Life is short

Topics: eternity, discipline, life is short

I. Watch your words

1. I said, "I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle while the wicked are in my presence." I was mute and silent, I refrained even from good, and my sorrow grew worse. My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: (Psalm 39:1-3).
2. "But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned" (Matthew 12:36, 37).

II. Live for eternity

1. Lord, make me to know my end and what is the extent of my days; let me know how transient I am. Behold, You have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing in Your sight; surely every man at his best is a mere breath. Selah. Surely every man walks about as a phantom; surely they make an uproar for nothing; he amasses riches and does not know who will gather them (Psalm 39:4-6).
2. I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind (Ecclesiastes 1:14).

III. Make God Master

1. "And now, Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in You. Deliver me from all my transgressions; make me not the reproach of the foolish. I have become mute, I do not open my mouth, because it is You who have done it. Remove Your plague from me; because of the opposition of Your hand I am perishing" (Psalm 39:7-10).
2. "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth" (Matthew 6:24).

IV. Learn from discipline

1. "With reproofs, You chasten a man for iniquity; You consume as a moth what is precious to him; surely every man is a mere breath. Selah. "Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; do not be silent at my tears; for I am a stranger with You, a sojourner like all my fathers. Turn Your gaze away from me, that I may smile again before I depart and am no more" (Psalm 39:11-13).
2. See Hebrews 12:7-11.

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, March 19^th, 2023

Life group flow and discussion questions

"Life is short"

An important Guideline of Life Groups: We all need to be reminded at times that our focus needs to be on eternal matters and not be distracted or consumed by things of this earthly life. How can you make your Life Group more aware that "Life is Short"?

Getting Started:

1. How does an eternal perspective keep us from defending ourselves with words when opponents slander us?
2. What did David learn about controlling his tongue when he yielded to the Lord's control (Psalm 39:1-6)?

Discussing Truths:

1. Why did Jesus refrain from verbally attacking His accusers when He knew they were lying and falsely condemning Him (Matthew 27:12-14; 1 Peter 2:23)?
2. How does the apostle James describe the tongue and its power (James 3:2-10)?
3. Why do you think most people focus their time and energies on things of this life?
4. What helps us in developing an eternal perspective in our priorities of life? How does faithful, cheerful, and generous financial giving free us from the traps of materialism (2 Corinthians 9:6-12)?
5. Do you agree that Life is too short: to not love God, not love People, not believe and proclaim the Truth, and not laugh?
6. David made it clear that his hope is in the Lord! As you honestly reflect on your life, is your hope in the Lord?
7. What does it mean for us to be a sojourner on this earth (Psalm 39:12; 1 Peter 2:11; Philippians 3:20)?

Now What? Application:

1. How will you make the most of your life for the Lord's glory (Ephesians 5:15-21)?
2. What do you hope and expect to hear at the judgment seat of Christ after you die (Hebrews 9:27; 2 Corinthians 5:10)?