Funeral Sermon: PRECIOUS IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD IS THE DEATH OF HIS SAINTS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text:
Psalm 116:15 (KJV)
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
INTRODUCTION:
Death is an inevitable part of life, and it is a moment that often brings sorrow, grief, and pain. The loss of a loved one can leave us heartbroken, and we struggle with the emptiness that follows. However, the Bible tells us that, in God's eyes, the death of His saints is precious. This profound statement in Psalm 116:15 encourages us to look beyond the sorrow of loss and view death from a divine perspective. It reminds us that those who belong to God are not lost but are taken into His eternal presence. Though we mourn, we do so with the hope that our loved ones are now in a better place, embraced by the loving arms of their Creator.
The death of the saints is precious to the Lord because they have completed the race set before them, and now, they are resting from their labors. While we grieve for ourselves, the Lord receives His children with joy and celebration. In this sermon, we will explore why the death of God's saints is considered precious in His sight, and how we can find comfort and hope in this truth. Even in the face of loss, we are reminded that death for a believer is not the end, but rather a transition to eternal life with God.
As we mourn, let us remember that death holds no fear for the believer. It is the doorway to eternal life and an everlasting relationship with God. The Lord sees our grief, but He also sees the beauty and preciousness in the lives of His saints who have been faithful to Him. Their death is not something to despair over, but rather an event to be honoured as they receive their reward.
1. DEATH OF THE SAINTS IS PRECIOUS BECAUSE IT IS A HOMEGOING
For believers, death is a transition into the eternal presence of God, a return to their true home.
a) Death is a reunion with the Father. The moment a believer passes away, they are welcomed by God into His eternal kingdom (John 14:2-3).
b) It is a release from earthly struggles. The trials, pain, and suffering of this world are left behind, and the saint enters into eternal peace (Revelation 21:4)
c) Death leads to eternal joy. There is no sorrow, pain, or death in heaven; it is a place of everlasting joy and fulfillment in God’s presence (Psalm 16:11).
d) It is a final step of faith. Death is the culmination of a life of faith, where believers enter into the inheritance prepared for them by God (1 Peter 1:4).
Biblical Example: The apostle Paul speaks of being “with Christ, which is far better” (Philippians 1:23), showing that for believers, death is a blessed homecoming.
The death of a saint is precious because it is not an end but the beginning of an eternal, glorious life in God's presence.
2. DEATH OF THE SAINTS IS PRECIOUS BECAUSE IT HONORS GOD’S PURPOSE FOR THEIR LIVES
Every life lived in obedience to God’s call is a testimony to His grace and purpose.
a) Their lives glorify God. The faithful life of a believer brings glory to God through their service, worship, and love (Matthew 5:16).
b) They fulfill God's calling. When a saint's life ends, they have completed their mission and fulfilled the purpose for which God created them (2 Timothy 4:7).
c) Their death is a testimony of faithfulness. Death is the final testimony of a life lived in faithful obedience to God, confirming their eternal reward (Revelation 14:13).
d) They leave a legacy of faith. The legacy of a believer's life continues to inspire and encourage others in their walk with God (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Biblical Example: Stephen, the first martyr, demonstrated unwavering faith in God until his death, and his death was precious in God's sight (Acts 7:59-60).
When a saint dies, it honors the fulfillment of God’s perfect purpose for their life, showing that their existence was in alignment with His will.
3. DEATH OF THE SAINTS IS PRECIOUS BECAUSE IT DEMONSTRATES GOD'S FAITHFULNESS
God promises eternal life to those who trust in Him, and the death of His saints is the fulfillment of that promise.
a) God’s promises are sure. The death of a believer shows the faithfulness of God's promises of eternal life (John 3:16).
b) Their death signifies God's victory over death. In Christ, death has been conquered, and the believer’s death is a demonstration of Christ's triumph over the grave (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).
c) It reflects the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation. Every believer’s death points to the hope of salvation and redemption through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23).
d) Death is part of God's sovereign plan. God knows the number of our days, and our death is part of His perfect timing and plan (Psalm 139:16).
Biblical Example: Jesus assured the thief on the cross that he would be with Him in paradise, demonstrating that God’s promises of eternal life are true (Luke 23:43).
The death of a believer is precious because it marks the fulfillment of God’s faithful promise of eternal life.
4. DEATH OF THE SAINTS IS PRECIOUS BECAUSE IT BRINGS COMFORT TO THE LIVING
Though we mourn, the death of a saint brings comfort to those left behind as they reflect on God's faithfulness.
a) The hope of resurrection comforts us. Knowing that death is not the end for the believer brings comfort to the grieving, as we anticipate the resurrection of the dead (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).
b) Their life and faith continue to inspire. The life of the saint continues to be a source of encouragement to those who remain (2 Timothy 2:2).
c) We are assured of eternal reunion. The death of a saint gives us the hope that one day we will be reunited with them in heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
d) Comfort in God’s presence. During times of grief, God’s comfort is always available, providing peace to those who mourn (Matthew 5:4).
Biblical Example: When David mourned the death of his son, he found comfort in the hope of eternal reunion, saying, “I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me” (2 Samuel 12:23).
The death of a saint provides comfort, reminding us of the hope of eternal life and reunion with those we love.
5. DEATH OF THE SAINTS IS PRECIOUS BECAUSE IT IS A CROWN OF GLORY
For every faithful believer, death is the final step in their journey to receive a crown of glory from God.
a) God rewards faithfulness with eternal rewards. The death of the saint is a gateway to receiving the eternal crown that God has promised to those who love Him (James 1:12).
b) The crown represents a life well lived. Every act of faith, obedience, and service is rewarded by God, culminating in the crown of glory (2 Timothy 4:8).
c) Death marks the end of a faithful race. For believers, death is not a loss but the end of a race run in faith, and they are welcomed into glory (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
d) The crown is a symbol of God’s approval. The crown signifies God's approval and acknowledgment of the saint's faithfulness to Him (Revelation 2:10).
Biblical Example: The apostle Paul, near the end of his life, spoke of the crown of righteousness awaiting him, a crown given to all who long for Christ’s appearing (2 Timothy 4:8).
The death of the saint is precious because it marks the moment they receive their eternal reward, the crown of glory.
CONCLUSION:
The death of a saint is precious in God's sight because it signifies the completion of their earthly journey and their entrance into eternal glory. As believers, we are comforted by the assurance that death is not the end but a transition into the fullness of life with God. While we mourn, we do so with hope, knowing that our loved ones are now at rest with God, and we will one day join them in eternal joy. May we live our lives in such a way that, when our time comes, we, too, will be welcomed into God's presence with the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
In our mourning, let us hold fast to the promise of eternal life and the assurance that death for a believer is precious in the sight of the Lord.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, comfort those who are mourning the loss of a loved one, filling them with Your peace.
2. Father, help us to live each day in a way that brings glory to Your name, so that when our time comes, we will be welcomed into Your eternal presence.
3. We thank You for the promise of eternal life, and we trust that You will wipe away every tear from our eyes.
4. Lord, grant us the strength to mourn with hope, knowing that death is not the end, but a new beginning in Your presence.
5. Father, we pray for those grieving today, that they may experience Your comfort and peace, and be reminded of the hope we have in Christ.
