The Value of a Good Name and Death's Triumph

 

Summary

In Ecclesiastes 7:1, we find a profound truth: "A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of one's birth." This passage invites us to reflect on the value of a good name and the significance of our life's end. In the Eastern world, precious ointments were highly valued for their fragrance and the joy they brought. Similarly, a good name, or a noble character, brings joy and refreshment to oneself and others. It is a sweet aroma that pleases God, much like the sacred anointing oils used by priests.

A good name is not merely about reputation but about being written in the Lamb's Book of Life. It signifies being among the redeemed, the chosen of God, and having one's name inscribed on the heart of Jesus Christ. This is a name that transcends earthly honors and is recognized in the heavenly realms. It is a name that reflects humility, love, zeal, and prayerfulness, and it is better than any earthly luxury.

The day of death is better than the day of birth for the believer because it marks the end of life's trials and the beginning of eternal joy. While birth is filled with uncertainty and the potential for sorrow, death for the believer is a triumphant victory, a homecoming to the Father's house. It is the day when all earthly struggles cease, and the soul enters into eternal rest and glory.

Death is not to be feared but anticipated with joy, as it is the gateway to a fuller union with Christ, the ultimate marriage day for the believer. It is the day when we gain our heavenly inheritance, free from the burdens of this world. The day of death is the culmination of our faith journey, where we leave behind all losses and crosses and enter into the eternal presence of God.

Key Takeaways:

- A good name, rooted in a life of faith and written in the Lamb's Book of Life, is of greater value than any earthly luxury. It reflects a character that pleases God and is recognized in the heavenly realms. [04:51]

- The day of death is a day of triumph for the believer, marking the end of earthly struggles and the beginning of eternal joy and rest in the presence of God. [15:24]

- Death is not to be feared but anticipated with joy, as it is the gateway to a fuller union with Christ and the ultimate marriage day for the believer. [25:12]

- The believer's death day is better than all earthly happy days, as it signifies the gain of eternal life and the end of all earthly sorrows and trials. [26:00]

- The day of death is the culmination of the believer's faith journey, where all losses and crosses are left behind, and the soul enters into the eternal presence of God. [44:17]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:07] - Introduction to Ecclesiastes 7:1
- [00:22] - The Value of Precious Ointment
- [01:02] - The Sweet Aroma of a Good Name
- [02:11] - Spiritual Significance of a Good Name
- [03:04] - Esteem Before God vs. Man
- [04:11] - A Name Written in the Lamb's Book of Life
- [05:19] - Inscribed on the Heart of Jesus
- [06:34] - The Honor of Being Among God's People
- [08:06] - A Beloved Name Among Believers
- [11:31] - The Day of Death vs. The Day of Birth
- [13:38] - The End of Life's Journey
- [15:24] - The Certainty of Eternal Joy
- [17:53] - The End of Earthly Sorrows
- [19:08] - Reflecting on Life's Journey
- [21:21] - The Day of Death and Happy Days
- [25:12] - The Ultimate Marriage Day
- [26:00] - The Gain of Eternal Life
- [29:30] - Reunion with Loved Ones
- [34:07] - From Good to Better
- [37:15] - Eternal Service and Joy
- [44:17] - The Culmination of the Faith Journey

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Ecclesiastes 7:1
- Revelation 21:4
- Philippians 1:21

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Ecclesiastes 7:1 suggest about the value of a good name compared to precious ointment? How does this relate to the cultural context of the Eastern world? [00:22]

2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of having one's name written in the Lamb's Book of Life? [04:51]

3. How does the sermon describe the day of death for a believer compared to the day of birth? What are the reasons given for this perspective? [15:24]

4. What are some of the earthly struggles and trials that the sermon suggests will end on the day of a believer's death? [26:00]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon interpret the idea of a "good name" beyond just reputation? What spiritual implications does it have for believers? [04:11]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the day of death is a day of triumph for believers? How does this perspective align with Philippians 1:21? [15:24]

3. The sermon mentions that death is the gateway to a fuller union with Christ. How does this concept challenge or affirm common perceptions of death? [25:12]

4. How does the sermon use the imagery of marriage to describe the believer's union with Christ at death? What does this metaphor suggest about the nature of this union? [25:12]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: What steps can you take to cultivate a "good name" that is pleasing to God and recognized in the heavenly realms? [04:51]

2. How can the perspective that death is a triumphant victory for believers change the way you approach life's challenges and uncertainties? [15:24]

3. The sermon suggests that death should be anticipated with joy. How can you cultivate a mindset that views death as a gateway to eternal joy rather than something to be feared? [25:12]

4. Consider the metaphor of marriage used in the sermon. How can you deepen your relationship with Christ now, in anticipation of the ultimate union with Him? [25:12]

5. The sermon speaks of leaving behind all earthly losses and crosses. What are some burdens or struggles you need to release to fully embrace the joy of your faith journey? [44:17]

6. How can the assurance of eternal life and the end of earthly sorrows influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? [26:00]

7. Identify one area in your life where you can live more fully in the light of your heavenly inheritance. What practical steps can you take this week to align your life with this eternal perspective? [26:00]

Devotional

Day 1: The Eternal Value of a Good Name
A good name, rooted in a life of faith and written in the Lamb's Book of Life, is of greater value than any earthly luxury. It reflects a character that pleases God and is recognized in the heavenly realms. A good name is not just about reputation but signifies being among the redeemed, the chosen of God, and having one's name inscribed on the heart of Jesus Christ. This name transcends earthly honors and is acknowledged in the heavenly realms. It is a name that reflects humility, love, zeal, and prayerfulness, and it is better than any earthly luxury. [04:51]

Proverbs 22:1 (ESV): "A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold."

