
24
By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
25
Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
B. Be prepared to leave
13
Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city,
and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
14
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It
is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth
away.
15
For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or
that.
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Viii. IN CONFLICT -- A CHRISTIAN IS A SOLDIER:
A. This is not a physical fight
12
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou
art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many
witnesses.
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5
Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
B. Must stand when the struggle comes
12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high places.
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4
No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
C. Our only weapon is sufficient
17
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is
the word of God:
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
ix. IN EXPECTATION -- A CHRISTIAN IS AN HEIR:
A. Will be a glorious inheritance
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
B. If we be faithful WE WILL never lose it
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5
Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
6
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
7
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
8
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
9
Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
20
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the
Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
21
Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his
glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue
all things unto himself.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
CONCLUSION:
a. Is He glorified by the way we wear His Name?
B. We appreciate our riches and our hope - Tell others
c. Please take the Sacred Name upon you
