Die to Live

I. Introduction:

II. We can never truly live until we have let go of this life

A. We can become slave to lusts, passions, possessions, and forget what truly gives life meaning

B. Those who have had a brush with death generally have a much different perspective on life

C. So many things seem important until they lost (or almost lost).Many find their perspective was very warped or that relatively unimportant things took too much priority and time World Trade Center: all the papers floating down—many were very important earlier that morning; later their importance faded quickly

III. Dying with Christ

A. Romans 6:1-8

B. We die to sin, symbolically crucified with Christ and buried with Him in baptism, and raised to walk a new life. Also, we die to the world and the priorities of this world and seek Christ first.

C. Dying with Christ helps us to truly live because we can transcend the meaningless existence of a life that only has hope in this world.

D. Ecclesiastes 1:2-11 The pleasures and treasures of this world are shadows and illusions. They cannot provide true lasting satisfaction; the misery and emptiness of some who are extremely wealthy or popular is evidence of this.

E. The “old man of sin” will not die gently.

F. Our bad habits and thought patterns seem natural and harmless.1 Peter 4:1-6. – the world thinks it is strange when we act differently Romans 12:1-2 – our thoughts must be transformed

G. Galatians 2:20

H. Christians crucify a sinful past and begin a new life with Christ living within. Jesus’ priorities become my priorities; his will becomes my will. Following after sin is a hopeless life of meaninglessness with no future.

I. Matthew 10:37-39 – He who loses his life for Christ’s sake will find it

J. We will finally grasp what life is about and why we are here

K. Those who are most satisfied with life are those who have turned selfishness and arrogance over to God in exchange for selfless service and humble adoration of a being who loves us and cares for us. We will find peace when we acknowledge that so much is out of our control but that it is in the hands of a wise benevolent Creator instead of trying in vain to control everything in our world. We will find contentment when we learn to want what we have and that the best things in life—the things that give life meaning—are often not things This contentment is available to rich and poor because it cannot be bought at any price Christ frees us from slavery to the world and its passions—true liberty.

IV. Why do we fight it?

A. We like to be in control

B. We really think that if we have lots of money, fame, or prestige that our life will really mean something and that we will be content.

C. We are influenced by the philosophy of the world so much that it is easy to think that we are missing life if we do not have the things that make us appear successful.

D. We must trust in God and know that He wants us to live the quality life.

E. It is a leap of faith in some ways because God’s way is opposite of what most people pursue. We must have the courage and trust to walk with God and, though the way will often be hard, we will never regret the journey and will enjoy blissful rest when our journey ends.

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