Funeral Sermon: The Righteous Shall Be At Peace Series

FUNERAL SERMON: THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL BE AT PEACE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:

Isaiah 57:2 (KJV)

He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.

INTRODUCTION:

In moments like this, we stand at the crossroads of grief and remembrance. While our hearts are heavy with the loss of a loved one, we are reminded of the peace that the righteous receive from the Lord. This peace is not of this world, but a divine peace that transcends understanding. Today, we honour the memory of the departed, knowing that they have entered into a peace that no earthly circumstance could ever provide.

Death, for the believer, is not the end but a transition into the eternal rest that God has promised. The righteous are called to rest, and in their rest, they experience the fullness of God’s peace. Today, we celebrate the peaceful journey the departed has entered.

As we mourn their passing, let us remember that their life was not in vain. They have completed their race, and now, they rest with the Lord in peace. This peace is a reward for their faithfulness, and it reminds us that our hope lies in the eternal promises of God.

1. THE PEACE OF THE RIGHTEOUS IS PROMISED BY GOD

God gives a special peace to those who walk in His ways.

a) God’s peace is a gift, not earned by works. It is given freely to those who trust in Him (John 14:27).

b) The righteous are promised rest from their labours. Their faithfulness is rewarded with eternal peace (Revelation 14:13).

c) This peace surpasses all understanding. It guards the hearts and minds of the believers, even in death (Philippians 4:7).

d) Death does not bring fear to the righteous. It is merely the gateway to the peace they’ve longed for (Psalm 116:15).

Biblical Example: David, though pursued by enemies, found peace in God’s promise of rest (Psalm 23:1-6).

The peace of the righteous is not temporary—it is eternal and unshakable.

2. THE RIGHTEOUS REST IN THE PROMISE OF GOD

For the righteous, death is rest—a rest promised by God Himself.

a) God’s promise of rest is sure. The faithful rest from their struggles and the burdens of this world (Matthew 11:28-30).

b) The rest of the righteous is a reward. It is a sign of their faithfulness to God’s will during their lives (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

c) In God’s rest, there is no more sorrow or pain. The old things have passed away (Revelation 21:4).

d) The righteous rest in the presence of the Lord. They are comforted by His nearness and His love (Psalm 16:11).

Biblical Example: Moses, after leading the people of Israel through great trials, was taken to rest in God’s presence (Deuteronomy 34:5-6).

When the righteous rest, they enter into the peace of God’s eternal presence.

3. THE PEACE OF THE RIGHTEOUS IS A TESTIMONY TO OTHERS

The peace of those who walk with God is a witness to the world.

a) The peace of the righteous stands as a testimony to God’s faithfulness. Others see it and know that God is real (Philippians 4:5-7).

b) This peace draws others to Christ. Those who see a life of peace are often curious about the source of such serenity (John 13:35).

c) The world cannot give the peace that God provides. The peace of the righteous is different from worldly peace (John 14:27).

d) The peace of the righteous points to the hope of eternal life. It reflects the security we have in Christ (Romans 15:13).

Biblical Example: The early church displayed peace amidst persecution, drawing many to salvation (Acts 4:33).

Let our lives also testify to the peace of God that surpasses understanding.

4. THE PEACE OF THE RIGHTEOUS COMES THROUGH CHRIST

It is only through Christ that the righteous can experience true peace.

a) Jesus is the source of lasting peace. Through His sacrifice, He made peace between God and man (Romans 5:1).

b) The peace of Christ is not dependent on circumstances. It is anchored in the hope of eternal life with Him (Colossians 3:15).

c) In Christ, we find peace even in the face of death. His resurrection assures us of life beyond the grave (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).

d) Christ’s peace is a mark of our relationship with Him. The closer we draw to Him, the more His peace fills our hearts (John 15:4-5).

Biblical Example: Jesus gave peace to His disciples, even in the storm, showing that His peace is not bound by circumstances (Mark 4:39-41).

In Christ, we find a peace that neither time nor death can take away.

5. THE PEACE OF THE RIGHTEOUS LEADS TO EVERLASTING JOY

The peace of the righteous is not just for this life but extends into eternity.