By Steve A. Hamilton

Introduction: Old age is something that our society tries to avoid.  Millions of dollars are spent on cosmetics, plastic surgery, diet pills, lipo-suctions, creams, lotions, hair colors, etc.  We seem to think we aren’t beautiful unless we are young. This is not true with God.  In fact, we become more beautiful with age to God. 

I.  Old age is a blessing of God’s.

          A.  Solomon said the following in Prov. 16:31 and Prov. 20:29.  

          B.  There is glory and splendor in old age.  It seems that Solomon was talking about a time in life that a person could look forward to.  The graying of one’s hair is often equated with wisdom and experience that only time can bring.  It seems that Solomon is giving the aged the respect and recognition that they deserve.

          C.  Moses wrote in Lev. 19:32 that the aged are to be honored. Here Moses is connecting the honor given to the old with a healthy respect for God.  It is a though for one to stand in the presence of a old man is like standing in the presence of God  Both God and the old deserve our honor and respect if we are God fearing people.

          D. It seems that it is almost fashionable among young people to disrespect their elders.  In light of these passages,  would God find it favorable if anyone was disrespectful of the aged?

II. God cares for the aged.

          A.  Isa. 46:4.   This passage speaks to those who are well worn with age.  Arthritis sets in and bones break.  Health diminishes to the point that one wonders how he is going to make the next day.  God says he will carry you.  He made you and he will bear you through.  And when it’s over in this life he’ll still be there and he will deliver you.  What a comfort!

          B.  There is a fear among the old of being forsaken or discarded with age.  Perhaps it’s with good reason when we see how the elderly are often treated.  David cried in Psm. 71:9.  Truth is, our strength does fail and our health decreases with age. It’s a time in life where we need God more than ever before.

          C.  The entire Psm. 71 is David’s cry for God’s support in his old age.  Notice David’s attitude in verse 18.  He wanted God’s support so he could declare God to the younger generation in his old age.  He didn’t quit because he was old.

          D.  Passages like Matt. 11:28, and II Cor. 4:16-18 come to mind.   

III.  The Value of age.

          A.  Notice Psm 92: 13-15.  The Psalmist says the old will still bear fruit in old age.  Why?  Because they are well rooted in God’s Word.  They have been around the block a few times.  They are perhaps the best qualified people to declare God’s Word because they lived it for so long.  Of all the people on earth, the aged Christians are the most like God.

          B.  The aging Christian’s value does not decrease with the graying of hair.  Rather, it increases.  They are praying men and women who have spent countless hours in the Scriptures and teaching others.  They love the Lord.  They know God because they walk with God in His ways.  They submit to God’s will and always have.  Old Christians are a blessing to have. 

IV.  Instructions for the older generation.

          Titus 2:2-3  [Quotes from Vines unless indicated.]

          A. Men

                   1. Sober - “of sound mind, self controlled.”

                   2. Reverent (or grave) - “suited to a sacred character, i.e. serious, honorable or honest.”

                   3. Temperate - “to be free from the influence of intoxicants. Metaphorically, used in association with watchfulness ”

                   4.  Sound (in faith, love & patience) - “to be healthy,” i.e. true or safe.

          B. Women

                   1.  Reverent in behavior (as becometh holiness) - same as above.

                   2.  Not slanderers - “not accusing falsely,... where the reference is to those who are given to finding fault with the demeanor and conduct of others, and spreading their innuendoes and criticisms in the church.”

                   3.  Not given to much wine - “Excessive drinking, even of uninebriating drinks, was a vice prevalent in the days of St. Paul, and corresponded to gluttony, also common - the excessive use of food, but not of an intoxicating kind.” - Bible Commentary, p. 368.

                   4.  Teachers of good things - “a teacher of what is good.” 

V.  Instructions for the younger generation.

          A.  Remember God in your youth because you to will soon grow old and die.  Eccl. 12:1-7.  Things as you know them will change and your attitude toward life will change as well.  As you health diminishes, your hearing fades, your eyesight blurs, you’ll know your end is near and you will return to God who gave you your youth.  Don’t burn any bridges with God.  You will see Him again.

          B.  I Tim. 5:1-3 warns us not to rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father or mother and give honor to the widows.

          C.  I Pet. 5:5 tells the younger to submit to the elder.

Conclusion:  I’d like to point out that I have some gray hairs. :-)  Some of you have far more than I do.  That’s not an insult because true beauty comes with age.  God has always valued spiritual beauty, not physical beauty.  Being old is a blessing and an asset in the Lord’s work.

Last modified: 05/02/08