Prov. 20:29 “ beauty of old men is the gray head ” “Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; …” Psalms 71:18 Prov. 16:31 “The hoary [gray] head…” Acts 20:24 “finish my course with joy.”

“but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16 “I have been young, and now am old” Ps.37:25 “ Paul the aged” Philemon 9

 More people over 65 than teenagers  The “graying” of the church  Dan. 2:44 “never be destroyed”  Mt. 16:18 “gates of Hades shall not prevail”  Heb. 12:28 “kingdom which cannot be shaken”  Mt. 9:37 “but the labourers are few”

 Older years can be best years  Some negatives - Eccl. 12  Age is a beautiful experience when we are walking with the Lord.  Best years can be when we are nearest our eternal home!

 Grow old gracefully  Stronger Faith – Rom. 4:20  Love is stronger – Eph. 6:24  Hearts are purer – Rom. 6:19  Hope is brighter – Rom. 13:11  Ties to world not as strong

 Laban – Gen.30:27  Caleb – Josh. 14:10  Simon & Anna – Luke 2  John - 3 John 1  Paul – Phil. 9  Zacharias & Elizabeth – Luke 1:6

 Peter – John 21:17-18  Luke – 2 Tim. 4:11  Lois – 2 Tim. 1:5  Barzillai – 2 Samuel

“They shall still bring forth fruit in old age” Ps.92:14 Retirement for Christian is different Only when receiving crown of life Not a retirement plan for this world “God will judge us for how we use our latter years” Do as much as you can for as long as you can!

Resist temptation to turn it all over to others  Never too old to serve  Older women teach younger – Tit. 2:3-4  Pass the faith to younger generation Liberal giver “More blessed to give than to receive” Acts 20:35

 Pray for others – 1 Sam. 12:23  Benevolence  Teach  Visit sick – shut-ins  Bible studies  Sewing – quilting  Repairs for others  Exhorter - “The Lord Bless you” Ruth 2:4

Support for those who grieve “who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Cor. 1:4

 We must help prepare the younger ones  Perpetuate the truths of God  Example in knowledge and wisdom

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” Eccl.12:13  Example of Purity  Example of Hospitality  Examples of not growing bitter but better

“so that I might finish my course with Joy” Acts 20:24 “Let no man take your crown” Rev. 3:11 “Let us run with patience the race that is set before us” Heb. 12:1 “The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness.” Pro.16:31 NKJV

Sermon by Arthur Pigman Evans Church of Christ 515 Gibbs Road Evans, Ga Sunday Morning September 14, 2014