Funeral For A Non-Christian

Introduction

I.  We have gathered in this house of mourning in memory of______________ who departed this earth on___________________.

II.  Read Psalms 46:1–7.

III.  Funerals are always sad occasions, but it is fitting that we should come together

to sympathize with and lend encouragement to the bereaved.

IV.  “When Job’s three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, each one came from his own place…they had made an appointment together to come and mourn with him, and to comfort him” (Job 2:11).

V.  “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those…” (Rom. 12:15).

VI.  Not a single word said at any funeral will have any bearing on the eternal

destiny of the deceased; funerals are for the living—we leave all such matters in the hands of a God who does all things well.

VII.  While your mind is focused on eternity, let us use James 4:13–17 to remind us of

several things:

Discussion

I.  The Short Duration Of Life

A. At best, life is too short (Psa. 90:1–12).

B. Our God does not measure time as we do (2 Peter. 3:8).

II.  Life Can End At Any Time

A. So often, there is little we can do about it. Can’t plan for it!

B. We may not understand and we certainly don’t have the answers.

C. The casket that will hold your earthly remains might be sitting in this

building today. Are you prepared?

D. It is possible that your obituary will be printed next week.

E. God is all wise—His ways are not ours (Isa. 55:8–).

III.  Make The Most Of Our Opportunities

A. “Do not boast about tomorrow…” (Prov. 27:1).

B. What a difference a day makes—do what we can today. 1. Help others.

2. Serve the Lord.

3. Prepare souls for eternity.

C. The story of the rich man and Lazarus teaches us life is more than possessions and titles to property.

D. It is not what we have, but what we are.

Conclusion

I.  There are two things you can not escape:

A. Death (Heb. 9:27).

B. Judgment (2 Cor. 5:10).

II.  Let us use out time wisely in preparing (Eccl. 12:13–14).

David Padfield  www.ExpositorySermonOutlines.com  1