The Brevity of Life

Watch the video of this sermon on YouTube: The Brevity of Life The outline in Word and PDF formats is attached below. The Brevity of Life I. Our pilgrimage on this earth is short. 1. Our life on this earth is so short it is called a vapour (Jam 4:14). 2. Vapour - 1. Without article: Matter in the form of a steamy or imperceptible exhalation; esp. the form into which liquids are naturally converted by the action of a sufficient degree of heat. 3. It's wind (Psa 78:39). 4. It's short (Job 14:1; Psa 89:47). 5. All flesh soon withers like the grass and fades like the flower (Isa 40:6-8). 6. It's soon cut off and we fly away (Psa 90:10). 7. Therefore we ought to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom (Psa 90:12 c/w Eph 5:16). 8. This is why it is so important to seek our Creator in the days of our youth (Ecc 12:1; Lam 3:26-27; Pro 8:17). A. This is done by taking heed unto God's law (Psa 119:9). B. Parents, make sure you teach your children the holy scriptures so that they can be as Timothy who knew them from a child (2Ti 3:15). 9. If you didn't find God until you were old, then be wise in thy latter end (Pro 19:20). A. Serve God in your old age and show His strength unto this generation (Psa 71:9, 15-18). B. Don't leave this world until you impart the truth to the next generation. C. Never stop bringing forth fruit, even in old age (Psa 92:13-14). D. God will be with us in old age (Isa 46:4). 10. If you want to prolong your life, fear God and keep His commandments (Pro 3:1-2; Pro 3:7-8; Pro 4:10; Pro 9:10-11; Pro 10:27). 11. We should all strive to be able to say as Paul did at the end of his life: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8) Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." (2Ti 4:7-8). II. When this short life is over, the death of loved ones causes sorrow. 1. Sorrowing for lost loved ones is as old as humanity (Ecc 12:5). 2. There is nothing wrong with grieving over the loss of people we love; even devout men do it (Act 8:2). 3. Lamentation - The action of lamenting; the passionate or demonstrative expression of grief; mourning; in weakened sense, regret. 4. We often blame God when loved ones die (Joh 11:21; Joh 11:32). A. Rather than rebuking us in those times of weakness, Jesus weeps with us (Joh 11:32-36; Rom 12:15). B. He is a great high priest who can be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, and we can therefore come to Him for grace and help in time of need (Heb 4:15-16). C. Rather than rebuke, He will give us assurance that that our loved ones who belong to Him will rise again (Joh 11:23-27). D. God comforts those who are cast down (2Co 1:3-4; 2Co 7:6). E. Cast your cares upon Him when you are sorrowing (1Pe 5:7). F. God is with us when we go through hardships (Isa 41:10; Isa 43:2). 5. When our loved ones in Christ die, we should therefore not sorrow as others which have no hope (1Th 4:13-18). 6. Leaving loved ones causes sorrow (Act 20:36-38). A. Contrarily, seeing loved ones comforts us when we are cast down (2Co 7:6; 2Ti 1:4). B. This is our hope, whether here on the earth, or someday in heaven. III. Sorrow and mourning can be good. 1. Blessed are they who mourn (Mat 5:4). 2. Good sorrow makes the heart better (Ecc 7:3). 3. Contrary to the opinion of most, sorrow is better than laughter. 4. It's better to go to the house of mourning than house of feasting (Ecc 7:1-2). 5. It's better go to a funeral than a party. 6. The wise will be in the house of mourning, while the fool will be in the house of mirth (Pleasurable feeling, enjoyment, gratification; joy, happiness.) (Ecc 7:4) A. There is a time to mourn and weep (Ecc 3:4). B. Don't be afraid to mourn at a funeral -- that's what it's for. C. Mourning is necessary to get over the death of a loved one. D. Avoiding mourning will only prolong it. IV. Sorrow will not last forever. 1. Even in this life, it's only temporary (Psa 30:5). 2. After the time to mourn and weep, there is a time to laugh and dance (Ecc 3:4). 3. Don't feel guilty for laughing and being joyful after your time of mourning is over. 4. One day we will be forever free from sorrow altogether (Rev 21:4).