Print

NUMBERS 23:10

"THE DEATH OF THE RIGHTEOUS"

Intro: Balaam an interesting person,  a study in contrasts. Mentioned by three new
       testament writers, II Peter,  the way of Balaam; Jude, the error of Balaam; John
       in Revelation, the doctrine of Balaam.
       "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be as His."

I. PERFECTLY NATURAL DESIRE.
        A. Everyone desires the end result of righteous living.
                1. When we come to the hour of death. we want the Lord to take us by the
                   hand and bear us to His kingdom.
                2. When we stand before the judge of the universe in that great day we
                   want Jesus Christ to stand up with us and for us.
        B. We want to see goodness in the end result.
                1. We desire that our children will grow up to be good.
                2. We desire our nation to be united and strong.
                3. We want our air to be clean and our rivers to be pure.
        C. When I die I want to be saved.
                1. I want to hear Christ say "well done, thou good and faithful servant."
                2. I don't think that anyone truly wants to be damned when he dies.
        D. These are natural desires.
                1. They are certainly reasonable.
                2. Living in crazy world.
                3. Prophesies concerning last days being fulfilled "without
                   natural affection."
                        a. "I would rather have my daughter back on drugs than on this
                           Jesus kick."
                        b. Parents introducing their children to alcohol and drugs.

II. THERE ARE WAYS TO lNSURE GOOD END RESULTS.
        A. If I want to die the death of the righteous. I must live the life of
           the righteous.
                1. If I want Jesus to hold my hand in the hour of death, let Him
                   hold it now.
                2. If He is to confess me before the Father. I must confess Him before men.
        B. Good end results don't just happen.
                1. If I want my children to grow up to be good, I must take time. 
                        a. We have too many self interests, no time.
                        b. An infant needs cuddling for the first six months.
                                1. It cries for someone to hold it.
                                2. Studies show permanent mental retardation.
                                3. Hold that infant near you as much as you can. whisper in
                                   his ear. "Jesus loves you."
                        c. We are seeing today the results of neglected babies.
                                1. We've allowed the television to baby sit them and keep
                                   them company and now wonder why we can't communicate
                                   with them.
                2. If I want to insure being saved when I die. then I need to be saved now.
                        a. I never know when death might strike.
                        b. Being saved is not such a bad thing anyhow.
                3. You can't take the path to hell and expect to arrive in heaven.
                        Be not deceived, God is not mocked.