Psalms 116:15
God considers a Christian's death as a precious event, a release from the body of sin and a transition into His presence.
Chuck Smith emphasizes that the death of a Christian is viewed as precious in the eyes of the Lord, highlighting that it is ordained and planned by God. He explains that while death is often feared, it signifies a release from the struggles of the physical body and an entrance into God's presence. Smith notes that God's love for His saints is evident in their trust during death, which contrasts with the divided love often experienced in life. Ultimately, the death of saints is a fulfillment of hope, ushering them into eternal life with God.
Text
"PRECIOUS IN THE EYES OF THE LORD, IS
THE DEATH OF HIS SAINTS"
I. GOD'S ESTIMATE OF THE CHRISTIANS DEATH, PRECIOUS.
A. By many a strange epithet for death.
1. Death some fearful monster that snatches our loved ones
from our midst.
B. This signifies that a Christian's death is -
1. Ordained & planned by God.
2. It is considered by Him, as precious.
II. GOD'S REASON FOR THIS ESTIMATE.
A. God loves the love and trust of His saints.
1. It may not always be constant in life.
a. Led astray into material realms.
b. Divided love.
2. How we do trust in death.
B. Present bodies hold our spirit captive.
1. For a while this is good.
a. Bodies are strong and healthy.
b. Mind is keen and alert.
1. enjoy world about us.
2. building up love and appreciation unto God.
2. After the passing of many years...
a. Bodies begin to afford more pain than pleasure.
b. Becomes harder to get around to enjoy life.
c. Minds sometimes lose keeness.
1. No longer storing up new knowledge.
2. Beginning just to live in past, no challenge of
new horizons.
C. Death gives release from this body of sin.
1. Not only release, but to saint the promise of a new body direct from
God eternal in the heavens.
D. Death of saints precious in God's eyes for it is the usher for the saints to
bring them into His presence. "for to be absent in the body. . ."
1. Fullfillment of the hope of Saints.
Sermon Outline
- GOD'S ESTIMATE OF THE CHRISTIANS DEATH, PRECIOUS
- GOD'S REASON FOR THIS ESTIMATE
- A Christian's death is ordained & planned by God
- God considers a Christian's death as precious
- God loves the love and trust of His saints
- Death gives release from this body of sin
- Death brings the saints into God's presence
Key Quotes
“PRECIOUS IN THE EYES OF THE LORD, IS THE DEATH OF HIS SAINTS” — Chuck Smith
“Death gives release from this body of sin.” — Chuck Smith
“Death brings the saints into God's presence.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- We should trust in God's plan for our death, knowing it is precious in His eyes.
- We should cultivate love and trust in God, demonstrating our faith and devotion to Him.
- We should have hope in the promise of being with God in His presence after death.