Living with Urgency: Embracing Life's Fragility and Purpose

 

Summary

In the face of life's unpredictability, we are reminded of the divine orchestration that governs our existence. The sudden passing of our beloved brother Henry Olne serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the certainty of death. It is a call to recognize that our days are numbered and that we are not guaranteed even the next breath. This awareness should lead us to live with a sense of urgency and purpose, understanding that we are not merely living men but dying men, each moment bringing us closer to the grave.

God's sovereignty extends over every aspect of our lives, from our birth to our death. Our existence is not a product of chance but of divine appointment. This truth should instill in us a profound sense of gratitude and trust in God's perfect timing. Whether in times of joy or suffering, we can rest assured that our lives are in the hands of a loving and wise Creator who orchestrates all things for our good and His glory.

Life is also described as a warfare, a constant struggle against sin and the forces of darkness. As soldiers of Christ, we are called to submit our will to His, recognizing that our lives are not our own. We must be prepared for hardships and remain vigilant, knowing that our enemy is relentless. Yet, we are not left to fight alone; our Great Captain, Jesus, marches with us, providing all we need for the battle.

Moreover, our lives are a service to our Master, Jesus Christ. We are His servants, bound to Him by love and gratitude. Our time on earth is a period of apprenticeship, and we are to labor diligently, knowing that our service will one day come to an end. We look forward to the day when our Master will reward us, not out of debt, but out of His abundant grace.

In light of these truths, we are urged to live with readiness, ensuring that our affairs are in order and our hearts are prepared to meet our God. For those who have not yet turned to Christ, the message is clear: now is the time to seek Him and secure your eternal destiny.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Fragility of Life: Life is unpredictable, and death can come suddenly and unexpectedly. This reality should lead us to live with a sense of urgency and purpose, recognizing that each moment is a gift from God. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, so we must make the most of today. [02:47]

2. Divine Sovereignty: Our lives are not governed by chance but by the divine appointment of God. From our birth to our death, every moment is orchestrated by Him. This truth should instill in us a deep trust in God's perfect timing and a willingness to submit to His will, even in times of suffering. [12:42]

3. Life as Warfare: As Christians, we are engaged in a spiritual battle against sin and darkness. We must remain vigilant and prepared for hardships, knowing that our enemy is relentless. Yet, we are not alone; Jesus, our Great Captain, marches with us, providing all we need for the battle. [26:17]

4. Service to Christ: Our lives are a service to our Master, Jesus Christ. We are His servants, bound to Him by love and gratitude. Our time on earth is a period of apprenticeship, and we are to labor diligently, knowing that our service will one day come to an end. [31:58]

5. Readiness for Eternity: In light of life's unpredictability and the certainty of death, we must live with readiness, ensuring that our affairs are in order and our hearts are prepared to meet our God. For those who have not yet turned to Christ, now is the time to seek Him and secure your eternal destiny. [46:18]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction and Sudden Loss
- [01:53] - The Fragility of Life
- [03:06] - God's Nearness in Sorrow
- [05:51] - Divine Appointment in Life
- [09:49] - God's Rule Over Life's Duration
- [12:08] - Gratitude for God's Timing
- [15:21] - The Certainty of Death
- [18:50] - Strength in Predestination
- [22:01] - Life as a Warfare
- [27:31] - God's Provision in Battle
- [30:04] - Service to Our Master
- [35:48] - Inferences from Life's Appointments
- [41:52] - The Devil's Deceptive Inference
- [46:18] - Readiness for Eternity

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Job 7:1 - "Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? are not his days also like the days of an hireling?"
2. Psalm 90:12 - "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."
3. Ephesians 6:10-11 - "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

#### Observation Questions
1. What event prompted the pastor to reflect on the unpredictability of life and the certainty of death? [00:31]
2. How does the sermon describe the nature of life as a warfare? [22:01]
3. According to the sermon, what is the role of Jesus in our spiritual battle? [27:31]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the timing of our life events, including birth and death? [12:42]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon interpret the idea of life being like the days of a hireling, as mentioned in Job 7:1? [10:22]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God's sovereignty should influence our response to life's unpredictability? [09:49]
3. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in the context of spiritual warfare? [27:31]
4. How does the sermon encourage believers to view their service to Christ in light of life's brevity and unpredictability? [31:58]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent event in your life that reminded you of life's unpredictability. How did it affect your sense of urgency and purpose? [02:47]
2. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's timing, especially during challenging times? Consider a specific situation where this trust is needed. [12:42]
3. Identify a personal struggle or "warfare" you are currently facing. How can you rely on Jesus as your Great Captain to provide what you need for this battle? [26:17]
4. How can you actively serve Christ in your daily life, knowing that your time on earth is limited? What specific actions can you take this week? [31:58]
5. Are there any areas in your life where you feel unprepared to meet God? What steps can you take to ensure your affairs are in order? [46:18]
6. For those who have not yet turned to Christ, what barriers might be preventing you from seeking Him? How can you address these barriers? [46:34]
7. How can you support others in your community who are struggling with the unpredictability of life or spiritual battles? What practical steps can you take to offer encouragement and support? [05:20]

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace the Urgency of Life
Life is unpredictable, and the sudden passing of loved ones like Henry Olne reminds us of its fragility. This awareness should lead us to live with urgency and purpose, recognizing that each moment is a gift from God. We are not guaranteed tomorrow, so we must make the most of today. This perspective encourages us to prioritize what truly matters, focusing on relationships, love, and service. By living with this urgency, we align our lives with God's will, making each day count for His glory. [02:47]

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

Reflection: What is one thing you can do today to make the most of the time God has given you?


