Friday First - A Life Well Lived 1

Seeing Jesus Face to Face has been our focus this quarter. For the Christian, this is quite a glorious thought! One day we will see Him as He is, because we will be just like Him, 1 John 3.2. Every human who has ever lived or will live, will, on that great day, see Him as He is. Every knee will bow, Philippians 2.9-11. The thought of one’s departure often brings a sobering reality. 
For some as they approached their death, it brought about uncertainty, regret, and great sorrow. 19th century atheist is said to have said this at his brother’s eulogy:

Life is a narrow vale between two cold and barren peaks of eternities. We strive in vain to loo beyond the heights. We cry aloud, and the only answer is the echo of a wailing cry.

This stands in great contrast to Paul as he approached death:
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time for my departure is close. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. There is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved his appearing, 2 Timothy 4.6-8.

Which is the better way to approach death? Some day the only thing we’ll have left to do is just that  fixing our eyes on Him as we cross over into the life to come. Some day … all you will have is your faith. This is what Christianity prepares us for … a glorious entry into the glory and presence of our Lord. This is what its all about .... learning to live your life now in the way that brings you to the place where when the end approaches you experience the same sense of triumph and victory.

On Sunday we will discuss:

• 2 Timothy 4.6: Paul’s present. He was ready to die.
• 2 Timothy 4.7: Paul’s past. He had had a life well lived.

As you prepare for worship, please think about these questions.

1. Why is Paul writing the verses of our text with a sense of urgency?
2. What imagery was Paul thinking of when he used the term drink offering?
3. Why do you think Paul used the word departure instead of death in verse 6?
4. Do you see Paul with any regrets, sadness, or unfulfillment in verse 7?
5. What are some things you can shore up in your life so that you can approach the end of your life in the way Paul did?

OPENING / WELCOME
Kody Pritt

SONG LEADER
Russ Robins

PRAYER OF PRAISE
Rich Jacobs

LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Paul Braden
 
SCRIPTURE READING
Eric Renegar
2 Timothy 4.6-8

PREACHING
Matthew Allen

CLOSING PRAYER
Nathan Armstrong

CLOSING COMMENTS
Boyd Hastings

WELCOME CENTER
Kathy Downey / Matt Ringle

USHERS
Kevin Elkins / Bob Hoopes

CLOSING THE BUILDING
Ben Baker