Living with Purpose in Life's Fragility

 

Summary

In reflecting on the brevity and uncertainty of life, we are reminded of David's words, "There is but a step between me and death." This truth, drawn from 1 Samuel 20:3, serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of our existence. David, aware of King Saul's intent to kill him, recognized the imminent danger he faced. His awareness allowed him to take necessary precautions to preserve his life. Similarly, we must acknowledge the precariousness of our own lives, not to live in fear, but to live with purpose and readiness.

Life is fleeting, and time seems to accelerate as we age. What once seemed like a long stretch of time now feels like a brief moment. This perception should prompt us to live intentionally, making the most of each day. We are encouraged to seek God first, to prioritize our spiritual well-being, and to live with an eternal perspective. The uncertainty of life should not lead us to despair but to a deeper reliance on God and a readiness to meet Him.

For those who have reached old age or are facing illness, the reality of being a step away from death is even more pronounced. Yet, this should not be a source of fear but a call to ensure that we are spiritually prepared. The peace that comes from knowing Christ and having our salvation secured is invaluable, especially as we approach the end of our earthly journey.

Ultimately, whether we have many years ahead or just a few, the call is the same: to live a life that honors God, to be reconciled with others, and to hold loosely to the things of this world. In doing so, we prepare ourselves not only for the possibility of death but for the certainty of eternal life with Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- Awareness of Life's Fragility: Recognizing the brevity and uncertainty of life, as David did, allows us to live with purpose and readiness. This awareness should lead us to prioritize our spiritual well-being and live with an eternal perspective. [01:21]

- Time's Accelerating Pace: As we age, time seems to pass more quickly, reminding us to make the most of each day. This perception should prompt us to seek God first and live intentionally, ensuring that our lives are aligned with His purposes. [06:39]

- Preparation for Eternity: For those facing old age or illness, the reality of being a step away from death is a call to ensure spiritual readiness. The peace that comes from knowing Christ and having our salvation secured is invaluable. [16:34]

- Reconciliation and Readiness: We are encouraged to be reconciled with others and hold loosely to worldly things, preparing ourselves for the certainty of eternal life with Christ. This involves setting our affairs in order and living without regret. [30:21]

- Living with Eternal Perspective: Whether we have many years ahead or just a few, the call is to live a life that honors God, ensuring that we are spiritually prepared for the end of our earthly journey and the beginning of our eternal one. [29:07]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - David's Awareness of Danger
- [01:05] - The Importance of Being Forewarned
- [02:22] - The Kindness of Warning Others
- [03:42] - Awakening the Sinner
- [05:28] - The Brevity of Life
- [07:29] - Perception of Time
- [09:38] - The Uncertainty of Life
- [12:35] - The Many Gates to the Grave
- [15:28] - Especially True for Some
- [18:07] - Preparing for Eternity
- [21:16] - Suppose It Is Not So
- [23:59] - Say Your Prayers in Fine Weather
- [28:53] - Suppose It Is So
- [32:33] - A Step Between Us and Heaven

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Samuel 20:3 - "But David took an oath and said, 'Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your eyes, and he has said to himself, "Jonathan must not know this or he will be grieved." Yet as surely as the LORD lives and as you live, there is only a step between me and death.'"
2. James 4:14 - "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."
3. Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

