(Funeral) 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:8

INTRODUCTION:

Who was Joe?

We could probably say lots of things about Joe.

But a few things I thought of.

Joe was a man’s man.

- Hunting.

- Blowing things up.

- Being in the outdoors.

Joe loved his family.

One of his biggest fears, how mom and dad would be after he died.

Joe was a believer in Christ.

I had the privilege, of working with Joe, ...

when he wanted to be Baptized and join the Church.

And each of us in His church heard his salvation testimony.

Where he confessed that He trusted Christ’s blood to save him from his sin.s

When I meet with him this last week …

I talked to a man who trusted in the power of the Cross.

And who was looking forward to what God would do for him when he passed away.

Today -

We all are gathering in Joe’s home,

because Joe is no longer hear with us.

And in that way … we are perhaps sad today.

But I want to encourage us -

Be Comforted Because Our Friend (Son, Brother, Cousin) is at Home with Lord.

1) Be Encouraged by the Promises of Scripture. (2 Cor 4:16, 5:8)

a) Don’t Loose Heart. (4:16)

- Overwhelmed

- Burst with sadness

- Sunken with Sorrow.

b) Be of Courage. (5:8)

Courage is the opposite of fear.

- Don’t be fearful.

- Don’t Tremble.

Because here is a text that gives us hope.

What can encourage us about Joe?

First,

2) The Pain is Over. (5:2,4)

Our text relates with us - this life hurts.

a) Our Bodies Groan. (v. 2, 4)

2 Corinthians 5:2 ESV

2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling,

2 Corinthians 5:4 ESV

4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.

ILLUSTRATION:

All of us face pain in this life,

but Joe experienced more pain than most of us will ever face.

Exhaustion.

Pain.

Sleepless nights.

Leg spasms.

And for years.

Joe was especially someone who knows suffering.

But Joe’s Pain is over - Because

b) Death Brings Eternal life. (v. 4)

2 Corinthians 5:4 ESV

4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.

That means Joe doesn’t hurt anymore.

But even more … He is walking, and jumping in ways he only dreamed about in this this life.

ILLUSTRATION:

When I meet with Joe last week, one of the things he was looking forward too.

>>>> Was being able to run and jump.

Joe’s pain is over and he is presently experiencing Eternal life.

Secondly, We should be encouraged because Joe is -

3) Home with the Lord. (5:8)

2 Corinthians 5:8 ESV

8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

a) Death Lets us Go to Our Heavenly Home.

What is it like to be in Heaven?

Revelation 21:4 ESV

4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

b) Death Let’s Us Walk with the Lord.

John 14:1–3 ESV

1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

A Christian is absent in the body, he has died.

He is at home, walking with the Lord.

ILLUSTRATION:

Many of us have wondered what it would be like Adam and Eve, and walk with God.

Joe today is walking with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV 1900

8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

SALVATION CHALLENGE:

The comforts we have described that Joe gets to experience,

are only found in Christ.

On behalf of Joe, let me encourage you.

John 14:6 ESV

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

If Joe was here right now - he would be pleading with you to come and find the hope found in Christ.

I want to close with one of Joe’s favorite passages - Psalm 23.

Think about how Joe, through Eternal life in Jesus Christ, is experiencing the Love of God, that Psalm 23 describes.