Intro.

1.  How we face death says something about how we live - Heb. 11:35.

  a.  Aristeides (125 AD) wrote a friend about new religion:  "If any righteous [one] among the Christians passes from this world, they rejoice & offer thanks to God. They escort his [the] body with songs & thanksgiving as if he [she] were setting out from one place to another NEAR BY." (cf. 1 Ths. 4:13)

  b.  Live as saint - Die with thanks.

  c.  Live in sin - Die in darkness and despair!

2.  Psa.116:15 - Death of saints precious (valued, prized).

3.  How do you view your death? How does the Christian die?

I.  THE CHRISTIAN DIES IN HOPE - Phil. 1:21-23; Col. 1:3-5; 1 Ths. 4:13-16.

  A.  With The Joy Of Eternal Salvation.

    1.  1 Ths. 1:10 - Delivered from wrath by Jesus.

    2.  1 Ths. 5:9-11 - We live with Christ now - death won’t destroy that - Enhance it!

  B.  With An Expectation Of The Resurrection Of Life - Jno. 5:28-29.

    1.  1 Cor. 15:20-22 - Because of Jesus' resurrection.

    2.  1 Cor. 15:51-53 - At last trump - Incorruptible / Immortality.

    3.  1 Cor. 6:14 - Power of God at work!

  C.  With A Desire For Heaven.

    1.  2 Cor. 5:1 - Heavenly house.

    2.  Jno. 14:2-3 - Mansions prepared.

    3.  Heb. 11:13-16 - Pilgrims / strangers seeking their own country - Heavenly city.

II.  THE CHRISTIAN DIES IN COMFORT - 1 Ths. 4:16-18.

  -(Not that pain will not attend the Christian's death. But that a knowledge of what awaits him gives assurance, not fear.)

  A.  With The Assurance That God & His Christ Are In Control.

    1.  1 Cor. 15:24-26 - Power over death in resurrection.

      a.  Heb. 2:14-15 - Removes fear of death.

      b.  2 Tim. 1:10 - Gospel reveals His power!

    2.  Christian lives by faith in His power (Rev. 1:17-18) -- Death is not the end!

    3.  Fear of death need not overtake us!

  B.  There Is Victory Over Death In Jesus.

    1.  Freedom from trials, temptations, burdens & despair - REST (Rev. 14:13).

    2.  Rom. 8:38-39 - Death does not defeat the Christian!

III.  THE CHRISTIAN DIES IN FAITH - Heb. 11:13.

  A.  Confidently Believing In A Future Judgment.

    1.  Heb. 9:27 - He is ready for his appointment.

    2.  Heb. 10:26-27 - Adversaries of Christ face a fearful judgment of fire!

    3.  2 Ths. 1:3-9 - A time of righting wrongs - Of rest and vengeance.

  B.  Confidently Believing In A Future Reward - 2 Tim. 4:6-8.

    1.  1 Pet. 1:4 - Reserved in heaven.

    2.  Col. 3:4 - Glory with Christ when He comes (cf. Matt. 25:31-34, 46).

Conclusion

1.  We must live so as to prepare for death!

2.  When you die & go to meet the Lord, will you be meeting a stranger or a friend?! - Heb. 10:30-31