Romans 14:8 For whether we live, we live to the Lord; and whether we die, we die to the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. I. WHAT IS IT TO DIE UNTO THE LORD? To have a view to the glory of God in all that pertains to our death. 1. In the state of our views and feelings in the prospect of death. It is not to be wondered at that the ungodly should fear death. But when God's people are alarmed it is a disparagement to Christ. When, however, they look forward to death with holy calmness and no longer regard it as the king of terrors, trusting in the sufficiency of Christ to bear up, God is glorified. Such count not their lives dear to them. 2. In the frame of our mind, and the tenor of our actions, during the various preparatory exercises which may precede death.(I) A deathbed brings around you affectionate friends, and places you in a situation to speak with effect and with power on Christ's behalf. Many good men and women are found on their death. beds to be eminent and successful preachers of righteousness. (2) You may glorify God also in the meditations of your own hearts by the resignation with which you endure the chastenings of your Father. 3. Amidst the struggle and pain with which death is attended. Some only of God's saints are privileged thus to give glory to God. Times of trial and persecution are the seasons in which God has been most signally glorified amidst the last sufferings of His saints. II. WHAT MEANS SHOULD BE EMPLOYED THAT WE MAY BE PREPARED TO DIE UNTO THE LORD? 1. Enrich your minds with the stores of Divine truth. A deathbed needs these supports, and they are then very precious. 2. Do not entangle yourself needlessly with the concerns and cares of the world. Many Christians, by erring in this respect, greatly disturb the peace of their dying hours, and impair the force and value of their testimony. 3. Mortify all the evil tempers and corrupt feelings of the natural heart. Fretfulness and impatience, excessive concern about personal indulgences, and discomposure at apparent neglect sit ill on a dying Christian. These can only be obviated by attending when you are in health to the right ordering of every feeling and temper, and by self-denial. 4. Accustom yourselves to just and scriptural notions of death. Considering — (1) The uncertainty of your dying hour. (2) How near it is. (3) Its consequences. 5. Learn to lean with a simple, childlike trust on Christ. The nearness of Christ to the dying man is the great concern, and then all helps and accessories may be withdrawn. (S. Smith.) Parallel Verses KJV: For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. |
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