Trusting God: Embracing Death with Hope and Faith

 

Summary

On this Memorial Day weekend, we reflect on the lives of those who have died in military service, and it is fitting to consider the last words of Jesus Christ on the cross: "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit" (Luke 23:46). These words offer profound insights into the nature of death and the hope we have in Christ. Death is a reality for all of us, and it is crucial to be prepared for it. Jesus' words remind us that death is the temporary separation of the spirit from the body, with the promise of resurrection and eternal life for those who belong to Him.

The Bible teaches that we are a union of body and spirit, created by God. While our bodies return to dust, our spirits continue. This understanding should shape how we live, prioritizing the care of our spirit over our body. Physical training has value, but godliness holds promise for both this life and the life to come. We must not become fixated on our physical appearance or abilities, as our true identity is found in our spirit.

Jesus' use of the word "Father" in His final moments highlights the intimate relationship we can have with God through faith in Christ. Knowing God as our Father provides comfort and strength, especially in the face of life's hardest challenges, such as forgiving others and facing death. Jesus' triumph over death assures us that, as believers, we will never experience the second death, which is eternal separation from God.

In death, a Christian's spirit is safe in the Father's hands, regardless of what happens to the body. This assurance transforms our understanding of death, making it not a disaster but a transition into God's presence. Our loved ones who have died in Christ are secure in the Father's hands, and we can trust that God will care for them.

Finally, Jesus' act of committing His spirit to the Father is a model of faith and trust. We are called to live in such a way that we can confidently entrust our spirit to God at the end of our lives. This requires knowing God as Father through faith in Jesus Christ. As we reflect on these truths, may we be moved to deepen our relationship with God and live with the assurance of His eternal care.

Key Takeaways:

- The Nature of Death: Death is the temporary separation of the spirit from the body, with the promise of resurrection for believers. This understanding should lead us to prioritize the care of our spirit over our body, as our true identity is found in our spirit. [04:54]

- Knowing God as Father: Jesus' use of "Father" in His final words highlights the intimate relationship we can have with God through faith in Christ. This relationship provides comfort and strength, especially in the face of life's hardest challenges. [14:13]

- The Triumph Over Death: Jesus' triumph over death assures us that, as believers, we will never experience the second death. His sacrifice on the cross changes the nature of death for us, making it a transition into God's presence. [23:58]

- The Security of the Spirit: In death, a Christian's spirit is safe in the Father's hands, regardless of what happens to the body. This assurance transforms our understanding of death, making it not a disaster but a transition into God's presence. [30:39]

- Living with Faith and Trust: Jesus' act of committing His spirit to the Father is a model of faith and trust. We are called to live in such a way that we can confidently entrust our spirit to God at the end of our lives, knowing Him as Father through faith in Jesus Christ. [35:02]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Memorial Day Reflection
- [00:28] - The Last Words of Jesus
- [01:09] - The Relevance of Death
- [02:22] - Preparing for Death
- [03:10] - Understanding Death
- [04:54] - The Separation of Spirit and Body
- [06:19] - Biblical Pictures of Death
- [08:31] - The Focus on the Spirit
- [10:27] - Caring for Body and Spirit
- [12:49] - Body Image and Identity
- [13:58] - Knowing God as Father
- [15:07] - The Double Death of Christ
- [17:46] - The Triumph of Christ
- [20:59] - The Voluntary Death of Jesus
- [23:58] - The Transformation of Death
- [26:23] - Facing Life's Hardest Challenges
- [28:34] - The Security of the Spirit
- [35:02] - Living with Faith and Trust

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 23:46
- 1 Corinthians 15:42-44
- Psalm 23:4

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the last words of Jesus on the cross as recorded in Luke 23:46, and what do they signify about His relationship with God? [00:44]

2. According to the sermon, how does the Bible describe the nature of death, and what is the significance of the separation of spirit and body? [04:54]

3. How does the sermon explain the concept of the "second death," and what assurance do believers have regarding it? [15:21]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of knowing God as Father, especially in facing life's hardest challenges? [26:23]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the understanding of death as a temporary separation of spirit and body influence a believer's perspective on life and priorities? [04:54]

2. In what ways does Jesus' use of the word "Father" in His final moments on the cross provide comfort and strength to believers today? [14:13]

3. How does the sermon describe the transformation of death for believers through Jesus' triumph over the second death? [23:58]

4. What does it mean to live with the assurance that a believer's spirit is safe in the Father's hands, and how might this change one's approach to life's challenges? [30:39]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current priorities. Are you more focused on caring for your body or your spirit? What changes can you make to ensure your spirit is prioritized? [11:28]

2. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God as your Father, and what steps can you take to strengthen this relationship in your daily life? [27:05]

3. Consider a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can the assurance of God's presence and care transform your approach to this challenge? [25:34]

4. In what ways can you model Jesus' faith and trust in God in your own life, especially when facing uncertainty or fear? [35:02]

5. Think about a loved one who has passed away. How does the sermon’s message about the security of the spirit in the Father's hands bring you comfort? [32:24]

6. How can you live in such a way that you are prepared to confidently entrust your spirit to God at the end of your life? What practical steps can you take to grow in faith and trust? [35:21]

7. Reflect on the concept of the "second death" and Jesus' triumph over it. How does this assurance impact your understanding of salvation and eternal life? [24:14]

Devotional

Day 1: The Temporary Separation of Spirit and Body
Death is not the end but a temporary separation of the spirit from the body, with the promise of resurrection for those who believe in Christ. This understanding should lead us to prioritize the care of our spirit over our body, as our true identity is found in our spirit. While physical health and appearance have their place, they should not overshadow the importance of spiritual growth and godliness. The Bible teaches that our bodies will return to dust, but our spirits continue, and this should shape how we live our lives. We are encouraged to focus on nurturing our relationship with God, which holds promise for both this life and the life to come. [04:54]

"For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." (2 Corinthians 5:1, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you prioritize the care of your spirit over your body today? Consider one specific action you can take to nurture your spiritual growth.


