Funeral Sermon: The Righteous Shall Be Remembered Forever Series

FUNERAL SERMON: THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL BE REMEMBERED FOREVER

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:

Psalm 112:6 (KJV)

Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.

INTRODUCTION:

In the face of death, many things are forgotten—accomplishments, possessions, even earthly fame. But one thing God promises never to forget is the life of the righteous. When someone walks with God, their memory becomes a legacy, and their life echoes even after their passing.

Our gathering today is more than a farewell; it is a celebration of a godly life. While our hearts are heavy, we are also grateful. A righteous soul has completed their journey and entered into the joy of the Lord.

Heaven has received a saint, and earth remembers a legacy. The righteous may rest from their labours, but their works do follow them. Let us reflect on what it means to live in such a way that heaven rejoices, and generations remember.

1. GOD HONOURS THE MEMORY OF THE RIGHTEOUS

God does not forget those who lived uprightly.

a) The memory of the righteous is precious to God. He keeps record of their tears, prayers, and faithfulness (Psalm 56:8).

b) The lives of the godly are never wasted. They are like seeds planted, which continue to bear fruit even after death (John 12:24).

c) Heaven values a life lived in righteousness. Such lives are welcomed with open arms and rewarded eternally (2 Timothy 4:8).

d) God remembers those who remember Him. When you live for God, He marks your life with eternal significance (Malachi 3:16)

Biblical Example: Cornelius, though a Gentile, was remembered in heaven for his prayers and alms—so much that an angel was sent to him (Acts 10:1-4).

A righteous life is never forgotten in heaven or on earth.

2. THE RIGHTEOUS LEAVE A GODLY LEGACY

What we do in life becomes a light for others to follow.

a) Righteous people influence generations. Their values, prayers, and decisions shape the future of their families and communities (Proverbs 20:7).

b) A godly example is more powerful than words. The way we live often speaks louder than sermons (Matthew 5:16).

c) Legacy is not built in a day, but over a lifetime. Every act of kindness and faith adds to a lasting heritage (Hebrews 6:10).

d) Even in death, the righteous continue to inspire. Their stories become testimonies that strengthen the faith of others (Hebrews 11:4).

Biblical Example: Abraham’s obedience laid a foundation for generations, and he is still called the “father of faith” (Genesis 18:19).

Live in such a way that long after you are gone, people still thank God for your life.

3. THE DEATH OF THE RIGHTEOUS IS PRECIOUS IN GOD’S SIGHT

God does not treat the passing of His children lightly.

a) The righteous do not die in vain. Their death is not a tragedy but a divine transition (Isaiah 57:1-2).

b) Heaven rejoices over the arrival of a saint. While we cry here, angels welcome them with joy (Luke 15:10).

c) God attends the death of His saints personally. He walks with them through the valley of the shadow (Psalm 23:4).

d) Their rest is blessed and their reward is sure. God grants them eternal peace and everlasting joy (Revelation 14:13).

Biblical Example: When Elisha died, his bones still carried divine power, showing how precious his life was to God (2 Kings 13:20-21).

To God, the death of the righteous is not loss—it is glory.

4. TRUE SECURITY IS FOUND IN RIGHTEOUSNESS

Nothing in this world can guarantee us lasting peace except a life in Christ.

a) Riches and fame fade, but righteousness endures. Only what is done for Christ will last (Matthew 6:19-21).

b) The storms of life cannot shake the righteous. Their foundation is on the Rock—Christ Jesus (Matthew 7:24-25).

c) Righteousness delivers even in the face of death. The righteous are not afraid because they trust in God (Proverbs 11:4).

d) A righteous person dies with assurance. They know where they are going, and who is waiting for them (2 Corinthians 5:1).

Biblical Example: Job declared, “I know that my Redeemer liveth,” even in suffering—because of his secure hope (Job 19:25-27).

Let your trust not be in things that perish, but in righteousness that endures.

5. WE MUST PREPARE TO BE REMEMBERED RIGHTEOUSLY

The life we live today determines the legacy we leave tomorrow.

a) Today is the seedbed of tomorrow’s remembrance. What we do now echoes in eternity (Galatians 6:7-8).

b) It is not enough to be remembered—we must be remembered for good. Only a life rooted in Christ guarantees that (2 Corinthians 5:17).

c) Every believer must live intentionally. The goal is not to impress men, but to honour God (Colossians 3:23-24).

d) One day, we too will cross over. Let us live ready, watching and working while it is day (John 9:4).