Facing Death: The Righteous Journey to Eternal Life

 

Summary

In contemplating the inevitability of death, it is crucial to prepare for it with the same diligence as one would for any significant journey. Death is not a subject to be avoided or feared, but rather a reality to be faced with wisdom and foresight. The righteous, those who have believed in Jesus and have been transformed by His grace, can face death with peace and hope. Their lives, marked by faith and righteousness, assure them of a blessed end. The story of Balaam, who desired to die the death of the righteous, serves as a reminder that mere wishes are insufficient without a life aligned with God's will.

The righteous man, covered by Christ's righteousness and transformed by the Holy Spirit, can look back on his life with a clear conscience. His sins, though once scarlet, have been washed white as snow through the blood of Christ. This assurance allows him to face death not as a loss, but as a gain, knowing that his true treasure is in heaven. Unlike the unrighteous, who face death with fear and regret, the righteous die with honor, leaving behind a legacy of love and faithfulness.

Moreover, the righteous die in the arms of a friend, Jesus Christ, who provides comfort and assurance even in the final moments. This relationship with Christ transforms the experience of death into a transition to eternal life, where the believer will be reunited with God and fellow saints. The hope of resurrection and eternal life with Christ is a powerful motivator to live a life of holiness and devotion.

Ultimately, the desire to die the death of the righteous must be accompanied by a life lived in pursuit of righteousness. It is not enough to wish for a blessed end; one must actively seek it through faith in Christ and a life of obedience to His commands. The call to follow Christ is a call to take up the cross, to fight against sin, and to live in the hope of eternal glory.

Key Takeaways:

- Facing Death with Wisdom: Death is an inevitable part of life, and it is wise to prepare for it with the same diligence as one would for any significant journey. Ignoring the reality of death is foolish, and it is essential to consider it in our life plans to avoid being caught unprepared. [02:06]

- The Assurance of the Righteous: The righteous, those who have believed in Jesus and have been transformed by His grace, can face death with peace and hope. Their lives, marked by faith and righteousness, assure them of a blessed end, unlike the unrighteous who face death with fear and regret. [12:45]

- Dying in the Arms of a Friend: The righteous die in the arms of Jesus, who provides comfort and assurance even in the final moments. This relationship with Christ transforms the experience of death into a transition to eternal life, where the believer will be reunited with God and fellow saints. [18:02]

- The Hope of Resurrection: The hope of resurrection and eternal life with Christ is a powerful motivator to live a life of holiness and devotion. The righteous will rise in glory, reflecting the image of Christ, and will be rewarded with eternal joy and peace. [34:03]

- Living for a Blessed End: The desire to die the death of the righteous must be accompanied by a life lived in pursuit of righteousness. It is not enough to wish for a blessed end; one must actively seek it through faith in Christ and a life of obedience to His commands. [37:12]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:12] - The Inevitability of Death
- [01:48] - Preparing for the Journey
- [03:17] - The Foolishness of Ignoring Death
- [05:08] - Reflecting on Our Latter End
- [06:25] - Balaam's Wish for a Righteous Death
- [09:31] - The Peace of a Clear Conscience
- [12:45] - Dying with Assurance
- [15:14] - The Hope of Eternal Glory
- [18:02] - Dying in the Arms of Jesus
- [20:49] - The Honor of a Righteous Death
- [23:09] - The Reality of the Afterlife
- [26:10] - The Disembodied State
- [29:58] - The Judgment and Heaven
- [34:03] - The Resurrection and Eternal Life
- [37:12] - Living for a Blessed End

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Numbers 23:10: "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Balaam express a desire for in Numbers 23:10, and how does this relate to the concept of dying the death of the righteous? [06:25]

2. How does the sermon describe the attitude of some people towards death, and what examples are given to illustrate this attitude? [01:15]

3. According to the sermon, what are some characteristics of a righteous person as they approach death? [12:45]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between a righteous person and Jesus at the time of death? [18:02]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon interpret Balaam's wish to die the death of the righteous, and what does it suggest about the importance of living a righteous life? [06:25]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the righteous can face death with peace and hope, and how does this contrast with the unrighteous? [12:45]

