Blessed Assurance: Dying in the Lord

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the profound truth found in Revelation 14:13, which states, "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." This verse offers a powerful assurance to believers, emphasizing the eternal blessing that awaits those who live and die in Christ. We began by acknowledging the incredible generosity of our congregation, which has been a testament to God's provision and our shared commitment to His work. As we transition into the new year, we are reminded of the importance of faithful giving and the impact it has on our ministry.

The core of our discussion centered on the two ways in which every person will ultimately leave this world: either dying in their sins or dying in the Lord. The distinction between these two paths is immeasurable. To die in one's sins is to face the tragic reality of standing before God with the weight of sin still upon us. In contrast, to die in the Lord is to be separated from our sins, as Christ has already borne them on the cross. This is the glorious hope for every believer.

We delved into the significance of dying in the Lord, highlighting three key aspects: rest, reward, and relationship. First, those who die in the Lord rest from their labors. The Christian life is marked by hard work and dedication to serving Christ, but in heaven, we will serve Him without the burdens of labor. Second, our deeds follow us. While our works do not earn us a place in heaven, they are remembered by God and bring eternal reward. Lastly, dying in the Lord means being released, carried, and welcomed into His presence. This assurance transforms our perspective on life and death, urging us to live with a clear conscience, forgive others, and set our minds on things above.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Assurance of Dying in the Lord: To die in the Lord is to be blessed with eternal rest and reward. This assurance should transform how we live, encouraging us to serve Christ wholeheartedly, knowing that our labor is not in vain. [09:05]

2. The Urgency of Living for Christ: Our time on earth is limited, and the only opportunity we have to glorify Christ through our work, prayers, and evangelism is now. This urgency should drive us to live purposefully and invest in eternal matters. [19:04]

3. The Significance of Our Deeds: While our deeds do not secure our salvation, they follow us into eternity and are remembered by God. This truth should inspire us to live lives marked by good works, knowing they have eternal significance. [20:52]

4. Living with a Clear Conscience: To die well, we must live well. This involves maintaining a clear conscience, forgiving others, and practicing daily self-denial. By doing so, we prepare ourselves to meet Christ with confidence. [40:16]

5. Anticipating Our Future Home: Setting our minds on things above helps us live in the Lord and prepares us for the day we will be welcomed into His presence. This anticipation should shape our priorities and affections, aligning them with eternal values. [45:30]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:15] - Gratitude and Financial Update
[01:56] - The 10G Giving Initiative
[04:07] - Prayer and Thanksgiving
[04:58] - Introduction to Revelation 14:13
[06:07] - Two Ways to Die
[07:42] - The Tragedy of Dying in Sin
[08:14] - The Blessing of Dying in the Lord
[09:23] - Context of Revelation 14:13
[11:15] - Rest from Labors
[12:05] - Hard Work as a Mark of Christians
[14:09] - The Challenge of Serving Christ
[16:17] - Works Only Done on Earth
[20:02] - Deeds Follow Believers
[25:16] - Assurance of Dying in the Lord
[26:08] - Released, Carried, Welcomed
[32:16] - Applications for the Dying
[40:01] - Applications for the Living
[45:47] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Revelation 14:13
- John 8:24
- Luke 16:22

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Revelation 14:13 promise to those who "die in the Lord"? How does this promise contrast with the fate of those who die in their sins? [05:35]

2. According to the sermon, what are the three key aspects of dying in the Lord? [08:14]

3. How does the sermon describe the difference between laboring for Christ on earth and serving Him in heaven? [14:09]

4. What does the story of Lazarus and the rich man in Luke 16:22 illustrate about dying in the Lord versus dying in sin? [28:22]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the assurance of rest from labors in Revelation 14:13 impact a believer's perspective on their current work and struggles? [11:45]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our deeds follow us into eternity, and how does this influence the way we live now? [20:52]

3. What does it mean to live with a clear conscience, and how does this prepare someone to die in the Lord? [40:16]

4. How does the anticipation of being welcomed into the presence of Jesus shape a believer's priorities and affections? [30:21]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current labors for Christ. How can the promise of rest in heaven motivate you to persevere in your work and service now? [11:45]

2. Consider the urgency of living for Christ mentioned in the sermon. What specific steps can you take this week to invest in eternal matters? [19:04]

3. Identify one good deed you can focus on this week, knowing that your deeds have eternal significance. How can you ensure this action aligns with God's will? [20:52]

4. Is there an area in your life where you struggle to maintain a clear conscience? What practical steps can you take to address this and live with integrity? [40:16]

5. Think about someone you need to forgive. How can you take a step towards forgiveness this week, following the example of Jesus and Stephen? [41:17]

6. How can you practice setting your mind on things above in your daily routine? What changes can you make to focus more on eternal values? [45:30]

7. Reflect on the concept of practicing dying daily. What does this look like in your life, and how can it help you live more fully for Christ? [42:31]

Devotional

Day 1: Assurance of Eternal Rest and Reward
To die in the Lord is to be blessed with eternal rest and reward. This assurance should transform how we live, encouraging us to serve Christ wholeheartedly, knowing that our labor is not in vain. The promise of rest from our labors in heaven is a profound comfort for believers who have dedicated their lives to serving Christ. In this life, we may face challenges and burdens, but the knowledge that our efforts are not forgotten and that they carry eternal significance should inspire us to persevere. Our deeds, though not the basis of our salvation, are remembered by God and bring eternal reward. This truth should motivate us to live with purpose and dedication, knowing that our work for the Lord is never in vain. [09:05]

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)

Reflection: What specific act of service or ministry can you commit to this week, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain?


