Hebrews 9:27
Introduction:
1. The Bible is clear we have one life to live on this earth (Genesis 3:19; Ecclesiastes 3:20; 9:10; 12:7; Luke 16:19-31; Hebrews 9:27).
2. It is brief and has no do overs, so we have to get it right (1 Chronicles 29:15; Job 7:6; James 4:14; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
Discussion:
I. The Abundant Life
A. Christ died to give us abundant life (Psalms 16:11; John 10:10; 2 Corinthians 9:8-11; Philippians 4:13, 19; James 1:16-17; 2 Peter 1:2-4).
B. For this, we must live the life we have well (Ephesians 5:16; Colossians 3:23-24).
C. There are many hindrances and helps in this.
II. Hindrances and Helps
A. Hindrance: Ignoring God:
1. No one knows the needs of the creation like the Creator (Psalms 16:9).
2. Still, many people live life with little or no thought of God (Romans 1:28).
3. In so doing, we fail to fulfill our purpose in living (Genesis 1:26-27).
B. Help: Acknowledging God:
1. Instead, we ought to be mindful of God in all our doings (Ecclesiastes 12:1; Psalms 119:9-12; James 4:13-17).
2. In this, life’s fullness is found (Ecclesiastes 12:13; Philippians 4:4-9; Colossians 2:9-10).
C. Hindrance: Fear and Worry:
1. Financial insecurity robs many people of the peace of God.
2. Uncertain riches make a shaky foundation (Matthew 6:19-24; 1 Timothy 6:9-10; 17-19).
3. Fear of harm also robs us (Matthew 14:28-31; 26:69-75; Galatians 2:11-14; Revelation 21:8).
D. Help: Trust God’s Provisions and Protection
1. God is a shield to His people (Genesis 15:1; Deuteronomy 33:29; Psalms 27:1; 33:20; 46:1-3; 84:11; 115:9-11).
2. He will not leave us (Deuteronomy 31:6-8; Psalms 37:25; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5-6; 1 Peter 3:12).
3. These promises relate to and depend upon our study and application of His will to our lives (Psalms 112:5-8; Isaiah 26:3-4; 40:28; Matthew 6:33; John 14:23; 16:33; Philippians 4:4-9; 1 Peter 3:12; 1 John 5:4-5).
E. Hindrance: Sin’s Deception
1. Sin separates us from God and His protection and provision (Isaiah 59:1-2; Proverbs 10:24; 12:13; 15:6, 29).
2. This does not mean all of life is difficult for the wicked and easy for the righteous (Matthew 5:43-45; John 16:33).
3. Though the wicked appear to prosper, they will fall in the end (Psalms 73; Proverbs 24:19-22).
F. The cure to all this is an eternal worldview (Matthew 6:19-33; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Colossians 3:1-4).
G. As this was the catalyst to the faithful of old, so it will empower us to overcome the world today (Philippians 3:20-21; Hebrews 11:13-16; 1 John 5:1-5).
Conclusion:
1. We all have but one life to live on earth.
2. That one life will determine the outcome of our eternity.
3. Jesus died to give us abundant life; will we live in a way that ensures we receive it?