The Wisdom of Death
Introduction:
Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple Computer, passed away a few weeks
ago. In 2005 he gave the commencement speech at Stanford
University. In that speech, he said the following:
Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve
ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because
almost everything – all external expectations, all pride, all fear
of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the
face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering
that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap
of thinking you have something to lose.
Thinking about our death helps us put things in perspective. It
clarifies what’s really important. The wise man, Solomon, many
centuries ago, taught future generations about “the wisdom of
death.”
Text:
Ecclesiastes 7:2-4
Body
I.
Death Is a Great Teacher
-
As
Hebrews 9:27
teaches, “It
is appointed for men to die once, and after this judgment.” The living should think seriously
about the reality of death.
-
The foolish never prepare for their death and thus waste much of
their lives. (Psalms
90:12)
We should take advantage of our short lives and not waste our
days on the unimportant. (Psalms
39:4-5)
-
Our lives pass quickly. (Psalms
103:14-16)
II.
The Benefits of a Funeral
-
God has our undivided attention at a funeral. Every funeral
anticipates our own.
-
A
funeral helps us understand more clearly the result of the Fall
in the Garden of Eden. (Genesis
3:17-19,
Romans 5:12)
-
A
funeral reminds us of how truly short our lives are. (James 4:13-14)
-
A
funeral reminds us that how we live really matters.
(II
Corinthians 5:10)
Tombstone: Two dates and a dash It’s the dash that matters.
-
A
funeral encourages us to live life in light of eternity. (I
Peter 4:3-7)
III.
The Death of a Saint
-
Is
precious in God’s sight (Psalms
116:15)
-
It
is far better to be with the Lord. (Philippians
1:21-23)
-
Are blessed (Revelation
14:13)
Invitation:
Our lives here on earth are proving grounds for our worthiness to
live eternally in heaven. Let us make each day count. Maybe we
need to make changes. While we are alive, there is still time to
change.
Bobby
Stafford
October 30, 2011
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