3. What does the sermon imply about the significance of having a clear conscience at the time of death, and how might this affect one's final moments? [10:25]

4. How does the sermon describe the hope of resurrection and eternal life, and what role does this hope play in motivating a life of holiness and devotion? [34:03]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be ignoring the reality of death? How can you begin to prepare for it with wisdom and foresight? [01:15]

2. Consider your current relationship with Jesus. How does this relationship provide comfort and assurance as you think about the end of life? [18:02]

3. What steps can you take to ensure that your life is marked by faith and righteousness, so that you can face death with peace and hope? [12:45]

4. How can the hope of resurrection and eternal life with Christ motivate you to live a life of holiness and devotion today? [34:03]

5. Think about the legacy you want to leave behind. What actions can you take now to ensure that you leave a legacy of love and faithfulness? [12:45]

6. How can you actively pursue a life of righteousness, rather than merely wishing for a blessed end? What changes might you need to make in your daily life? [37:12]

7. Identify one specific way you can deepen your relationship with Jesus this week, knowing that He is a friend who provides comfort even in the final moments. [18:02]

Devotional

Day 1: Preparing for the Journey of Death
Facing the reality of death is a significant part of life that requires preparation and wisdom. Just as one would prepare for any important journey, it is essential to consider the inevitability of death and plan accordingly. Ignoring death is not only foolish but can leave one unprepared for the end. By acknowledging death as a part of life, individuals can live more intentionally, ensuring that their lives reflect their values and beliefs. This preparation involves spiritual readiness, ensuring that one's life is aligned with God's will and purpose. [02:06]

"For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content." (1 Timothy 6:7-8, ESV)

Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to prepare spiritually and emotionally for the inevitability of death?


Day 2: Assurance in Righteousness
The righteous, those who have believed in Jesus and have been transformed by His grace, can face death with peace and hope. Their lives, marked by faith and righteousness, assure them of a blessed end. Unlike the unrighteous, who face death with fear and regret, the righteous have the assurance of a clear conscience and the promise of eternal life. This assurance is not based on their own merits but on the righteousness of Christ, which covers them. It is a reminder that a life lived in faith and obedience to God leads to a peaceful and hopeful end. [12:45]

"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:1, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a life of righteousness today, ensuring that your end is marked by peace and hope?


Day 3: Comfort in the Arms of Jesus
The righteous die in the arms of Jesus, who provides comfort and assurance even in the final moments. This relationship with Christ transforms the experience of death into a transition to eternal life, where the believer will be reunited with God and fellow saints. Knowing that Jesus is a friend who never leaves nor forsakes them, the righteous can face death without fear. This comfort is a profound reminder of the intimate relationship believers have with Christ, who walks with them through every stage of life, including death. [18:02]

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4, ESV)

Reflection: How can you deepen your relationship with Jesus today, so that you may find comfort in His presence both in life and in death?


Day 4: The Hope of Resurrection
The hope of resurrection and eternal life with Christ is a powerful motivator to live a life of holiness and devotion. The righteous will rise in glory, reflecting the image of Christ, and will be rewarded with eternal joy and peace. This hope is not just a future promise but a present reality that influences how believers live their lives today. It encourages them to pursue holiness, knowing that their efforts are not in vain and that they will one day be fully united with Christ in His glory. [34:03]

"But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." (1 Corinthians 15:20, ESV)

Reflection: What specific actions can you take today to live in the hope of resurrection, reflecting Christ's image in your daily life?


Day 5: Pursuing a Blessed End
The desire to die the death of the righteous must be accompanied by a life lived in pursuit of righteousness. It is not enough to wish for a blessed end; one must actively seek it through faith in Christ and a life of obedience to His commands. This pursuit involves taking up the cross, fighting against sin, and living in the hope of eternal glory. It is a call to live intentionally, ensuring that one's life aligns with God's will and purpose, leading to a blessed and honorable end. [37:12]

"Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace." (2 Peter 3:14, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to actively pursue righteousness today, and how can you take steps to align it with God's will?

