Numbers 23:10
To die the death of the righteous means to live a life that honors God and to have a good end result, where one's life is pleasing to Him.
Chuck Smith explores the profound desire for a righteous death, as expressed by Balaam in Numbers 23:10. He emphasizes that everyone naturally wishes for a good end, desiring to be accompanied by Christ in their final moments and to hear words of affirmation from Him. Smith stresses that achieving such a righteous end requires living a righteous life, actively nurturing our relationships, and ensuring our spiritual well-being. He warns against neglecting our responsibilities, particularly in raising children, and highlights the importance of making conscious choices that align with our ultimate desires. The sermon serves as a reminder that good outcomes do not happen by chance but are the result of intentional living and faithfulness to God.
Text
"THE DEATH OF THE RIGHTEOUS"
Intro: Balaam an interesting person, a study in contrasts. Mentioned by three new
testament writers, II Peter, the way of Balaam; Jude, the error of Balaam; John
in Revelation, the doctrine of Balaam.
"Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be as His."
I. PERFECTLY NATURAL DESIRE.
A. Everyone desires the end result of righteous living.
1. When we come to the hour of death. we want the Lord to take us by the
hand and bear us to His kingdom.
2. When we stand before the judge of the universe in that great day we
want Jesus Christ to stand up with us and for us.
B. We want to see goodness in the end result.
1. We desire that our children will grow up to be good.
2. We desire our nation to be united and strong.
3. We want our air to be clean and our rivers to be pure.
C. When I die I want to be saved.
1. I want to hear Christ say "well done, thou good and faithful servant."
2. I don't think that anyone truly wants to be damned when he dies.
D. These are natural desires.
1. They are certainly reasonable.
2. Living in crazy world.
3. Prophesies concerning last days being fulfilled "without
natural affection."
a. "I would rather have my daughter back on drugs than on this
Jesus kick."
b. Parents introducing their children to alcohol and drugs.
II. THERE ARE WAYS TO lNSURE GOOD END RESULTS.
A. If I want to die the death of the righteous. I must live the life of
the righteous.
1. If I want Jesus to hold my hand in the hour of death, let Him
hold it now.
2. If He is to confess me before the Father. I must confess Him before men.
B. Good end results don't just happen.
1. If I want my children to grow up to be good, I must take time.
a. We have too many self interests, no time.
b. An infant needs cuddling for the first six months.
1. It cries for someone to hold it.
2. Studies show permanent mental retardation.
3. Hold that infant near you as much as you can. whisper in
his ear. "Jesus loves you."
c. We are seeing today the results of neglected babies.
1. We've allowed the television to baby sit them and keep
them company and now wonder why we can't communicate
with them.
2. If I want to insure being saved when I die. then I need to be saved now.
a. I never know when death might strike.
b. Being saved is not such a bad thing anyhow.
3. You can't take the path to hell and expect to arrive in heaven.
Be not deceived, God is not mocked.
Sermon Outline
- Perfectly Natural Desire
- Everyone desires the end result of righteous living
- We want to see goodness in the end result
- When I die I want to be saved
- These are natural desires
Key Quotes
“Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be as His.” — Chuck Smith
“You can't take the path to hell and expect to arrive in heaven. Be not deceived, God is not mocked.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- To ensure good end results, you must live the life of the righteous, following God's commands and living a life that honors Him.
- Being saved is not just a one-time event, but a lifestyle that requires ongoing commitment and obedience to God.
- You cannot take the path to hell and expect to arrive in heaven, so it's essential to make sure you are on the path to salvation.