A Life Worth Living

Phil. 4:6-9

Introduction:

A.   Every year roughly 30,000 Americans take their own lives. Perhaps 10 times as many attempt suicide but fail. Hundreds of thousands more seriously consider it, but do not attempt to follow through. Among teenagers, suicide is the second most common cause of death.

B.   When we see and hear statistics such as these, something is terribly wrong. Jesus said that the purpose of His coming was, "that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (Jn 10:10). Why, then, are so many concluding that their life is not worth living? Perhaps the answer is because we are pursuing the wrong goals.

C.   Is our goal in life material wealth? After a wealthy actress took her life one of her fans said, "She had so much to live for." Another more aptly said, "She had so much to live on but so little to live for."

D.   Are we living for earthly fame? Ernest Hemingway took his own life.

E.   Is education the answer? Psychiatrists are among the most educated people in the world. They must complete training as a medical doctor before they can specialize in psychiatry. Certainly they should understand how the mind works and what it takes to have a satisfied life. Yet, of all professional groups, psychiatrists have the highest suicide rate in the nation.

F.   If wealth, fame or education is not the answer, what, then is the answer?

I.    A Life Worth Living Is A Life With A Guiltless Past

A.   Guilt is a terrible burden to bear and sometimes it crushes people to the point that life becomes a unbearable burden and they seek to end it - Acts 2:36-38; 16:22

B.   If we can remove the sin we can remove the guilt that it causes and life becomes bearable again

C.   Jesus came to accomplish this - Jn 8:36; 3:16; Heb 10:22; 1 Jn 1:7; Rom 8:1

II.   A Life Worth Living Has A Meaningful Present

      A.   One of the most common causes of suicide is the feeling of accomplishing nothing in life

            1.   People tend to look subjectively at life

            2.   What have I done that will bring me glory and recognition

      B.   Men's praises are not what's important - 1 Pet 4:2; Rom 6:4; 1 Tim 6:18-19; Tit 2:14

      C.   When we are involved in helping others we have little time to think of ourselves and no excuse for feeling sorry for ourselves

III.  A Life Worth Living Is A Life With A Fearless Future

      A.   Many people kill themselves or seriously consider suicide because of what they fear the future will bring

            1.   The prospect of failing health, failing finances, difficulties of all sorts leave many people feeling hopeless and helpless

            2.   Since we cannot know the future it is senseless to worry about it

                  a.   The pain we suffer today need not become unbearable tomorrow; it may diminish or go away altogether

                  b.   Our financial situation today is not necessary an indication of what it will be tomorrow

                  c.    Family problems may improve in the future

      B.   David, who had as much physical adversity as any could imagine - Psa 23:4

      C.   Paul knew where his future lie - 2 Tim 4:7-8

      D.   Jesus promised a better life - Jn 14:2-3

Conclusion:

A.   Someone has aptly said, "Life without Christ has a hopeless end; Life with Christ is an endless hope."

B.   Bill Gaither wrote a beautiful song (#610) that says it as well as anybody every has when he wrote:

      Because He lives, I can face tomorrow

            Because He lives, all fear is gone

      Because I know He holds the future

            And life is worth the living, just because He lives

C.   Is your life worth living? What gives it that worth?