Francis Chan: Dealing With Death

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message reminds us that life is short and fleeting, and that everything we do should be evaluated in light of eternity. When someone dies, it puts things into perspective, making us realize what truly matters. We are encouraged to re-evaluate our priorities, character, and relationships, and to live a life that honors God.

Key Scripture References

• Ecclesiastes 1:2-3 - The book of Ecclesiastes is written by King Solomon, who reflects on his life and experiences. He concludes that everything in life is meaningless and empty, including wealth, power, and pleasure.
• Ecclesiastes 7:1-4 - Solomon says that a good name is better than fine perfume, and that the day of death is better than the day of birth. This is because a person with a good name has lived a life that honors God, whereas someone who dies without knowing God is left with nothing.
• Ecclesiastes 7:1-4 - Solomon also says that sorrow is better than laughter, and that the heart of the wise is in the house of mourning. This means that we should be more concerned with living a life that honors God than with seeking pleasure or happiness.
• Ecclesiastes 7:1-4 - Solomon warns us against chasing after wealth and possessions, saying it's like chasing after the wind. Instead, he encourages us to focus on our character and relationships.
• Lazarus and the Rich Man (Luke 16:19-31) - This parable illustrates the concept of a good name, where the rich man is condemned for his selfishness and lack of concern for others, while Lazarus is welcomed into heaven because he lived a life that honored God.

The Importance of Character

Solomon emphasizes the importance of character over material possessions. He says that a good name is better than fine perfume (Ecclesiastes 7:1), and that our character will be what matters most at the end of our lives. This means we should prioritize living a life that honors God, rather than seeking wealth or pleasure.

The Day of Death vs. The Day of Birth

Solomon says that the day of death is better than the day of birth (Ecclesiastes 7:1). At first glance, this might seem strange, but it's actually a reminder that our lives should be focused on living for eternity, rather than just seeking pleasure or happiness in this life. A person who dies with a good name has lived a life that honors God, whereas someone who dies without knowing God is left with nothing.

Re-evaluating Our Priorities

When we think about death and the finality of it all, we are encouraged to re-evaluate our priorities. We should ask ourselves what truly matters in life, and whether our actions align with our values. This is a reminder that life is short and fleeting, and that everything we do should be evaluated in light of eternity.