No Fear of Death
The sermon emphasizes the importance of overcoming the second death and receiving eternal life through faith and God's grace.
William Arp emphasizes the seriousness of Paul's charge to Timothy, urging him to preach the Word with a sense of accountability to God and Christ Jesus, who will judge his ministry. The use of 'diamarturomai' signifies a forceful order or directive, highlighting the extraordinary importance of the message proclaimed. Paul's solemn charge to Timothy echoes the gravity of Moses' warnings in the Old Testament, calling for a reverential awe of God and a careful handling of His Word.
Text
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; he that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. (Revelation 2:11)
The first death we must endure unless the Lord should suddenly come to His temple. For this let us abide in readiness, awaiting it without fear, since Jesus has transformed death from a dreary cavern into a passage leading to glory.
The thing to be feared is not the first but the second death, not the parting of the soul from the body but the final separation of the entire man from God. This is death indeed. This death kills all peace, joy, happiness, hope. When God is gone, all is gone. Such a death is far worse than ceasing to be: it is existence without the life which makes existence worth the having.
Now, if by God's grace we fight on to the end and conquer in the glorious war, no second death can lay its chill finger upon us, We shall have no fear of death and hell, for we shall receive a crown of life which fadeth not away. How this nerves us for the fight! Eternal life is worth a life's battle. To escape the hurt of the second death is a thing worth struggling for throughout a lifetime.
Lord, give us faith so that we may overcome, and then grant us grace to remain unharmed though sin and Satan dog our heels!
Sermon Outline
- The Two Deaths
- The Fear of Death
- The Hope of Eternal Life
- Overcoming the Second Death
- The Reward of Eternal Life
Key Quotes
“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; he that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“This death kills all peace, joy, happiness, hope. When God is gone, all is gone.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“We shall have no fear of death and hell, for we shall receive a crown of life which fadeth not away.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We should fear the second death more than the first because it results in the loss of peace, joy, happiness, and hope.
- Having faith and overcoming the second death is worth a lifetime of struggle and battle.
- Eternal life is a reward worth fighting for, and it makes existence worth the having.