Reflection: Consider your own name and reputation. What steps can you take today to ensure that your name reflects the character of Christ in your interactions with others?


Day 2: Triumph in the Day of Death
The day of death is a day of triumph for the believer, marking the end of earthly struggles and the beginning of eternal joy and rest in the presence of God. For the believer, death is not an end but a victorious transition into eternal life. It is the culmination of a life lived in faith, where all earthly trials and tribulations cease, and the soul enters into the eternal joy and rest promised by God. This perspective transforms the fear of death into an anticipation of the ultimate homecoming. [15:24]

2 Corinthians 5:8 (ESV): "Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord."

Reflection: How does your perspective on death influence the way you live your life today? What can you do to cultivate a mindset that views death as a triumphant transition?


Day 3: Anticipating Joyful Union with Christ
Death is not to be feared but anticipated with joy, as it is the gateway to a fuller union with Christ and the ultimate marriage day for the believer. For believers, death is the moment when they are united with Christ in a more profound way than ever before. It is the ultimate marriage day, where the soul is joined with its Savior in eternal bliss. This union is the fulfillment of a lifelong journey of faith, where believers finally experience the fullness of their relationship with Christ. [25:12]

Philippians 1:21-23 (ESV): "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better."

Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your relationship with Christ today, so that you may look forward to a joyful union with Him in eternity?


Day 4: The Gain of Eternal Life
The believer's death day is better than all earthly happy days, as it signifies the gain of eternal life and the end of all earthly sorrows and trials. For believers, the day of death is not a day of loss but a day of immense gain. It is the moment when they leave behind all earthly sorrows and trials and enter into the eternal joy and peace of God's presence. This perspective shifts the focus from the temporary pleasures of this world to the eternal rewards that await in the life to come. [26:00]

Revelation 21:4 (ESV): "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

Reflection: What earthly sorrows or trials are you currently facing? How can the promise of eternal life help you endure and find hope in these challenges?


Day 5: Culmination of the Faith Journey
The day of death is the culmination of the believer's faith journey, where all losses and crosses are left behind, and the soul enters into the eternal presence of God. This day marks the completion of a life lived in faith, where believers leave behind all earthly burdens and enter into the eternal presence of God. It is the fulfillment of the promises of God, where believers experience the fullness of joy and peace in His presence. This perspective encourages believers to persevere in their faith journey, knowing that the ultimate reward awaits them. [44:17]

2 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV): "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing."

Reflection: Reflect on your own faith journey. What are some ways you can remain steadfast in your faith, knowing that the culmination of your journey is eternal life with God?

Quotes

A good name is a name that is written in the Lamb's Book of Life, and that is better than the sweetest of all ointments. Oh that I may find my name recorded in some corner of the page, among the sinners saved by grace. The very thought of that has a saver in it which no earthly delicacy can rival. [00:04:44]

A good name, why that must be a name written upon the breastplate of the great high priest. If you could have gone up to the high priest of old you would have read their Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Gad, Naftali, and the like, and they were all good names when once they were engraven there. [00:05:16]

If you could see your name written on the palms of his hands, you would say it is a good name that is written there. Blessed be the Lord that ever I had that name, insignificant as it is, though it is a name that has been ridiculed, though it is a name that has been banded about and kicked like a football through the world. [00:05:50]

A good name that is a name for humility, a name for love and affection, a name for liberality, a name for zeal, a name for warm-heartedness, a name for prayerfulness, a name among the people of God for being a wholehearted sincere man, a name for being one who is ready to help you in time of trouble. [00:09:15]

The day of death is better than the day of one's birth. You must have a good name, you must be written among the living in Zion, written on the heart of Christ, written in the Lamb's Book of Life, or else the text is not true of you, and alas although the day of your birth was a bad day. [00:11:37]

When we are born we begin life but what will that life be? Friends say welcome little stranger, ah but what kind of reception will the stranger get when he is no longer a newcomer? Very likely he is not long in this world before he begins to feel the poverty of his parents. [00:13:50]

The soldier does not deliberate a moment, there is no room for question, since the day of a believer's death is his time of triumph and a victory, it is better than the day of the first shot, the day of one's birth. When we were born we set out on our journey, but when we die we end our weary march. [00:14:55]

Surely it is better to have come to the end of the tiresome pilgrimage than to have commenced it. We wave the handkerchief and bid goodbye to those who start upon a long voyage and it is meat that they should be made as cheerful as they can be but surely it is a better day. [00:15:27]

The day of death is better to the believer than all his happy days. What were his happy days? I shall take him as a man and I will pick out some days that are often thought to be happy. There is the day of a man's coming of age when he feels that he is a man. [00:21:27]

But on the day of death we shall enter more fully into the joy of our Lord and into that blessed marriage union which is established between him and ourselves. Then we shall enter into the guest chamber where the supper is to be spread and we shall wait a while with joy. [00:24:31]

The greatest of all gains is that which we shall know when we pass out of the world of trouble into the land of triumph. To die is gain as for prosperity, what worldly prosperity can be compared with the eternal years in which we shall dwell in infinite felicity above to die. [00:26:00]

The day of our death is the beginning of our best days. Sometimes even that part of a dying day which is spent on earth is the best that the dying believer has ever lived. I have seen believers die and if anything can convince a man of the reality of religion. [00:44:17]

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Transcript
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