Christian Living

Learning to Number Our Days

Pastor Tan Thai

Psalm 90:12-15James 4:13-14Psalm 90:4-6, 10Job 7:7Job 14:1-2Psalm 144:4John 12:46-48Jeremiah 2:31-32Jeremiah 31:3Jeremiah 31:20Romans 8:38-39Daniel 4:29-32Jeremiah 29:11Matthew 7:11Luke 12:20Psalm 90:16-17James 4:15-17Matthew 25:14Genesis 2:15Psalm 24:1Leviticus 25:23Deuteronomy 8:18Isaiah 49:13-16Psalm 46:1-3John 10:10

The sermon encourages believers to reflect on the brevity of human life and the importance of using time wisely to serve God. Based on Psalm 90:12, the sermon reminds us that we have only a limited number of days on earth and must ask God to teach us to number our days to gain wisdom.

The sermon opens with Scripture from Psalm 90:12-15, where the psalmist asks God to teach us to number our days so that we may gain a heart of wisdom. The main theme is the brevity of human life compared to God's eternity. The pastor presents that the years of our lives are only days relative to God, and our life is like a breath of water, appearing for a moment and then vanishing.

The sermon develops its theological argument by citing many biblical passages about the transience of human life. James 4:13-14 warns those who plan for the future without considering God's will, for our life is but a breath. Job 14:1-2 compares people to flowers that blossom and fade, to shadows that pass and do not linger. Psalm 90:4-6 emphasizes that a thousand years before God are like yesterday that has passed, the days we live are like a watch in the night. The pastor uses these images to help believers grasp the fragility of life deeply.

The sermon also emphasizes God's love for humanity despite the brevity of our days. Jeremiah 31:3 and Jeremiah 31:20 show that God loves people with everlasting love, and whenever He remembers them, His heart is deeply moved. Romans 8:38-39 affirms that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. This balances the message of life's brevity with the eternity of God's love.

The sermon applies the message to daily life by encouraging believers to use time wisely. James 4:15-17 reminds us to say "if the Lord wills" in our plans, for all boasting and arrogance is evil. Luke 12:20 warns of one who hoards possessions for himself but is not rich toward God. Matthew 25:14 uses the parable of servants receiving talents to illustrate that we are foreigners on this earth and must account for what has been entrusted to us. Psalm 90:16-17 concludes with a prayer that the work of our hands be established by God, encouraging believers to act with purpose and meaning in their remaining days.