Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

Growing Old Gracefully
Mark A. Copeland
INTRODUCTION
1. In speaking about “Growing Old Gracefully”, I feel much like N. B. Hardeman who when
asked to speak on a similar topic...
a. Stated, “I am too young to speak as one should on this subject.”
b. Even though he was in his eighties or nineties at the time!
2. Most young people do not think about “growing old”, which is understandable...
a. For they have yet to experience the reality of “growing old” in the sense of declining in one’s
physical strength and mental capabilities
b. For them getting older has always meant getting better as they draw closer to the peak of their
physical maturity
3. If they talk about “growing old”, it is often with disdain for the way many people spend their golden
years...
a. Discontented with life
b. Set in their ways
c. Bitter towards many people
-- There is often truth in what the young say about the old: “Some old women and men
grow bitter with age. The more their teeth drop out the more biting they get.” - George
Dennison
4. This has prompted many young people to say: “I will never be like that when I get old!”
a. But growing old gracefully does not happen by accident
b. Unless one understands and applies certain principles while young, the chances are great that he
or she will become like the elderly they are quick to despise
-- Think carefully about this statement: “Most men spend the first half of their lives
making the second half miserable.” - La Bruyere
[How are you spending the first half of your life? Will you grow old gracefully? Before we consider
certain principles conducive to graceful aging, a reminder of...]
I. THE POSSIBILITY OF GROWING OLD GRACEFULLY
A. ILLUSTRATED BY BIBLICAL EXAMPLES...
1. Moses, at the age of 120 (note the vigor of the speeches in Deuteronomy) - Deu 34:7
2. Joshua, as he addressed the elders of Israel (note his conviction) - Josh 24:15
3. Barzillai, the Gileadite (note his gracious hospitality at age eighty) - 2 Sam 19:31-38
4. Dorcas, who helped the poor and widows - Ac 9:36-39
5. The graceful manner in which Paul faced death - 2 Ti 4:6-8, 16-18
6. Peter aged gracefully...
a. Becoming an elder - 1 Pe 5:1-2
b. Remaining diligent as death approached - 2 Pe 1:13-15
c. Forgiving toward those who rightly rebuked him - 2 Pe 3:15; cf. Ga 2:11
B. ILLUSTRATED BY PERSONAL EXAMPLES...
1. One does not need to go to the Bible to find the only examples of people growing old
Topical Sermons 179