Transitioning To Retirement Series

PRESENTED TO ASSEMBLIES OF GOD THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY-

EXPOSITORY PREACHING

BY

ST. PS. FELIX NANA BOAKYE

TEXT: NUMBERS 8:22-26

SUBJECT: RETIREMENT

THEME: TRANSITIONING TO RETIREMENT

I.EVERY MINISTER SHOULD TRANSITION TO RETIREMENT BECAUSE IT ALIGNS WITH GOD'S COMMAND (V.22–25).

Firstly, Transitioning to Retirement aligns with God's command because;

A.It demonstrates the principles of divine order in ministry, (v. 22-24).

Secondly, Transitioning to Retirement aligns with God's command because;

B.It protects the health of the minister, ensuring proper functioning of the Ministry (v. 25)

ILLUSTRATIVE TEXT: Numbers 27: 18-23 [NIV]

II. EVERY MINISTER SHOULD TRANSITION TO RETIREMENT BECAUSE IT ALLOWS HIM/HER TO TAKE NEW OPPORTUNITIES (V. 26)

Firstly, Transitioning to Retirement allows the minister to take up new opportunities because;

A.It affords them the chance to mentor the next generation (v. 26a)

Secondly, Transitioning to Retirement aligns with God's command because;

B.It protects the health of the minister, ensuring proper functioning of the Ministry (v. 25)

ILLUSTRATIVE TEXT: 2 Timothy 2:2 NIV

TEXT: NUMBERS 8:22-26

22 After that, the Levites came to do their work at the tent of meeting under the supervision of Aaron and his sons. They did with the Levites just as the Lord commanded Moses.

23 The Lord said to Moses, 24 “This applies to the Levites: Men twenty-five years old or more shall come to take part in the work at the tent of meeting, 25 but at the age of fifty, they must retire from their regular service and work no longer. 26 They may assist their brothers in performing their duties at the tent of meeting, but they themselves must not do the work. This, then, is how you are to assign the responsibilities of the Levites.” Numbers 8:22-26 NIV

SUBJECT: RETIREMENT

THEME: TRANSITIONING TO RETIREMENT

INTRODUCTION

“Story of a Happy Retired Man of God”

Once upon a time, there was a hardworking man of God named Rev. John Duah who had spent his entire life dedicated to his Ministry. He had climbed the corporate ladder, earned numerous accolades, and built a comfortable life for himself and his family. But as he approached retirement age, John began to feel a sense of uneasiness. The thought of leaving behind the routine and structure of his job filled him with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

As the day of his retirement drew near, Rev. John Duah found himself reflecting on all the years he had spent working tirelessly. He realized that while his career had brought him success and financial stability, it had also consumed much of his time and energy. With a newfound sense of freedom on the horizon, Rev. Duah began to envision all the possibilities that retirement could bring. He dreamed of traveling the around world, pursuing his hobbies, and spending quality time with loved ones.

And so, when the day finally arrived for Rev. Duah to bid farewell to his colleagues and embark on this new chapter of his life, he did so with a heart full of gratitude and excitement. As he walked out of the office for the last time, he felt a sense of liberation wash over him. Retirement was not an end, but a new beginning - a chance to rediscover himself, explore new passions, and embrace the joys of a slower pace of life. And as he drove off into the sunset, John knew that the best was yet to come.

SERMONIC EXPRESSION:

Church, just as John felt a sense of liberation and retired, similarly, every Minister should graciously transition to retirement with a sense of excitement.

SERMONIC PURPOSE:

It is my sincere prayer that by the end of this sermon, every Minister will:

I. Appreciate God's purpose and order in ministry.

ll . Misunderstand how crucial it is to approach various service seasons with discernment

iii.Be inspired to understand the important role in advancing God's kingdom, regardless of age or ability.

PROPOSITION:

In view of the above, I propose to you that Every Minister should transition to retirement

BACKGROUND

The Book of Numbers, the fourth book of the Pentateuch, recounts the Israelites' 40-year journey from Mount Sinai to the Promised Land. Traditionally attributed to Moses and written around 1400–1440 B.C. it addresses the Israelites' transition from slavery in Egypt to becoming a covenant nation prepared to inherit God's promises.

Thematically, the book highlights God's faithfulness, Moses' leadership, and the preparation of a new generation for Canaan. It emphasizes worship, obedience, faith, and community organization while illustrating the balance between divine guidance and human responsibility.

The book begins with the organization of the Israelite community through censuses, laws on holiness, and the dedication of the Tabernacle. Chapter 8 focuses on the consecration of the Levites, who served in sacred roles, transitioning to mentorship as they aged. The remainder of the book chronicles Israel’s struggles, including rebellion and faithlessness, which led to the first generation’s demise. Ultimately, the second generation is prepared to enter Canaan, demonstrating their readiness to fulfill God’s promises.