Funeral Sermon: THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL BE AT PEACE

FUNERAL SERMON: THE RIGHTEOUS SHALL BE AT PEACE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:
Isaiah 57:2 (KJV)
He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.

INTRODUCTION:
In moments like this, we stand at the crossroads of grief and remembrance. While our hearts are heavy with the loss of a loved one, we are reminded of the peace that the righteous receive from the Lord. This peace is not of this world, but a divine peace that transcends understanding. Today, we honour the memory of the departed, knowing that they have entered into a peace that no earthly circumstance could ever provide.

Death, for the believer, is not the end but a transition into the eternal rest that God has promised. The righteous are called to rest, and in their rest, they experience the fullness of God’s peace. Today, we celebrate the peaceful journey the departed has entered.

As we mourn their passing, let us remember that their life was not in vain. They have completed their race, and now, they rest with the Lord in peace. This peace is a reward for their faithfulness, and it reminds us that our hope lies in the eternal promises of God.

1. THE PEACE OF THE RIGHTEOUS IS PROMISED BY GOD
God gives a special peace to those who walk in His ways.

a) God’s peace is a gift, not earned by works. It is given freely to those who trust in Him (John 14:27).

b) The righteous are promised rest from their labours. Their faithfulness is rewarded with eternal peace (Revelation 14:13).

c) This peace surpasses all understanding. It guards the hearts and minds of the believers, even in death (Philippians 4:7).

d) Death does not bring fear to the righteous. It is merely the gateway to the peace they’ve longed for (Psalm 116:15).

Biblical Example: David, though pursued by enemies, found peace in God’s promise of rest (Psalm 23:1-6).

The peace of the righteous is not temporary—it is eternal and unshakable.

2. THE RIGHTEOUS REST IN THE PROMISE OF GOD
For the righteous, death is rest—a rest promised by God Himself.

a) God’s promise of rest is sure. The faithful rest from their struggles and the burdens of this world (Matthew 11:28-30).

b) The rest of the righteous is a reward. It is a sign of their faithfulness to God’s will during their lives (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

c) In God’s rest, there is no more sorrow or pain. The old things have passed away (Revelation 21:4).

d) The righteous rest in the presence of the Lord. They are comforted by His nearness and His love (Psalm 16:11).

Biblical Example: Moses, after leading the people of Israel through great trials, was taken to rest in God’s presence (Deuteronomy 34:5-6).

When the righteous rest, they enter into the peace of God’s eternal presence.

3. THE PEACE OF THE RIGHTEOUS IS A TESTIMONY TO OTHERS
The peace of those who walk with God is a witness to the world.

a) The peace of the righteous stands as a testimony to God’s faithfulness. Others see it and know that God is real (Philippians 4:5-7).

b) This peace draws others to Christ. Those who see a life of peace are often curious about the source of such serenity (John 13:35).

c) The world cannot give the peace that God provides. The peace of the righteous is different from worldly peace (John 14:27).

d) The peace of the righteous points to the hope of eternal life. It reflects the security we have in Christ (Romans 15:13).

Biblical Example: The early church displayed peace amidst persecution, drawing many to salvation (Acts 4:33).

Let our lives also testify to the peace of God that surpasses understanding.

4. THE PEACE OF THE RIGHTEOUS COMES THROUGH CHRIST
It is only through Christ that the righteous can experience true peace.

a) Jesus is the source of lasting peace. Through His sacrifice, He made peace between God and man (Romans 5:1).

b) The peace of Christ is not dependent on circumstances. It is anchored in the hope of eternal life with Him (Colossians 3:15).

c) In Christ, we find peace even in the face of death. His resurrection assures us of life beyond the grave (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).

d) Christ’s peace is a mark of our relationship with Him. The closer we draw to Him, the more His peace fills our hearts (John 15:4-5).

Biblical Example: Jesus gave peace to His disciples, even in the storm, showing that His peace is not bound by circumstances (Mark 4:39-41).

In Christ, we find a peace that neither time nor death can take away.

5. THE PEACE OF THE RIGHTEOUS LEADS TO EVERLASTING JOY
The peace of the righteous is not just for this life but extends into eternity.

a) The peace we experience here is a foretaste of the joy to come. It is a promise of the eternal joy awaiting us (Psalm 16:11).

b) The joy of the Lord is the strength of the righteous. Their peace fuels their joy in God’s presence forever (Nehemiah 8:10).

c) In heaven, the righteous will experience perfect peace and joy. There will be no more crying or pain (Revelation 21:4).

d) The peace of the righteous leads to an eternal inheritance. It is the ultimate reward for a life well-lived (1 Peter 1:3-4).

Biblical Example: The apostle Paul, despite facing death, anticipated the eternal joy and peace that awaited him (2 Timothy 4:6-8)

The peace of the righteous leads not only to rest but to eternal, unending joy.

CONCLUSION:
Today, we celebrate the life of one who has found peace with God. While we mourn their departure, we also rejoice in the assurance that they have entered into the peace of God’s eternal rest. Their life is a testimony of faithfulness, and their death is a victory over the troubles of this world.

Let us take comfort in knowing that the righteous are never forgotten by God. Their legacy lives on in the peace they leave behind, and it continues to inspire us as we journey forward.

PRAYER POINTS:

1.  Lord, help me to live a life of righteousness, that I may experience Your peace.

2.  I pray for comfort for all those who mourn today, that they may find rest in You.

3.  Let Your peace fill my heart and mind, guarding me in all circumstances.

4.  Help me to draw closer to You daily, so that Your peace may reign in my life.

5.  Lord, grant me the assurance of eternal peace in Your presence.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1.  The peace of God will guard your heart and mind all the days of your life.

2.  Every storm in your life will cease, and you will walk in God’s perfect peace.

3.  Your legacy will be remembered for righteousness and peace.

4.  You will not be moved by circumstances, for God’s peace is your anchor.

5.  As you walk in righteousness, you will enter into everlasting peace and joy.