Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Psalm 116

Bryan Schneider · October 12, 2019

Psalm 116

sharonrpc.org/sermons/precious-in-the-sight-of

Summary

Christian grief does not look inward or into nothingness but calls upon the Lord who hears every supplication and inclines his ear to suffering people.
The grieving can rest in God's revealed character: he is gracious, righteous, merciful, compassionate, preserving, and saving.
God sometimes delivers from earthly danger, but even when death comes he delivers believers from condemnation, sin's bondage, and death's final power.
Living with eternity in view does not deny sorrow; it places sorrow within the promise that everyone who believes in the risen Christ will live.
The fitting response to God's benefits is grateful worship, even when thanksgiving is offered through tears.
At death believers' souls immediately enter glory while their bodies remain united to Christ awaiting resurrection, so Christians grieve with hope and anticipate worship before the Lamb.

When grief and fear surround me, do I turn inward or call upon the Lord who hears?
Which truth about God's gracious, righteous, merciful, and preserving character most needs to be repeated to my soul?
Can I ask boldly for earthly deliverance while submitting the outcome to God's will?
How does Christ's deliverance from condemnation change the meaning of death for a believer?
Am I living with eternity in view or chiefly under the tyranny of present urgency and pain?
What thanksgiving can I offer honestly even while tears remain?
How can I comfort another grieving Christian without minimizing loss or speaking beyond Scripture's promises?

Christian grief: Real sorrow over death that is held together with confidence in Christ's resurrection, presence, and promises.
Sheol: Biblical language for the realm or power of death that the psalmist experiences as drawing near and enclosing him.
God's compassion: The Lord's tender, protective mercy toward suffering people, not indifference from a distant deity.
Intermediate state: The believer's conscious life with God after bodily death and before the resurrection of the body.
Resurrection hope: Confidence that Christ will raise his people bodily and bring them into everlasting life and worship.