Sermon Theme
Where would you rather be?
Ask any teenager whether they’d rather be at a party or sitting with some old folks (their parent’s age)
I asked this question at my mother’s `funeral service’ – “Honestly, where would you rather be?”
” It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting …… ” (Ecclesiastes 7:2, NIV)
In similar fashion the psalmist in Psalm 4 speaks to those in danger of rash behaviour
“In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.” (Psalm 4:4, NIV)
Both these passages have to do with distressful situations: grief and anger
Both direct us to think deeply that we may be led to blessings that God wants to convey to all His people.
We all experience tough times – in our own ways struggling with our distress
- How do we deal with the emotions surging though us?
- What will best help us cope as unique individuals with all that is playing through our minds & hearts?
- How can we sleep well at night when all is dark, we’re alone with our thoughts, emotions, distress?
Sermon outline
- DOING IT TOUGH
- GOD MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
- SLEEPING WELL
Readings reproduced on this page:
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1996, 1984. Grand Rapids: Zondervan
Readings
1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 (NIV84)
13Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.
14We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
15According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.
16For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
17After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
18Therefore encourage each other with these words.
Text
Psalm 4 (NIV84)
For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.
1Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.
2How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Selah
3Know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord will hear when I call to him.
4In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. Selah
5Offer right sacrifices and trust in the Lord.
6Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord.
7You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.
8I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
