Temple Baptist Church - 9-1-2024
1 Thessalonians 4:13; Philippians 1:20-24
Introduction:
A. This morning, I want to preach on “Ignorance and Death.” Once again, we hear the words that Paul said, “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.”
B. Now, most of you will probably, at this point, ask the question in your mind, “Why is the pastor preaching on the subject of ignorance and death to us?” Because none of us want to die right now. Thinking about death is not what we do as far as the flesh goes.
1. Because we do not know when we will die, and God has given us a will to live.
2. Because we do not know how we will die, and not one of us wants to suffer in the process.
3. Because we have no control over death but know that it is coming for all of us if the Lord does not come soon.
C. Why are we thus? Why fear to some extent of death? Because God has not yet given to us dying grace. Dr. Harold Sightler used to say, “God’s people die well.” If we are sick and screaming and hollering, we are more than likely not dying.
D. Paul spoke of his dilemma in Philippians, chapter 1, concerning life and death. Interesting the way the Bible describes this. We understand the precept of magnifying Christ in our lives but death? Paul wanted to live like a Christian and also die like one! We are to magnify Christ when we die.
Philippians 1:20-24 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. (21) For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (22) But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. (23) For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: (24) Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
E. I am preaching this for this reason: as most of us are vaguely familiar with what happens leading up to, during, and after death, there is also a natural fear of death that all of us have. I say vaguely familiar with death because none of us have experienced death by walking through that valley.
1. It is a valley of the shadow of death. Death is certainly a dark place. The words “darkness” and “death” are found 13 times in your Bible. In Biblical Numerology, 13 is the number of ill omen.
Job 10:21-22 Before I go whence I shall not return, even to the land of darkness and the shadow of death; (22) A land of darkness, as darkness itself; and of the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as darkness.
2. It is a valley that can hold great fear. Hebrews 2:14-15 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; (15) And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Job 24:17 For the morning is to them even as the shadow of death: if one know them, they are in the terrors of the shadow of death.
Jeremiah 2:6 Neither said they, Where is the LORD that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, that led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and of pits, through a land of drought, and of the shadow of death, through a land that no man passed through, and where no man dwelt?
3. An old saying goes like this: “If I knew where I was going to die, I probably wouldn’t go there.” I believe that this saying would apply to most of us, though we are saved.
4. I have no fear of the afterlife but possibly will not enjoy the process of death. I had just as soon go to sleep here and wake up there. As one man said, “My brother went to sleep last night and this morning he woke up dead!”
5. But, if I knew where I would die, I probably still wouldn’t purposefully go there and neither would you. God placed within man a natural desire to live. Our bodies are tough and will struggle against death until that final moment comes.
F. Paul knew that he would continue to suffer in this life and also the gain of dying in the life to come. Death was far better, and living was more needful.
G. The gain of death far outweighs the pains of living.
1. Heaven’s Person – we shall be like Him for we shall see Him as He is.
1 John 3:1-2 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (2) 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.
John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
2. Heaven’s Pleasure. Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Jude 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,
a. No More Sea
b. No More Tears
c. No More Death
d. No More Sorrow
e. No More Pain
f. No More Night
g. No More Sin
3. Heaven’s Place. 1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
a. A Place of great Purity.
Revelation 21:27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Revelation 22:14-15 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. (15) For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
b. A Place of great Beauty.
(1) Walls of Jasper
(2) Gates of Pearl
(3) Foundations of Precious Stones
(4) Street of Transparent Gold
(5) Palaces Of Ivory
(6) River As Clear As Crystal
(7) Tree Bearing 12 Manner of Fruits
(8) Lighted By The Glory of God
c. A Place of great Accommodations. “In my Father’s house are many mansions!”
4. Heaven’s People. They Are Blood Bought
Revelation 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Conclusion: Have no fear, my little children, death is the final enemy, and our Lord Jesus Christ tasted death for us and now awaits our coming. What a day that will be!
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