Quotes



I trust I did not address today any men so idiotic as to desire to forget the certainty of death or to thrust the fact from their remembrance. I trust that being sane men you desire to look in the face the whole of your future history both in the present world and in Worlds beyond the region of sight, and for seeing that soul and body must part in the article of death your desire is to consider that event that you may be prepared for it. [00:01:37]

If you have provided for life but have not also prepared for death, what better will you be my hearer than such a foolish Traveler? We have heard of one who going into a Tavern ordered according to his wildest wishes and feasted sumptuously on the best the house afforded hour after hour, but when the host came with the bill, he told him that he had no money and had quite forgotten the Reckoning thinking it quite enough to attend to the eating and drinking while these were the order of the day without perplexing himself about the unknown future. [00:02:40]

Balaam though a base man was no fool he had thoughts of death he did not shut his eyes to what he did not like he believed that he should die and he had desires about it, and though those desires were never realized but the reverse yet he had wit enough to gaze upon the tents of God's chosen Israel and to save from his heart let me die the death of the righteous and let my last end be like his. [00:05:33]

The righteous man, when he dies, does not lose his all. With every other man, the sound of Earth to Earth, dust to dust, and dashes to ashes is the end of present seeming wealth and the beginning of Eternal and real want. But the Christian is not made a bankrupt by the grave. Death to him is gain. [00:12:58]

Moreover, Beloved, the believer dies in the arms of a friend. I do not say in the arms of a mortal friend, for it has fallen to the lot of some Christians to be burnt at the stake, and some of them have rotted to death in dungeons, but yet I will repeat it every believer dies in the arms of a friend, the best of friends, the friend that sticketh closer than a brother. [00:17:21]

The Christian dies in peace and often in Triumph according to the state of his body or the Disease by which he may be taken off, his feelings will vary between peace and Triumph. Sometimes the death scene is still as a summer's evening, and the Christian crosses the Jordan almost dry shard, or if there be a storm and Jordan overflows its banks, the believer resting upon the Everlasting arm feels the bottom of the river and finds it good. [00:19:37]

We do not believe that death is the last end of men. Those who do believe it are welcome to their belief we certainly shall not wish to deprive them of it. When a dog has his bone let him keep it, we Envy not his enjoyment. If ungodly men Delight in the thought of dying like brutes perhaps they know their own value best and know what would be best for society if it should happen to them. [00:23:35]

Now I can well believe that the most of us wish that our position after death may be like that of the righteous. The first consideration in death is that the spirit is disembodied. What a spirit is like without a body you and I cannot guess. It is of course not a thing to be seen or heard or touched or handled. It is quite out of the realm of materialism and quite beyond the reach of the senses. [00:24:31]

After the judgment is pronounced the disembodied Spirit dwells in heaven. Some of you could not be happy if you were allowed to enter that heaven. If you could be admitted between those Pearly Gates which forever exclude pollution sin and shame you could not be happy there. Shall I tell you why it is a land of spirit and you have neglected your spirit some of you even deny that you have a spirit. [00:29:58]

After a while our bodies will be raised again, the soul will re-enter the body for Christ has not only bought the souls of his people but their bodies too. Think of that tremendous day when the Trump shall be heard shrill is a Clarion ringing through Earth and Heaven and Hell awake ye dead awake ye dead and come to judgment come to judgment Come Away. [00:32:43]

Oh glorious hour, I know that my redeemer liveth and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the Earth, and though after my skin worms destroy this body yet in my flesh shall I see God whom I shall see for myself and mine eyes Shall Behold and not another. Would you not wish to rise in the image of Christ as the righteous will? [00:34:38]

Oh my hearer you may well wish to be holy here, that you may be holy there, to be pure here that you may be pure there, to be Godlike on Earth that you may be Godlike in heaven. Let my last end be like that of the righteous, let me wave the palm of victory let me wear the crown of Triumph, let me be gut about with the fair white linen of Immaculate perfection. [00:35:04]

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Transcript
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