Funeral [ ] 1/13/05 #588
PROMISE TO THE DYING
Luke 23:39-43
INTRODUCTION: The thief was experiencing excruciating pain. He realized he was receiving the just punishment for his crime. In his agony, he cried out to Jesus for mercy. He received much more that day than mercy; he entered paradise with his Lord.
I. PLEA OF THE SINNER
A. GUILT OF THE SINNER. (v.41)
1. He was a thief. (Matthew 27:44)
2. He had broken God's commandment. (Exodus 20:15)
3. He had blasphemed the Lord. (Matt. 27:44; Mark 15:32)
B. PUNISHMENT OF THE SINNER. (v.41)
1. The sentence of physical death by man's court.
2. The sentence of eternal death by God's court.
II. PROVISION OF THE SAVIOR
A. SACRIFICE FOR SIN.
1. Debt He paid. (Rom. 6:23b, 1 Pet. 2:24; Isa. 53:3-6)
2. Death He suffered. (Lk. 23:33; Phil. 2:8)
B. SALVATION FOR THE SINNER.
1. Convicted of his sin.
a. He had heard the prayer of Jesus to forgive. (v. 34)
b. He had heard the shouts of the crowd. (v. 35-38)
c. He had a fear of God. (v. 40)
d. He realized the sinlessness of Jesus.
2. Confessed his sin.
a. He confessed his guilt. (v. 41; Luke 13:3)
b. He confessed Jesus as Lord. (Romans 10:9-10)
3. Conversion of the sinner.
III. PROMISE TO THE SINNER
A. SURE PROMISE. (v. 43; I say unto thee)
B. SAVIOR’S PRESENCE. (v. 43; with me)
C. SAFE PLACE. (v. 43; in paradise)
Richard Baxter was a good and godly preacher who spent his last several years in physical agony. His pain was intensified by the fact he was imprisoned for preaching the gospel. Shortly before his death a friend visited with him. The friend pulled his chair up next to the bed of Richard and said to the great preacher. “Richard, how are you doing?” And Richard replied, “Friend, I am almost well.” And he died. Think of that, “I am almost well.” And then he died.
LESSONS FOR LIFE:
The thief on the cross came to believe by faith that Jesus was the Lord, there was life after death, and Jesus had a kingdom.
O Paradise, O Paradise
O Paradise, O Paradise,
Who doth not crave for rest?
Who would not seek the happy land
Where they that loved are blest;
O Paradise! O Paradise!
The world is growing old;
Who would not be at rest and free
Where love is never cold?
O Paradise! O Paradise!
I greatly long to see
The special place my dearest Lord
In love prepares for me;
Lord Jesus, King of Paradise,
O keep me in thy love,
And guide me to that happy land
Of perfect rest above.
Author: Frederick W. Faber (1862)