25 Nov Death Is Gain
1 Corinthians 15:54–55 – When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
John 11:25–26 – Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
Philippians 1:21 – For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Perhaps the strongest spirit of fear is the fear of death. Having preached in a bulletproof vest at our church and having experienced security issues at our home from critics, we understand this fear for oneself and one’s family.
If we find ourselves in danger, making reasonable efforts to remain safe is wise. However, we can find ourselves moving down a sliding scale from prepared to paranoid. In the end death will come for us all. And an unhealthy fear of death can rob us of enjoying life.
Thankfully, Jesus defeated death. His resurrection is the pattern and precedent for all of God’s people. Death does not get the last word; the risen Jesus does.
Faith in Jesus casts out the fear of death. If you believe in Jesus’ resurrection, the fact that you will die one day casts out the fear of death that can grip you on any day. Our faith says death is not to be feared because to die is gain.
Practically, how do you enjoy the presence of the Holy Spirit so that your fear is replaced with faith? Stopping to sing aloud to God? Praying to God from the heart when things hurt? Journaling out your thoughts so that you come to grips with reality and trust God for your future? Bible reading to fill your mind with truth to push out any lies? Being part of a church family where the presence of God is enjoyed with brothers and sisters in the faith who help you grow in faith?
Freedom from fear helps us live free of demonic division.
To order the new book from Pastor Mark & Grace Driscoll “Win Your War”, visit: https://amzn.to/2YuhoDn.
For the entire eight-week “Win Your War” sermon series from Pastor Mark, visit www.markdriscoll.org or the Mark Driscoll Ministries app.