Day 2: Urgency in Living for Christ
Our time on earth is limited, and the only opportunity we have to glorify Christ through our work, prayers, and evangelism is now. This urgency should drive us to live purposefully and invest in eternal matters. Recognizing the brevity of life, believers are called to make the most of every opportunity to serve and glorify Christ. This involves prioritizing our time and resources towards activities that have eternal significance. Whether through sharing the gospel, engaging in prayer, or serving others, our actions should reflect a deep commitment to advancing God's kingdom. The urgency of living for Christ should compel us to evaluate our daily choices and align them with His purposes. [19:04]

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can be more intentional in living for Christ today?


Day 3: The Eternal Significance of Our Deeds
While our deeds do not secure our salvation, they follow us into eternity and are remembered by God. This truth should inspire us to live lives marked by good works, knowing they have eternal significance. The Bible teaches that our actions have lasting impact, and God takes note of the good works we do in His name. These deeds, though not the basis of our salvation, are a testament to our faith and devotion to Christ. They serve as a witness to others and bring glory to God. Understanding the eternal significance of our deeds should encourage us to live lives characterized by love, service, and generosity, knowing that they contribute to God's eternal purposes. [20:52]

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one good work you can do this week that reflects God's love and grace to those around you.


Day 4: Living with a Clear Conscience
To die well, we must live well. This involves maintaining a clear conscience, forgiving others, and practicing daily self-denial. By doing so, we prepare ourselves to meet Christ with confidence. Living with a clear conscience means being intentional about our actions and relationships. It requires us to seek forgiveness when we wrong others and to extend forgiveness to those who have wronged us. Practicing self-denial involves putting aside our own desires and ambitions to follow Christ's example of humility and service. By living in this way, we cultivate a life that is pleasing to God and prepare ourselves to stand before Him with confidence and peace. [40:16]

"So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man." (Acts 24:16, ESV)

Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from today to maintain a clear conscience before God?


Day 5: Anticipating Our Future Home
Setting our minds on things above helps us live in the Lord and prepares us for the day we will be welcomed into His presence. This anticipation should shape our priorities and affections, aligning them with eternal values. As believers, our ultimate hope is in the promise of eternal life with Christ. This future reality should influence how we live in the present, guiding our decisions and shaping our desires. By focusing on things above, we are reminded of the temporary nature of this world and the eternal joy that awaits us. This perspective encourages us to invest in what truly matters and to live with a sense of anticipation and readiness for our future home with the Lord. [45:30]

"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." (Colossians 3:1, ESV)

Reflection: How can you adjust your daily routine to reflect a greater focus on eternal values and your future home with Christ?

Quotes


"Blessed are the Dead who die in the Lord from now on blessed indeed says the spirit that they may rest from their labors let's focus in on that for a few moments three observations here's the first hard work is the distinguishing Mark of people who are in Christ that's one of the ways you know you're a Christian by the way it's a distinguishing Mark of a Christian." [00:11:45]

"Serving Christ is not easy I say this by way of encouragement um the word labor makes this very clear the word labor means hard work work that would make you sweat and that's the word that that is used in the description of of those who are pressing hard after Jesus Christ it's it's hard work to go on serving him." [00:14:03]

"There are works for Christ that can only be done here now this follows very obviously from the fact that those who are with Christ as every Christian one day will be they rest from their labors so there is work that you and I can do for Christ here and now that we cannot do when we are in his presence." [00:16:17]

"The only prayers you will offer are the prayers you offer while you're here the only evangelism folks that we will ever do is the evangelism that we are committed to doing here in this world not there here the only victories over sin and over Temptation you will ever have are the victories in your struggle here and now." [00:18:39]

"Blessed are the Dead who die in the Lord blessed indeed says the spirit for there Deeds follow them this is a wonderful statement and so full of significance when Christians enter Heaven their works are behind them not in front of them that's very important when Christians enter Heaven their deeds their works all the fruit of their Christian Life is behind them." [00:20:52]

"Thank God that the good deeds of a Christian do follow and that for this reason there will be great reward it is something thing that again I have found quite staggering as I've just tried to meditate on it these last days how can it be that all my sins which are many are erased from the mind and the Heart of God." [00:23:15]

"Released carried welcomed I want in the few minutes that remain just to make two kinds of applications very briefly and very simply there are two ways in which this needs to be applied the first is that there are obvious applications to those who are dying that is not most of us here right now will be all of us one day." [00:32:16]

"The key to dying well is obviously to live well the whole of our life the whole of your life is really a preparation for dying the way to die in the Lord is to live in the Lord so let me give these very brief applications and then we're through number one live then with a clear conscience." [00:40:01]

"Ask yourself honestly ask yourself right now is there anything in my life now that I would be ashamed of if I were to die and stand in the presence of Jesus Christ tonight ask yourself that question ask it often seek to live with a clear conscience and if there is something that would make you ashamed in the presence of Jesus Christ right uh right now be done with it." [00:40:31]

"Forgive people who have hurt you I say this because it is a wonderful thing that we can do while we're living and it is precisely what the Lord Jesus did do you remember father forgive them they do not know what they are doing you say you have no idea how much I've hurt well how much idea do you have of how much that cross Hurt Him." [00:41:07]

"Practice dying every day you say what the world do you mean by that well I mean exactly what Jesus meant you remember what he said Luke 9 and: 23 if anyone would come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me in other words Jesus is making it very clear that the Christian Life involves a kind of dying every day." [00:42:21]

"Anticipate your future home set your minds on things above Paul says to Christians where Christ is seated place your treasure there place your heart there when our family moved here from Britain 15 years ago our boys just 10 and 8 years old we committed to buying a home that my wife had never seen how many guys have done this it's a high-risk strategy." [00:44:00]

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Transcript
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