“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord” who are these people?
1. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon
all men, for that all have sinned. Ro.5:12
2. Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, Heb.9:27
3. Therefore, we have this--> Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, said the
Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them. Rev.14:13
A. How are they blessed?
1. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the
work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Cor.15:58
2. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you
because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they
persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matt.5:11-12
3. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know
that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism. Col.3:23-25
4. Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and
come out-- those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be
condemned. Jn.5:28-29
B. There is a second death! Rev.20:11-14
1. Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence,
and th ere was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and
books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged
according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it,
and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to
what he had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the
second death.
2. Second death is so horrible evil ghost are afraid of it! Luke 8:27-29
When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this
man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried
out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the
Most High God? I beg you, don't torture me!" For Jesus had commanded the evil spirit to come out of
the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under
guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places.
3. There is one way to escape this second death! Rev.20:6
Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over
them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.
4. Each one’s opportunity to escape from this second death can be expired! Rev.22:11-14
He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is
righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come
quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and
Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments,
that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
5. Please be saved in the Lord while opportunity afforded you! Heb.2:3
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord,
and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him.
6. Now is your time for salvation! 2 Cor.6:1-2
As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For he says, "In the time of
my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's
favor, now is the day of salvation.
May the Lord bless you and keep you always! Preach this on March 17, 2013.