The Aged

In the "family series" - this not often addressed:  THE AGED!!!!

"old" = relative term! 

Example:  early patriarchs' list:

Oldest = Methuselah @969 years!  He was the son of Enoch (who was "taken" at 365" years & grandfather of Noah.

Methuselah - 969 years

Jared - 962 years

Noah - 950 years  (Gen. 5:32)    after Noah was 500 years old, he became father of Shem, Ham, Japheth.

Adam - 930 years

Seth - 912 years

Kenon - 910 years

Enos - 905 years

Mahalalel - 895 years

Lamech - 777 years

Enoch - 365 years  ("taken" in his prime!)  Gen. 5:23-24 - "lived 365 years... then "walked with God and he was no more because God took him away.'

After the flood, things slow down!

Abraham - 175 years - Gen. 25:7-8

Moses - 120 years - Deut. 34:5-7  Was 80 when he confronted Pharaoh

Caleb - Josh. 14:10-12

"Age" = 3 groups:

I.  Aged - (over the hill group)

II.  Aging - (not yet over the hill)

III.  Youngsters - on one hand aware (mentally), however, no real understanding!!!  No real experience!

The "aging" hill is always relative.  These groups do not describe particular ages.

I.  The Aged  (OTHG)

    (A)  A prayer to be used/useful - Psm. 71:9, 17-18

On one hand, not all have the physical of mental health to be used!  However, we should be available as long as possible.   As long as can be used, we need to stay active.

Just because are Old does not mean beyond use by God.  Psm. 92:12-15

    (B)  Open to continued growth and development

The support scripture is not age related - Phil. 1:6,  2 Cor. 4:16

   (C)  Confidence in God's care, provision - Isa. 46:3-4

context = Israel

Application = His People!!!

II.  To the Aging  (under The Hill Group)  (including youngsters)

     (A)   Concerning your elders - Deut. 5:16  example: ( Paul "first command with a Promise!)

Compare Prov. 23:22 and 30:17.  This means more than parents!  Lev. 19:32

    (B)  Concerning Yourself

On one hand, you don't know as juch as you think you do!  (something only known and understood with experience!!!)

However, WISDOM is not just for the elderly!!! - Job 32:4-10

So.... example:  Paul ==>Timothy - 1 Tim. 4:11-12

III.  (to all ages)

     (A)  Consider the time - Psm. 39:4 - show me how fleeting life is  (help to recognize)

with Psm. 90:10-12

Vs. 12 paraphrase = "teach us the brevity of life... SO THAT we might:

        (a)  consider the time (use it wisely)

        (b)  Acquire a WISE HEART!!! (soul, being of life, more than head knowledge)

    (B)  Redeem the time - Eph. 5:15-17

Paraphrase = "be careful with your time!  There are so may temptations to WASTE time in this evil age!" 

FINAL THOUGHTS AND WORDS:

III.  Youngsters - don't wait to accept, follow, serve Christ. 

In fact = can accomplish same things while following Christ as not!

II.  Aging - have family, careers, business, place, which are IMPORTANT! 

The idea is NOT to make Jesus priority, rather = LET HIM set the priorities!! -  make Him "LORD"

I.  Aged - not been here long enough to advise! 

BUT Scripture = clar!! ie:  should follow Christ, Serve Christ, Promote Christ - as long as possible!!

M.A.E.D.  = Make an Eternal Difference