LIVING TRUTHS FROM THE PROVERBS

PART 14

LIFE VS. DEATH

I. Life, which we have through Jesus Christ, and death, which the lost can only have, are two very contrasting subjects and the Bible is very clear on the blessings of life that we as Christians have through God and the promises of death from the same God to those who reject His plan for them. Let's first look at what the Bible speaks about those who reject God's provision for life, Jesus Christ.

A. The dead love death.

1. Prov. 8:36;

B. They hate the knowledge of God.

1. Prov. 1:22;

C. Their hearts rage against God.

1. Prov. 19:3;

D. They crave evil.

1. Prov. 21:10;

What is death? There are two basic definitions of death that are to be considered to understand how life vs. death in an adequate manner.

1. Spiritual death: literally it is separation from God; while on the earth or in eternity.

2. Physical death: the separation of the soul and spirit from the body ushering in eternal

life or eternal separation from God.

II. Many Scriptures speak to the wicked as to being led into death by the lives that they lead here on earth.

A. They are snared by their own sin.

1. Prov. 2:16-19;

2. Prov. 5:22;

3. Prov. 7:14-23;

B. Their own ways lead them to death.

1. Prov. 11:5;

2. Prov. 14:12;

C. They stumble over what they don't even know.

1. Prov. 4:19;

III. God gives to those who are dead (spiritually)certain promises even while they are living on this earth.

A. Their lives are filled with trouble.

1. Prov. 12:21;

B. Their own violence overtakes them.

1. Prov. 21:7;

C. They have no future

1. Prov. 24:20;

IV. What happens to the wicked in death? God holds certain promises for those who do not have their lives hidden in Him.

A. They have no hope.

1. Prov. 11:7;

B. They expect death.

1. Prov. 11:23;

V. The promise of death is given to the wicked. Remember that "death" is really separation from God. The only solution to this problem is gaining life through Jesus Christ and that life, frees all who come to God in the name of Jesus Christ from the promises of death.

A. The promises of death.

1. Prov. 5:11;

2. Prov. 10:25;

3. Prov. 21:16;

4. Prov. 21:25;

5. Ps. 49:14;

6. Ps. 69:28;

VI. There are some contrasts to the wicked who are actually dead and the righteous who are alive in God. These contrasts are what are known as anti-antithetical parallelisms in Hebrew poetry and are found in major portions of the poetical books of the Bible.

A. The wicked are cursed.

1. Prov. 3:33;

B. They are overcome by fears.

1. Prov. 10:24-25;

C. They will be punished.

1. Prov. 11:21;

D. They are overthrown.

1. Prov. 12:7;

E. They are thrust down.

1. Prov. 14:32;

F. Their paths are full of snares and thorns.

1. Prov. 22:5;

VII. In dramatic and fulfilling contrast to the wicked dead, those living for God in Christ have many wonderful blessings in this life and in the life to come. There really is no comparison to real life (in Christ) and the so called "life" outside of Christ. The blessings and promises of God to His children overshadow the promises to the wicked so much as to cause them to vanish in their glory.

A. The fear of the Lord preserves life.

1. Prov. 10:27;

2. Prov. 14:27;

3. Prov. 19:23;

B. God gives us life here on earth.

1. Prov. 3:1-2;

2. Prov. 3:16;

3. Prov. 9:11;

4. Prov. 21:21;

5. Prov. 22:4;

C. The lives we have here, extend into eternity.

1. Ps 16:11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (NIV)

2. Ps 23:6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (NIV)

3. Ps 49:15 But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself. Selah (NIV)

4. Ps 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. (NIV)

5. Prov. 12:28;

D. Those alive in Christ are blessed while those dead in their sins are cursed by God.

1. Prov. 10:6;

2. Prov. 11:9;

3. Prov. 14:30,32;

4. Prov. 19:16;

VIII. In conclusion of LIFE VS. DEATH, let us ensure that we remain partakers in the blessings of what is "really life" in Christ by keeping to His commandments and holding to His promises of life.

Heb 4:14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. (NIV)

Heb 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (NIV)