Day 2: Trust in Divine Sovereignty
Our lives are not governed by chance but by the divine appointment of God. From our birth to our death, every moment is orchestrated by Him. This truth should instill in us a deep trust in God's perfect timing and a willingness to submit to His will, even in times of suffering. Understanding that God is sovereign over all aspects of our lives allows us to rest in His wisdom and love, knowing that He works all things for our good and His glory. [12:42]

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father." (Matthew 10:29, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God's timing more fully today?


Day 3: Engage in Spiritual Warfare
As Christians, we are engaged in a spiritual battle against sin and darkness. We must remain vigilant and prepared for hardships, knowing that our enemy is relentless. Yet, we are not alone; Jesus, our Great Captain, marches with us, providing all we need for the battle. This understanding calls us to be proactive in our spiritual disciplines, equipping ourselves with prayer, Scripture, and community support to stand firm against the forces of darkness. [26:17]

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." (Ephesians 6:10-11, ESV)

Reflection: What specific spiritual discipline can you focus on this week to strengthen your defense against spiritual attacks?


Day 4: Serve Christ with Diligence
Our lives are a service to our Master, Jesus Christ. We are His servants, bound to Him by love and gratitude. Our time on earth is a period of apprenticeship, and we are to labor diligently, knowing that our service will one day come to an end. This perspective encourages us to view our daily tasks and interactions as opportunities to serve Christ, bringing His love and truth to those around us. [31:58]

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: How can you transform a mundane task today into an act of service to Christ?


Day 5: Prepare for Eternity
In light of life's unpredictability and the certainty of death, we must live with readiness, ensuring that our affairs are in order and our hearts are prepared to meet our God. For those who have not yet turned to Christ, now is the time to seek Him and secure your eternal destiny. This call to readiness invites us to examine our lives, repent of sin, and cultivate a deeper relationship with God, living each day with eternity in mind. [46:18]

"Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming." (Matthew 24:42, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to ensure your heart is prepared to meet God?

Quotes



But oh my brethren how true it is that in the midst of life we are in death and those often die first who least expected to go if I had said to you this morning that our brother William olne was gone you would have said we are grieved at our loss but we do not Wonder for he has been long sick. [00:02:00]

We talk of being living Men, Let us correct ourselves and feel from this moment that we are dying men whose every breath brings them nearer to the Grave we are and are not, we walk in a vain show and are disquieted in vain we are unsubstantial as the Shadows of the flying clouds which on a summer's day flit over the face of the field and are gone. [00:02:43]

Divine appointment rules human life, and when we have learned that lesson we shall in the second place draw inferences from this truth first then let us consider a truth which I trust none of us have ever denied but have heartily accepted ever since we have been Believers there is a Divine appointment ruling all human life. [00:05:48]

The Affairs of this world are neither Tangled nor confused nor perplexing to him that seeth the end from the beginning to him all things are in due course and Order and before him all forces keep Rank and file God is in all and rules all in the least as well as in the greatest Jehovah's power is manifested. [00:07:37]

He who fixed our Birth has measured the interval between the cradle and the grave and it shall not be a day longer or a day shorter than the Divine decree how many times your lungs shall heave and your pulses beat have been fixed by the Eternal calculator from of old what reflects ought to arise out of this. [00:12:33]

The Lord the ever merciful has appointed every moment of thy sorrow and every Pang of thy suffering if he ordains the number 10 it can never rise to 11 neither should thou desire it to shrink to nine the Lord's time is best to a hair's breadth thy span of life is rightly measured God ordains all therefore peace. [00:14:51]

Life is one long struggle from which we never cease till we hear the word thy Warfare is accomplished Brethren life is a Warfare and therefore we are all men under Authority no Christian is free to follow his own devices we are all under law to Christ a soldier surrenders his own will to that of his Commander. [00:22:26]

The Christian man must not expect to go to heaven without opposition a soldier who never meets an enemy at all is not renowned we count his Valor light and reckon him to be as some vain carpet Knight whose best Delight is but to wear a braid of his fair lady's hair the man who is scarred and gashed. [00:25:30]

The armor that we wear we have not to construct and the sword we wield we have not to fabricate all things are ready for us our Great Captain manages the commissariat with unquestioned skill and unbounded liberality yay the Warfare is so much his Warfare that he is with us in it the Greek soldiers when they marched. [00:27:52]

If we are now the Servants of the Lord Jesus this life is a set time of a labor and apprenticeship to be worked out I am Bound by solemn indentures to my Lord and Master till my term of Life shall run out and I'm right glad to have it so Jacob when he had served seven years. [00:30:48]

We have transferred ourselves to Jesus Christ forever and we belong wholly to him a servant does nothing of his own head he does what his master tells him this also is our condition we have an appointed service and we receive orders from our Lord which orders are our law a servant has his occupations prescribed. [00:31:58]

The hling expects his wages that is one reason for his industry we too expect ours not of debt truly but of Grace yet still a gracious reward God does not employ servants without paying them wages as many of our Merchants now do his own children they are and therefore they would be glad enough to serve. [00:34:23]

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Transcript
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