#### Observation Questions
1. What was the context in which David said, "There is but a step between me and death"? How did this awareness affect his actions? [00:14]
2. How does the sermon describe the perception of time as we age? What examples are given to illustrate this? [06:39]
3. What are some of the dangers mentioned in the sermon that illustrate the uncertainty of life? [10:34]
4. How does the sermon suggest we should respond to the reality of life's brevity and uncertainty? [30:21]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does David's awareness of his precarious situation with King Saul serve as a metaphor for our own awareness of life's fragility? [01:21]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the brevity of life should influence our priorities and actions? [06:39]
3. How does the sermon connect the idea of being "a step away from death" with the need for spiritual readiness and reconciliation with others? [30:21]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between our earthly life and eternal life with Christ? [28:53]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were reminded of life's fragility. How did it change your perspective or actions? [01:21]
2. As time seems to pass more quickly with age, what practical steps can you take to ensure you are living intentionally and prioritizing your spiritual well-being? [06:39]
3. How can you cultivate a sense of peace and readiness for eternity in your daily life, especially if you are facing illness or old age? [16:34]
4. Are there any relationships in your life that need reconciliation? What steps can you take this week to mend those relationships? [30:21]
5. How can you hold loosely to worldly things and focus more on eternal values in your daily decisions and interactions? [30:38]
6. What specific actions can you take to ensure that you are spiritually prepared for the end of your earthly journey? [28:53]
7. How can you incorporate seeking God first into your daily routine, and what changes might this bring to your life? [21:35]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Life's Fragility
Recognizing the brevity and uncertainty of life, as David did, allows us to live with purpose and readiness. David's awareness of the danger he faced from King Saul prompted him to take necessary precautions to preserve his life. Similarly, we must acknowledge the precariousness of our own lives, not to live in fear, but to live with purpose and readiness. This awareness should lead us to prioritize our spiritual well-being and live with an eternal perspective. By understanding that life is fragile, we are encouraged to seek God first and align our lives with His purposes. [01:21]

"For we are but of yesterday and know nothing, for our days on earth are a shadow." (Job 8:9, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can begin to live more intentionally, acknowledging the fragility of life? How can you take a step today to align this area with God's purposes?


Day 2: The Swift Passage of Time
As we age, time seems to pass more quickly, reminding us to make the most of each day. This perception should prompt us to seek God first and live intentionally, ensuring that our lives are aligned with His purposes. The fleeting nature of time is a call to action, urging us to prioritize what truly matters and to live with an eternal perspective. By focusing on our spiritual well-being and seeking God's guidance, we can navigate the swift passage of time with purpose and intentionality. [06:39]

"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you better manage your time to ensure that you are prioritizing your spiritual growth and relationship with God? What practical steps can you take today to make the most of your time?


Day 3: Preparing for Eternity
For those facing old age or illness, the reality of being a step away from death is a call to ensure spiritual readiness. The peace that comes from knowing Christ and having our salvation secured is invaluable, especially as we approach the end of our earthly journey. This preparation involves setting our affairs in order and living without regret, ensuring that we are spiritually prepared for the end of our earthly journey and the beginning of our eternal one. By focusing on our relationship with Christ, we can face the uncertainty of life with peace and confidence. [16:34]

"And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure." (1 John 3:3, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to ensure that you are spiritually prepared for eternity? How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Christ to experience His peace and assurance?


Day 4: Reconciliation and Readiness
We are encouraged to be reconciled with others and hold loosely to worldly things, preparing ourselves for the certainty of eternal life with Christ. This involves setting our affairs in order and living without regret, ensuring that we are spiritually prepared for the end of our earthly journey and the beginning of our eternal one. By focusing on reconciliation and readiness, we can live a life that honors God and reflects His love to those around us. [30:21]

"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: Is there someone in your life with whom you need to seek reconciliation? How can you take a step today to mend that relationship and reflect God's love and forgiveness?


Day 5: Living with an Eternal Perspective
Whether we have many years ahead or just a few, the call is to live a life that honors God, ensuring that we are spiritually prepared for the end of our earthly journey and the beginning of our eternal one. By living with an eternal perspective, we can focus on what truly matters and align our lives with God's purposes. This involves seeking God first, prioritizing our spiritual well-being, and living intentionally with the knowledge that our time on earth is limited. [29:07]

"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." (Hebrews 13:14, ESV)

Reflection: How can you shift your focus from temporary, worldly concerns to eternal, spiritual priorities? What changes can you make in your daily life to live with an eternal perspective?

