I Shall Not Die Prematurely

Sermon by Prophet Dr. Hope Hodzi

Transcribed from the Sunday Service - August 3, 2025

Introduction

Beloved, today we gather to discuss a crucial topic that affects us all: the will of God concerning our lifespan. As children of God, it's essential to understand that premature death is not part of God's plan for our lives. In fact, the Bible declares that with long life, God will satisfy us (Job 5:26). Our sermon today will explore this topic, and may the Holy Spirit guide us as we delve into the Word of God.

The Desire of God for Our Longevity

The Psalmist declares, "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord" (Psalm 118:17). This scripture shows us that God's desire is for us to live and not die prematurely. In John 10:10, Jesus says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." God's plan is for us to live a fulfilling life, free from premature death.

Understanding Premature Death

Premature death refers to dying before our appointed time. The devil often tries to steal our faith, isolating us from the church, which can lead to premature death. However, God's perfect will is for us to live to a full ripe old age. According to Genesis 6:3, God's plan is for us to live up to 120 years. Job, who faced numerous afflictions, lived up to 140 years, demonstrating God's desire for our longevity (Job 42:16-17).

Examples of Divine Preservation

Let's look at examples of divine preservation in the lives of two notable figures:

• Moses: When Pharaoh ordered the death of all Hebrew male babies, Moses' life was preserved by the courageous actions of his parents and the Pharaoh's daughter (Exodus 2:1-10).

• Jesus: As a child, Jesus was preserved from the wrath of King Herod, who ordered the massacre of all male babies in Bethlehem. Jesus' family fled to Egypt, escaping the danger (Matthew 2:13-15).

These examples demonstrate God's power to preserve and protect His people from premature death.

Sources of Premature Death

We must be aware of the sources of premature death, which include:

• Demonic plots: The devil seeks to destroy us, and his plans can lead to premature death (Psalm 41:5).

• Witchcraft and ancestral altars: These can also contribute to premature death, and we must be cautious of such influences.

• Disobedience and sin: Living a life of disobedience and sin can lead to premature death.

• Carelessness and ignorance: Lack of knowledge and carelessness can also lead to premature death, as Hosea 4:6 says, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."

Overcoming Premature Death

To overcome premature death, we must:

• Have dogged determination and inner fortitude: We must stand firm in our faith, refusing to give in to the devil's plans.

• Make a covenant with God: We can make a covenant with God to fulfill all our allotted days and years on earth.

• Trust in God's promise: Psalm 91:16 says, "With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation."

Conclusion

Beloved, God's desire is for us to live a long and fulfilling life. We must understand the sources of premature death and take steps to overcome them. By trusting in God's promise and making a covenant with Him, we can live to declare the works of the Lord. May we stand firm in our faith, refusing to give in to the devil's plans. As the Psalmist says, "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord" (Psalm 118:17). Amen.