EXEMPTED FROM TRAGEDY AND PREMATURE DEATH

EXEMPTED FROM TRAGEDY AND PREMATURE DEATH

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 118:17; Isaiah 65:20

Key Verse: “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.” — Psalm 118:17, KJV

Supporting Texts: Psalm 91:1-16; Psalm 121:7-8; Exodus 23:25-26; Isaiah 43:1-2; Proverbs 18:10; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Psalm 34:19-20; Psalm 90:12.

Description

God is the giver and sustainer of life. The believer is called to live with confidence in God's preserving power rather than under the fear of accidents, premature death, or sudden calamity. This sermon teaches the importance of trusting God, walking wisely, praying for preservation, and declaring God's promises over our lives and families.

INTRODUCTION

The fear of premature death and unexpected tragedy can become a heavy burden on the human heart. Accidents, sudden disasters, violence, and unexpected losses remind us that life is fragile. Yet Scripture teaches us that our lives are in the hands of God. The psalmist confidently declared, “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.” This is a declaration of confidence in God's preserving power and purpose.

God has a purpose for every life. Before Jeremiah was born, God declared that He had ordained him for a purpose (Jeremiah 1:5). Jesus also taught that our lives are valuable in the sight of God (Matthew 10:29-31). Therefore, believers should not live in constant fear of what might happen tomorrow. We should trust the Lord, seek His wisdom, walk carefully, and commit our lives into His hands.

Divine preservation does not mean that believers should become careless or assume that no danger can ever occur. Rather, it means we trust God's sovereignty, obey His Word, exercise wisdom, and refuse to allow fear to control us. Our confidence is that God's purpose for our lives cannot be frustrated by the threats around us. We shall live, fulfil our God-given assignment, and declare the works of the Lord.

1. GOD IS THE AUTHOR AND SUSTAINER OF LIFE

Our lives ultimately belong to God.

a) God Gives Life (Genesis 2:7)
Human life originates from God, and He remains the source of our existence.

b) God Knows Our Days (Psalm 139:16)
Nothing concerning our lives is hidden from God.

c) God Has A Purpose For Our Lives (Jeremiah 1:5)
God's purpose for a person begins before human beings recognise it.

d) God Sustains His Creation (Colossians 1:16-17)
All things are held together by Christ.

Biblical Example: Moses (Deuteronomy 34:7). Moses remained strong even in old age and fulfilled his assignment before his earthly journey ended.

2. REJECT THE FEAR OF PREMATURE DEATH

Fear should not become the controlling force of the believer's life.

a) God Has Not Given Us Fear (2 Timothy 1:7)
Fear does not come from God; He gives power, love, and a sound mind.

b) Trust God In Uncertain Times (Psalm 56:3–4)
When fear arises, we should deliberately put our trust in God.

c) Walk By Faith (2 Corinthians 5:7)
Faith enables us to live according to God's Word rather than according to fearful predictions.

d) Keep Your Heart In Peace (Isaiah 26:3)
God gives perfect peace to those whose minds are fixed upon Him.

Biblical Example: David (1 Samuel 23:14). Although Saul pursued David, David continued to trust God rather than surrender to fear.

3. GOD CAN PRESERVE YOU FROM ACCIDENTS AND DANGER

The Lord is able to protect His people in their daily activities.

a) God Preserves Your Going Out (Psalm 121:8)
God watches over the journeys and activities of His people.

b) God Preserves Your Coming In (Psalm 121:8)
His keeping power extends to every aspect of our daily lives.

c) God Is With You In Dangerous Situations (Isaiah 43:2)
God promises His presence when His people pass through waters and fire.

d) God Gives Wisdom For Safety (Proverbs 22:3)
Wisdom teaches us to recognise danger and take appropriate precautions.

Biblical Example: Paul (Acts 27:21-25, 44). Paul survived a severe shipwreck because God had a purpose for him to fulfil.

4. GOD'S PRESERVATION EXTENDS TO YOUR FAMILY

God cares about the welfare of our households.

a) Pray For Your Household (Job 1:5)
Job regularly interceded for his children.

b) Teach Your Family God's Ways (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
A godly household should be intentionally built around God's Word.

c) Trust God With Your Household (Joshua 24:15)
Joshua made a deliberate decision that his entire household would serve the Lord.

d) Commit Your Family To God (Psalm 127:1)
Our efforts to protect and build our homes must be submitted to God.