Quotes


Now it was by knowing his danger that David escaped had he remained as ignorant of his own Peril as his friend Jonathan had been he would have walked into the lion's mouth and he would have fallen by the hand of Saul but to be forewarned is to be forearmed he was therefore able to save his life because he perceived his danger. [00:01:02]

It is kindness to speak to those who are carelessly at ease and tell them salutary truth it will not put them in danger but it may God blessing it be the means of their escaping from Eternal ruin so I pray you while I talk upon this theme which may seem to be a sad one ask God to make it a great blessing to those who hitherto have been sporting upon the brink of Fate without thinking of the solemnities of Eternity. [00:02:23]

Life is long to look forward to but I appeal to every aged person whether it is not very short to look back upon I confess to my own experience that a week is now a hardly appreciable space of time to me there seems to be very little Breathing Room between one Sunday and another one has scarcely preached before one has to prepare again some other words word with which to address you as we grow older time very sensibly quickens its Pace. [00:06:00]

How unexpectedly it ends strong and Hearty men if I might make a judgment from observation seem to be among the first to fall how often have I seen the invalid who might almost long for death draw out a long existence of continuous pain while the man who shook your hand with a powerful grip and stood upright like a column of iron is laid low of a sudden and is gone. [00:09:38]

There is no safety from Death in the Pulpit nor in your own house Dr Gil who was noted for always being in his study said One Day to a friend well at least if a man is in his study he is safe someone had been killed in the street through a falling chimney pot or tile and this gave emphasis to the doctor's pleasantry but it so happened that soon after the doctor went to visit a member of his church and while while he was away a stormy wind blew and blew down a stack of chimneys into his study into the very place where he would have been sitting if he had not been called away. [00:11:02]

I do beseech you not to imitate her Folly but rather say to yourself there is but a step between me and death therefore now God help me I will lay hold upon on eternal life and seek and find in Christ The Salvation that shall fit me to live and fit me to die and fit me to rise again and fit me for the Judgment Day and fit me for eternal glory there is but a step between me and death there shall not be a step between me and Christ. [00:14:44]

I should like you to attain to such a state that you could feel as Dr Watts did he said to a friend when he was an old man I go to my bed each night with perfect indifference as to whether I shall wake up in this world or the next that is a beautiful state of mind to be in or as the old scotch Minister said when someone asked him is this disease of yours fatal and he replied I do not know and I do not wish to know for I do not think that it can make much difference to me for if I go to heaven I shall be with God and if I stop here God will be with me. [00:17:47]

I would say to you who hope to live a hundred years say your prayers in fine weather the young man was so impressed with those words that he went to hear the gospel was converted and became a minister of Christ one Sunday morning when he was preaching in one of the most notable pulpits in New York that Captain came into the chapel and the preacher looked him in the face and said say your prayers in fine weather the captain was astonished as he perceived that the very man who he had addressed as a coward was now preaching from the pulpit and giving at the commencement of his sermon the advice which he had given him. [00:23:59]

I remember the Striking words of Philip Henry the father of the famous Matthew Henry when he was dying his friends stood round found his bed and he said what a blessing it is Matthew that I have not to make my peace with God now my body is full of pain and my mind is greatly disturbed by reason of it oh said he if that were undone and had now to be done how could it be done what a mercy when that great transaction is complete now come pain or weakness come long sleep come broken down Spirit what does it matter it is all well it is all well. [00:25:05]

Suppose that it is so and suppose as yet that you have no Good Hope dear friends there is a word that I would like to drop into your ear if there is but a step between you and death yet there is only a step between you and Jesus there is only a step between you and salvation God help you to take that step tonight you know the description of the way to heaven take the first on the right by the cross and keep straight on May you take that step tonight it is not a step even it is a look there is life in a look at the crucified one. [00:28:53]

I shall never forget one summer afternoon when I was preaching in a Village Chapel about the joys of Heaven that an elderly lady sitting on my right kept looking to me with intent Delight some people's eyes greatly help the preacher a telegraph goes on between us she seemed to say to me bless God for that how I am enjoying it she kept drinking in the truth and I poured out more and more precious things about the Eternal Kingdom and the sight of the wellbeloved till I saw what I thought was a strange light pass over her faith. [00:32:33]

Well well it will soon be my turn good night poor World it will soon be your turn and then you shall say good night let us meet in glory let us meet in glory for Jesus Christ's sake amen. [00:34:36]

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Transcript
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