Summary Pastor Page delivers a sermon centered on grieving with hope, following the recent and sudden death of a long-standing congregation member named Troy. The pastor uses the scripture from First Thessalonians, chapter four, to explain that Christian grief is distinct because it is rooted in the hope of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The message emphasizes that while sorrow and pain from death are real and natural, believers do not grieve like those without hope. The pastor encourages the congregation to support Troy’s family, acting as the hands and feet of God, and to remember that life is precious and fleeting, urging them to live each day fully and by faith. Key Points
- Grieving with Hope Context of the Sermon
- The sermon is prompted by the sudden death of a dear brother and long-time member of the congregation, Troy, who passed away on the morning of the sermon.
- Pastor Page expresses his own heavy heart and feels it is necessary to address this loss as a central theme for the church family. Biblical Foundation for Grief
- The primary scripture is First Thessalonians 4:13-14, where Paul addresses the church of Thessalonica about those who “sleep in death.”
- The text’s purpose is to ensure believers are not uninformed, so they do not grieve like those who have no hope. The Nature of Christian Grief
- The scripture does not command believers to avoid grief; instead, it instructs them on how to grieve.
- Christian grief is different because it is accompanied by hope, holding onto the promise rooted in Jesus’s death and resurrection.
- Grief is not a failure of faith. The pastor cites the example of Jesus weeping at Lazarus’s tomb, even while knowing he would raise him, showing that God is active even in seasons of sorrow. Death as a Defeated Enemy
- Citing First Corinthians 15:26, the pastor refers to death as “the last enemy to be destroyed.”
- While death is still a certainty that is intrusive, separates, and wounds, for believers, it is temporary, whereas heaven is eternal.
- The Believer’s Hope and Response The Anchor of Faith
- The hope believers have is not merely optimistic or sentimental language; it is rooted in the historical reality of Christ’s death and resurrection.
- This same resurrection power that raised Christ serves as an anchor for every believer. The Preciousness of Life
- Every day, breath, and moment is a precious gift.
- The Bible instructs believers to “make the most of every opportunity” and not get preoccupied with trivial matters, past regrets, or future anxieties.
- The sermon quotes, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.”
- James is quoted as describing life as a mist, “here today and gone tomorrow.” Living and Dying for the Lord
- Romans 14 is cited: “if we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to Him.”
- For a believer, the grave is not the end of the story but the beginning of a new chapter. The same Savior who sustained Troy through his earthly struggles is the one who carries him to eternity. God’s Care for the Vulnerable
- The pastor acknowledges that there are real, unanswerable questions surrounding the death.
- However, he assures the congregation that God sees, cares, and draws near to the vulnerable.
- The Bible describes God as a “father to the fatherless” and a “defender of widows,” showing His particular care for those who are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit.
- The Role of the Church Community Being the Family of God
- The congregation is called to be more than just a group of church members; they are the “family of God” and the “body of Christ.”
- This spiritual identity means they are to act as God’s hands and feet, offering hope, comfort, and a tangible presence to the grieving family. Responding with Love
- The church is called to act out of love, not panic or pressure.
- The community will miss Troy and walk through sorrow, but they must do so with hope, remembering God is close to the brokenhearted and faithful in all uncertainties.
- Remembering a Life of Faith
- The pastor recalls Troy’s persistent message, even through his own trials with dialysis and a heart attack: “Pastor, we just have to live by faith.”
- Deacon Williams had initiated a practice of placing plates on the pews to honor members who left an indelible mark, and Troy’s name is now among them.
Next Arrangements
- Support Troy’s family in every way possible, acting as the hands and feet of God.
- Offer hope, comfort, and encouragement to the grieving family so they know they are not alone.
- Be especially mindful of Troy’s family—his brother, his brother’s family, Julie, and especially Justin—trusting that God has a plan for them.
- Live each day to the fullest, making the most of every opportunity and not squandering moments on things that do not matter in the grand scheme.
- Live by faith, not by sight, as Troy exemplified.