Sunday, March 29, 2015 pm
HYMN STUDIES
“A BEAUTIFUL LIFE”
#103, Sacred Selections
Tonight, we want to examine the words of another song we sing from time
to time. This particular
song is available as public domain (meaning it can be sung, copied,
distributed, etc.). The song
is believed to have been written around 1918 by William Matthew Golden
(1878-1934). Golden died in
a traffic accident in May, 1934 in Mississippi.
He wrote a handful of songs the best known being the one we are
studying tonight and “Where the Soul Never Dies” (#432, SS)
While we do not have much background on this song, it is said that he
served 8 years in prison and it was during that time when he wrote most
of the songs in his name. If
so, consider this as we examine the
words to our hymn this evening.
The
Title, “A Beautiful Life” describes what should be the overall life of a
Christian. Not that we are
perfect or that everything in our lives is trouble free, but it is a
life that makes the world around us a little better place because we
were there. The verse
assigned to this song by Sacred Selection is James 2:18, “But someone
will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without
your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” In this song
we find a determination to live a life filled with good works.
Vs. 1 – Each day I’ll do
I.
Each day I’ll do
– we are Christians each and every day of our lives.
It is not a part time venture.
Luke 9:23 says, “Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come
after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow
Me.”
Acts 2:46, the brethren in Jerusalem continued daily with one accord in
the temple and in their homes.
It times past we have
noted that we ought to one a daily basis – say something to God, listen
to something from God, say something about God, do something for God.
II.
Golden deed
– no specific deed is mentioned but I think of Matt. 7:12 – the “golden
rule” that we ought to live by.
III.
By helping those who are in need
– This becomes a recurring theme in this song.
And it is emphasized in scripture.
James 1:27, Eph. 4:28, Galatians 6:10.
IV.
My life on earth is but a span – our time here is limited.
We only have so much time.
We need to redeem it – Eph. 5:16.
James 4:14-15- our life is but a vapor.
V.
And so I’ll do the best I can – that is all God asks of us.
Whatever talents we have, use them.
Col. 3:23 – whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord.
Luke 17:10, after we have done all commanded still say we are
unprofitable…
I.
We are children of God – recently we noted that family descriptions of Christians.
We are brethren and we are children of God.
Being His children comes with many blessings.
But it also comes with responsibilities – 1 John 3:1 we are called
children of God. Let us act
lie it – vs. 3, etc.
II.
My light must shine along the way – He expects us to not hide our light under a basket -
Matt. 5:14-16, 1 John 1:7.
III.
I’ll sing His praise while ages roll
– a part of our life is worshipping Him.
Every act of worship is designed to praise and glorify Him.
We have noted on many occasions, this is not something done in
secret! That is why we are
here. Our singing –
Col. 3:16.
IV.
And strive to help some troubled soul
– again, we are here for others.
I think of Phil. 2:3-4,
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit,
but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let
each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the
interests of others.”
We are reminded in this, that our sphere of help includes – especially
those with difficulties and struggles.
Are we there for others during the difficult times as well as the
good? 1 Thess. 5:14 – warn
the unruly, comfort the fainthearted, and uphold the weak, being patient
with all.
I.
There is only type of life that is enduring
– the one that follows God.
James 5:11, “Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard
of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that
the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.”
2 Tim. 2:12, “If we endure, we shall also reign with Him.
If we deny Him, He also will deny us.”
II.
Is one that’s kind, and good and pure
– Continually in scripture we are reminded of godly attitudes – which
include these. Eph. 4:32
calls for us to be kind.
1 Cor. 13:4 describes our love as kind.
Can we over emphasize our attitude in dealing with others?
III.
And so for God I’ll take my stand – will we stand up for Him?
Consider attitudes.
The world has many ungodly attitudes.
Will we stand with the world or with God?
Rom. 1:16 – do not be ashamed of the gospel.
1 Peter 4:16 – suffering as a Christian, do not be ashamed…
Luke 9:26, the Lord says that whoever is ashamed of Him, He will be
ashamed of them.
IV.
Each day, I’ll lend a helping hand – again we are there for others.
There is no better way to bring glory to God than by the way you
help others.
I.
Each verse to this point
has spoken of our need to help others.
Here we find it emphasized.
II.
And journey on with rapid speed – don’t delay.
As we have opportunity - do - Gal. 6:10!
James 2:15-17 – if a brother has needs help him.
III.
I’ll help the sick and poor and weak
– again, those who need it.
One more thought to consider is WHO?
Be reminded that we are told to love our neighbor as our self –
Matt. 22:39, Rom. 13:9, etc.
Jesus, in the parable of the Good Samaritan reminds us who our neighbor
is (Lk. 10:29-37)
IV.
And words of kindness to them speak – are we encouraging others?
We have already emphasized a kind attitude.
Here we are reminded of our words demonstrating that kindness.
And they are especially needed when people are in less than ideal
circumstances. When people
are struggling and having difficult times, the pressure can cause people
to be rude or display other unpleasant behaviors.
What someone in that circumstance needs is kindness and not
retaliation. The point is,
as we let our light shine – do it, even (especially) in the difficult
times. You don’t know
what that other person is going through right now.
Colossians 3:12-14 – describes
the qualities that we are to “put on”.
Romans 12:17-18 - repay no one evil for evil.
Have regard for good things with all men.
Live peaceably.
I.
Life is not easy. We all face problems and can
become weary. The answer
then is not to wallow in self-pity or to quit.
The answer is to keep going and seek to do something good for
someone else.
Galatians 6:9, “Let us not grow weary in doing good…”
2 Thess. 3:13, “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing
good.”
II.
I’ll try to lift some traveler’s load
– Galatians 6:2 calls for us to bear one another’s burdens.
Acts 20:35, “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this,
that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord
Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
III.
I’ll try to turn the night to day – again, be a source of encouragement and do what you
can to help others. Little
things mean so much. A
popular expression right now is “random acts of kindness” and it is
being noted how such has changed lives.
You never how that little act of kindness might help someone
else. A compliment, helping
someone at a store, opening a door, a SMILE, etc.
IV.
Make flowers bloom along the way – make the world a better place when you leave it,
than it was when you arrived.
1 Peter 2:11-12 describes how we as pilgrims have honorable
conduct that may cause one to “glorify God in the day of visitation” by
observing your good works.
I.
Time is quickly fleeting.
As each day passes we are one day closer to eternity.
Opportunities are not always there.
We need to take advantage of them while we have them.
And as we are speaking in this lesson, we might not even know
something is an opportunity.
Jesus taught us to work while it is day – John 9:4 because the night is
coming when none can work.
II.
A few more day, And I must go – Heb. 9:27 – we will die and then we will face judgment.
James 4:14 reminds us that our life is a vapor that appears for a little
while and then vanishes away.
III.
To meet the deeds that I have done – books will be opened and we will be judged by our
works, by the things written in the books (Rev. 20:12-15).
Consider Matthew 25:31-46, when we stand before God in judgment, He will
look at how we have lived our lives.
He will notice what we have done for others.
This is not to say we have earned
our salvation for we can never do that.
NOR are works the prime factor (grace is).
BUT, genuine faith obeys God and we find throughout this song
many commands we strive to obey.
IV.
Where there will be no setting sun – an obvious description of heaven when this life is
over – Rev. 22:5. Rather
than living selfishly in life, lay up for yourself treasures in heaven –
Matt. 6:19-21.
This song reminds us to live our lives for others.
We have seen numerous passages that remind us to think of others.
It is the best way to make this world a better place – for others
and those you have the opportunity to help.
What are you doing each day?