Day 2: Intimacy with God as Father
Jesus' use of "Father" in His final words on the cross highlights the intimate relationship we can have with God through faith in Christ. This relationship provides comfort and strength, especially in the face of life's hardest challenges. Knowing God as our Father means we can approach Him with confidence, trusting in His love and care for us. This intimacy with God is not just a theological concept but a lived reality that transforms how we face difficulties, including the challenge of forgiving others and confronting our own mortality. As we deepen our relationship with God, we find the strength to navigate life's trials with grace and hope. [14:13]

"Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!'" (Galatians 4:6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper sense of intimacy with God as your Father today? Identify one way you can intentionally draw closer to Him.


Day 3: The Assurance of Triumph Over Death
Jesus' triumph over death assures us that, as believers, we will never experience the second death, which is eternal separation from God. His sacrifice on the cross changes the nature of death for us, making it a transition into God's presence rather than a final end. This assurance transforms our understanding of death, allowing us to face it with hope and confidence. As Christians, we are called to live in the light of this victory, knowing that death has been defeated and that eternal life awaits us. This perspective should influence how we live our daily lives, with a focus on eternal values and the hope of resurrection. [23:58]

"Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil." (Hebrews 2:14, ESV)

Reflection: How does the assurance of Jesus' triumph over death impact your perspective on life and death? Consider one way you can live more fully in light of this victory today.


Day 4: The Security of the Spirit in God's Hands
In death, a Christian's spirit is safe in the Father's hands, regardless of what happens to the body. This assurance transforms our understanding of death, making it not a disaster but a transition into God's presence. Our loved ones who have died in Christ are secure in the Father's hands, and we can trust that God will care for them. This security provides comfort and peace, knowing that nothing can separate us from God's love. As we live our lives, we can rest in the assurance that our spirits are held securely by our loving Father, both in life and in death. [30:39]

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:27-28, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you find comfort in the security of your spirit in God's hands? Reflect on how this assurance can bring peace to your heart today.


Day 5: Living with Faith and Trust
Jesus' act of committing His spirit to the Father is a model of faith and trust. We are called to live in such a way that we can confidently entrust our spirit to God at the end of our lives, knowing Him as Father through faith in Jesus Christ. This requires a daily commitment to live by faith, trusting in God's promises and His eternal care for us. As we reflect on these truths, we are encouraged to deepen our relationship with God and live with the assurance of His love and faithfulness. By following Jesus' example, we can face life's challenges with confidence, knowing that our ultimate hope is secure in Him. [35:02]

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to exercise more faith and trust in God? Consider a specific step you can take today to entrust this area to Him.

Quotes


Jesus called out with a loud voice, father into your hands I commit my spirit and when he had said this he breathed his last now friends this subject of death is relevant to every person here today unless the Lord Jesus Christ comes first this will happen to you. [00:00:54]

Death is nothing other than the temporary separation of your spirit from your body and I use the word temporary in this definition because the Bible teaches the resurrection of the body remember on the third day the tomb was empty Jesus rose from the dead and those who belong to him the Bible says will share in his resurrection. [00:03:53]

You are a body Spirit Union that is how God has made you the Breath of Life in a body that could be chemically analyzed it is from the dust of the ground and yet it has life in it and H and you are this body Soul Unity your body belongs to the Earth dust you are and to dust you will return. [00:05:28]

The focus of attention is not on the body it is on the spirit because while you have a body your body is not who you are the body is not defining for you the spirit is it's very important to understand your body will die your spirit will go on that's why Paul says the life I live think about this in the body. [00:09:44]

Physical training is of some value so he wants to give it value there is value he says physical training is of some value but godliness has value for all things holding the promise both for this present life and for the life to come now you see the force of his argument. [00:11:38]

Jesus says father the first time he speaks father forgive them they do not know what they are doing and the last time that he speaks father into your hands I commit my spirit and between these two wonderful words of fellowship with the father lies this awful abyss of darkness that we tried to explore together. [00:14:09]

Jesus experienced the first death and the second death at precisely the same time he died a double death on the cross in fact strictly speaking think about it Jesus endured the second death before he entered the first death right there in these three hours on the darkness. [00:15:42]

By his death Jesus Christ changed the nature of death for all who are with Him Alec mattier says this death for a Christian is not so much something that happens to you as something that God works for you the death of a Christian he says quoting the Old Testament is precious to God. [00:24:34]

Your spirit goes into the immediate presence pres of God into the hands of the father that is why the New Testament says to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord and Friends whatever happens to your body whatever happens to your body your spirit is safe in The Father's hands. [00:28:54]

Jesus has been in the hands of Sinners he said that himself I'm going to be betrayed into the hands of Sinners and look what they did to him but now he places his Spirit into the father's hands the father's hands are the place of eternal security remember how Jesus said no one can snatch you from the father's hands. [00:30:42]

Here is our Lord Jesus Christ in an Act of Faith in the moment of death that is born out of a life that is lived for the father's glory and as I've tried to meditate on this this week it's just refresh this in my own life I want to live in such a way that when I die I have a knowledge of the father. [00:35:06]

Call on Christ today in Repentance and faith in order that you may be entitled to call on him in the hour of your extremity on him as your lord so that he may confess you as his people on that day will you do that today Father into your hands I commit my spirit. [00:38:53]

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Transcript
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