On Being 70

Psalm 92:12-15

Introduction

1. Tomorrow I will become 70 years of age.

2. I started preaching one sermon a week in 1959 – 54 years ago.

3. I started full time preaching in 1966 – 47 years ago.

4. But this sermon is not about me or how old I am.

5. This sermon shows that God can use people of any age.

God's use of older people in the Bible

1. Moses and Aaron – 80 and 83

2. Joshua and Caleb – in their 80's

   1. Joshua lived to be 110.

   2. Caleb was 85 when he drove the giants out of Hebron

3. Daniel – taken to Babylon as a youth – served 70 years

4. Zacharias & Elizabeth – Luke 1:7 advanced in years

5. Simeon & Anna – Luke 2:25-38

   1. Anna was at least 84

6. Paul, the aged Philemon 9

God's use of older people in the church today

1. Congregation overseen by “elders”

2. Need older women – Titus 2:3-5

3. There is always a need for service the elderly can provide

   1. Visit, hospital, nursing homes, sick, etc.

   2. Teach from experience and wisdom

4. Even the most infirm can work

   1. Send cards, phone calls

   2. Spend time in prayer

God can use people of all ages

1. Must be prepared

2. Must be willing

3. Must stretch yourself (outside comfort zone)

4. The righteous can still bear fruit in old age.

5. Philippians 2:12-15

Adapted from Mark Copeland's website http://executableoutlines.com/text/ps92_12.htm