Christian Living

Teach Us to Number Our Days

VBC Albuquerque · Oct 15, 2023

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 8:18Haggai 2:8Isaiah 49:13-16Psalm 46:1-3John 10:10

This sermon reminds believers of the brevity of life and the importance of using time wisely to serve God. Based on Psalm 90:12, the sermon affirms that only when we understand the limitations of our lifespan can we live with purpose and awareness of our divine calling.

The first section presents the main theme of the brevity of human life. The sermon uses imagery from Psalm 90 to describe how human existence is like vapor that appears and then vanishes, like green grass in the morning but wilted by evening. The author emphasizes that human life spans only seventy or eighty years, and even in good health, life is full of toil and sorrow. The prayer in Psalm 90:12 becomes the focal point: "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

The second section develops the argument about God's immutability in the context of human transience. The sermon cites Jeremiah 31:3 to demonstrate that God loves us with an everlasting love that does not change despite the brevity of human life. Jeremiah 31:20 further affirms that God remembers us deeply, and His heart is moved with compassion for us. Romans 8:38-39 is cited to assert that nothing can separate us from God's love in Christ Jesus. Through these passages, the sermon affirms that although life is fleeting, God's love and care are eternal and unchanging.

The third section applies the message to practical living by emphasizing the importance of purposeful service. James 4:13-14 warns against self-reliance and thoughtless planning, reminding us that "what is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." The sermon then cites Matthew 25:14 about servants entrusted with talents, illustrating that we are stewards of God's gifts, time, and resources, not owners. Genesis 2:15, Psalm 24:1, and Leviticus 25:23 confirm that all things belong to God, and humans are merely temporary caretakers.

The fourth section affirms that numbering our days will lead to wisdom in how we use our time. Jeremiah 29:11 is cited to remind us that God has plans of peace for us, not harm. Matthew 7:11 affirms that the Father in heaven will give good things to those who ask Him. The sermon also uses the story of King Nebuchadnezzar from Daniel 4 to illustrate how pride leads to destruction, and Luke 12:20 about the rich fool, to warn against accumulating wealth while forgetting God.

The final section concludes by calling for commitment to God and trust in Him. John 12:46-48 emphasizes that Jesus came not to condemn but to save, and His teaching will be the basis of judgment. Psalm 46:1-3 affirms that God is our refuge and strength in all difficult circumstances. John 10:10 declares that Jesus came so His sheep may have life and have it abundantly. Psalm 90:16-17 is the final call for God's work to be revealed and His glory to shine upon His children. The sermon concludes by reminding us that when we understand the brevity of life, we will live with a higher purpose: glorifying God, serving others, and leaving a spiritual legacy for future generations.