Biblical Example: Noah (Genesis 7:1). Noah's household entered the ark and was preserved through the flood.

5. STAND UPON GOD'S WORD FOR LONG LIFE AND PURPOSE

Scripture gives believers promises that encourage confidence in God's care.

a) Declare The Works Of The Lord (Psalm 118:17)
Our declaration should be centred on God's purpose and testimony.

b) Trust God's Promise Of Preservation (Psalm 91:16)
God promises satisfaction with long life to those who dwell under His covering.

c) Receive God's Peace (Isaiah 65:20)
Isaiah presents a picture of longevity and the removal of premature death.

d) Believe God's Faithfulness (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
The Lord is faithful to strengthen and guard His people.

Biblical Example: Caleb (Joshua 14:10-13). Caleb testified that God had preserved him for decades and enabled him to continue pursuing the promise.

6. LIVE TO FULFIL YOUR GOD-GIVEN ASSIGNMENT

We should desire not merely to live long, but to live purposefully.

a) Discover Your Assignment (Ephesians 2:10)
God has prepared good works for His people to accomplish.

b) Fulfil Your Ministry (2 Timothy 4:5)
Paul encouraged Timothy to fulfil his ministry faithfully.

c) Finish Your Race (2 Timothy 4:7)
The goal is to complete the race God has given us.

d) Live For God's Glory (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Our lives should ultimately bring honour to God.

Biblical Example: Paul (Acts 20:24). Paul valued completing the ministry entrusted to him above personal comfort.

7. MAINTAIN A LIFESTYLE OF DIVINE DEPENDENCE

Preservation should lead us closer to God rather than make us careless.

a) Pray Continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Prayer keeps us dependent upon God.

b) Walk In Wisdom (Ephesians 5:15)
Faith does not cancel responsibility; believers should walk carefully.

c) Obey God's Instructions (Deuteronomy 28:1–2)
Obedience positions us to walk in God's ways.

d) Give Thanks For God's Preservation (Psalm 103:2–5)
We should continually remember and appreciate God's benefits.

Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 6:10). Daniel maintained his prayer life despite threats against his life.

CONCLUSION

God wants His children to live without being dominated by the fear of premature death. Our confidence is not in human strength or the ability to predict every danger; our confidence is in the Lord. He is our refuge, our fortress, our keeper, and our Shepherd. We can therefore declare with faith, “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.”

At the same time, biblical faith must be accompanied by wisdom. We should pray, obey God's Word, avoid unnecessary risks, practise responsible safety, and seek appropriate help when needed. We trust God while doing our part responsibly. May the Lord preserve you and your household, grant you wisdom, and enable you to live fully for His glory and fulfil the assignment He has entrusted to you.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You because You are the giver, sustainer, and keeper of my life, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, deliver me from every fear of premature death, sudden tragedy, and unexpected calamity, in Jesus name.

3. Father, preserve me from accidents, disasters, and every form of danger according to Your will, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, preserve my going out and my coming in, and keep me under Your divine covering, in Jesus name.

5. Father, preserve my spouse, children, household, and loved ones from evil and calamity, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, give me divine wisdom to recognise danger and make safe and responsible decisions, in Jesus name.

7. Father, let no power truncate the purpose and assignment You have ordained for my life, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, preserve me to fulfil the number of my days and complete my God-given assignment, in Jesus name.

9. Father, let my life become a testimony of Your preserving power and faithfulness, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, I declare that I shall live, fulfil Your purpose, and declare the works of the Lord all the days of my life, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall live and not die before the fulfilment of God's purpose for your life.

2. The Lord shall preserve you from sudden and unexpected tragedy.

3. You shall not become a victim of accidents or preventable dangers.

4. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in.

5. Your household shall remain under the preserving hand of God.

6. Every journey you undertake shall be covered by God's wisdom and protection.

7. You shall not be cut short in the middle of your divine assignment.

8. You shall live to see the fruit of your labour and declare God's goodness.

9. The Lord shall preserve your destiny, ministry, family, and divine purpose.

10. Therefore, by faith in God's Word, I SHALL NOT DIE, BUT LIVE, AND DECLARE THE WORKS OF THE LORD. I AM PRESERVED TO FULFIL MY GOD-GIVEN ASSIGNMENT, AND MY HOUSEHOLD IS UNDER THE CARE OF THE ALMIGHTY, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.