THINGS WE NEED TO HELP US LIVE BETTER.

INTRO:

1. We are busy writing a history of our lives, by the minute,hour, day, week, month, and year.

A. At the end of each year we close another chapter and at the end of life we will close the book.

B. This book will be opened again at the judgment. Rev. 20:11-15.

C. We should strive to make each chapter of our lives the very best possible.

D. We need, therefore, to study this subject concerning things we need to help us live better lives before God and man.

E. We need to be warned of pitfalls and problems that might arise. Ezk. 3: 16-21; 34:1-10.

I. A REALIZATION OF THE VALUE OF THE SOUL.

A. Only he who realizes the value of his soul is prepared to live the life God wants him to live in the very best way.

B. Do you know the value of your soul? Matt. 16:26.

C. Do you know why it is so valuable?

1. It is from God -- made in His image. Gen. 1:26,27.

2. It is the only part of us that is eternal. Matt. 10:28.

D. Realizing the value of the soul, one will want to take the very best care of it that is possible.

E. It is unique in that it is the only one that you have or will have.

II. A CONSCIOUSNESS OF JUDGMENT.

A. God has appointed a day of judgment. Heb. 9:27; Acts 17:31.

B. All will be there. There will be no escape for anyone for any reason. Rom. 14:10-12.

C. One will be judged according to his own works or life. 2 Cor. 5:10; Rev. 20:12,13; Rom. 2:1-11.

D. A consciousness of these facts will help us to live better.

E. Are you ready for that day to come?

III. A CONSCIOUSNESS OF THE UNCERTAINTY OF LIFE.

A. Life is very short at the most in view of eternity. Job. 14:1; Jas. 4:13,14.

B. We know not when the end will be. Mk. 13:33-37.

C. We need to live every day as though it were our last day, for it might just be.

IV. A CONSCIOUSNESS OF ONE OF TWO DESTINIES.

A. Both are the same length in duration -- eternal.

B. One is a place of torment -- no experience of man can compare with it.

C. The other is a place of happiness and joy -- everything that God can give to make man happy will be there -- everything that will make one sad will be absent. Lk. 16:19-31.

D. Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. Jno. 14:1-3; Matt. 25: 31-46; 2 Thes. 1:7-9.

E. Hell is prepared for the Devil and his angels. All that serve him are his angels or messengers. Mt. 25:41.

V. A GREATER DEGREE OF FAITH.

A. Peter began to sink into the water because of the lack of faith. Matt. 14: 28-31.

B. Unbelief causes one to depart from God. Heb. 3:12.

C. We should call upon the Lord to help us increase our faith. Rom. 10:17; Lk. 17:5.

D. We need to lay aside every sin and the weight that doth so easily besets us. Heb. 12:1,2.

VI. CONSCIOUSNESS OF BEING AN EXAMPLE TO OTHERS.

A. We are an example -- no one lives or dies unto himself alone. Matt. 5:13- 16; Rom. 14:7; 1 Cor. 11:1.

B. Someone is always following in our footsteps.

C. Timothy was told to be an example to the believers. 1 Tim. 4:12.

D. A Christian is Christianity on display before the world and therefore should magnify Christ in his life. 2 Cor. 3:1-3; Phil. 1:20.

VII. ENCOURAGING WORDS OF DOING RIGHT.

A. Nothing helps us to improve like encouragement, all of us need it.

B. We usually speak of good things about a man after he is dead.

C. We should not resort to flattery -- but give honor where honor is due.

D. If you want to help someone live better, speak an encouraging word concerning the things he has done right.

1. A continuous downgrading of one will finally break his spirit.

CONCLUSION:

1. No better or more profitable life can be lived than that of a faithful Christian.

2. Are you a Christian?

3. Do not these things cause you to realize you should be?

4. As a Christian, do they not make you want to live more humble and consecrated lives?

By Jim Sasser

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