Don’t Grow Old---Grow Up
(II Peter 3:17.18)
Introduction: Some years ago Dorothy Carnegie wrote a book entitled, Don’t Grow Old---Grow Up. I read the book and liked it so much that I developed a sermon for older people.
I. Many Never Grow Old.
A. They die young due to accident, disease, murder, war, etc.
B. Many of us have kin who have died at a young age. It has been said: The old must die, but the young may die.
C. It a blessing and a privilege to live a long life, but it is a great responsibility also. We must seek to constantly mature (II Peter 3:18).
II. Responsibilities of the Older Folks.
A. Grow old gracefully. Use the experiences of life to help others along the way. Be an example to the younger people (I Cor. 11:1)
1. Prayer of an older person.
B. Be adaptable to change. My mother was flexible (Phil. 4:11).
C. Enjoy Life everyday---It is a gift from God. (Psalm 118:24) "This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice in it and be glad."
D. Never become cranky and unpleasant. Old age does not mean that we will have our way about everything.
E. Be thankful for what you have. In America, we are so blessed with material and medical blessings (I Thes. 5:18).
III. Don’t Grow Old---Grow Up!
A. Mrs. Carnagie told of many great accomplishments of Older Folks.
B. Many people feel that they are ready for a shelf by age 60-65. Most people have several good years left at that age.
C. My personal goal is to preach, teach, lead singing, etc. as long as I possibly can. I want to wear out---not rust out!!!
IV. The Bible Says:
A. Proverbs 16:31 "The hoary (white) head is a crown of glory: It shall be found in the way of righteousness."
B. Proverbs 20:29 "The glory of young men is their strength; and the beauty of old men is the white head."
C. Duties of the Aged: Read Titus 2:1-8.
D. Moses at 80 led Israelites out of Egypt.
E. E. H. Ijams at 94 spoke to our teachers at an appreciation dinner. He was as current as today’s newspaper and impressed our teachers.
F. Emerson J. Estes died at age 97. He preached full time until age 90. He spoke at the preacher’s luncheon at age 84 and advised us all to keep working and stay active for the Lord as long as possible. Read Psalm 92:12-15.
G. We need to work for the Lord in whatever way we can all the days of our lives.
1. Read: Advise for the Aged.
H. Conclusion: Let us live in such a way that we say what the Apostle Paul wrote in II Timothy 4:6-8.
Robert L. Brown
Great Oaks Church of Christ