Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.”
This passage shows life and the different chapters of it.
Years ago I heard a simple axiom that reminds us of life; how short it really is and the importance of living for the Lord.
Only one life, t'will soon be past;
Only what's done for Christ will last!
I want to present you three thoughts to challenge you to make the most of the time that God gives you, whether it is times of sowing or reaping; breaking down or building up; weeping or laughing; receiving or giving; speaking or being silent.
1. ONLY ONE LIFE: Life is SINGULAR! You have just one life – live it well!
- Surrender it to Christ: Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
- Saturate it with Christ: Acts 4:13 “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.”
- Satisfy it with Christ: Philippians 4:18 “I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.”
- Secure it in Christ: Matthew 25:21 “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
2. T’WILL SOON BE PAST: This life is SHORT!
Psalm 90:10 “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.”
- Life is a vapor: James 4:14 “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
- Life is like the wind: Job 7:7 “O remember that my life is wind:..”
- Life is like smoke: Psalm 102:3 “For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth.”
- Life is as grass: 1 Peter 1:24-25 “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away. 25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.”
3. ONLY WHAT'S DONE FOR CHRIST WILL LAST: Life is SERIOUS.
Hebrews 9:27 “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment”
2 Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”
- Our WORDS are important; chose them wisely. Colossians 4:6 “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
- Our WORKS are important; do so honestly. 1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
- Our WARFARE is important; fight honorably. 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith”
- Our WALK is important; walk carefully. Ephesians 5:15-16 “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
CONCLUSION: ONLY ONE LIFE By C. T. Studd, Missionary to China (15), India (6), Africa (25)
Two little lines I heard one day, traveling along life's busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, and from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one, soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in 'that day' my Lord to meet, and stand before His Judgment seat;
Only one life,' twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, the still small voice, gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, and to God's holy will to cleave;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, a few brief years, each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its days I must fulfill, living for self – or in His will;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
When this world would tempt me sore; When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Give me Father, a purpose deep, in joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e'er the strife, pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Oh let my love with fervor burn, and from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one – Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;
And when at last I'll hear Thy call, I know I'll say 'twas worth it all”;
Only one life,' twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.
