Security - Finding Stability in an Unstable Age
By Mark Hatfield

1. It doesn’t seem like anything is secure anymore apart from having some form 
of external security that we seek for ourselves. 
2. We lock up our homes, set alarms on our vehicles, put pad locks on our lockers; 
we have key codes and passwords for just about every device from our computer to 
our bank accounts. 
3. When we live around all of the scam artists and identity thieves, it is hard to 
feel secure in this unstable world. 
4. Many people today are worried about secure identity, secure financial investments, 
secure job positions, secure housing, secure friendships, secure communities, secure education, and many other forms of security. While all of these play a part in our 
physical lives, it is our concern that many people are not secure spiritually. 
5. Because we only live in this life for a limited amount of time, the greatest 
sense of security has to be placed in eternity. Nothing that we have now can be 
taken with us when we leave this world, so we need to make sure to secure 
ourselves spiritually. 
6. It will be our goal to discuss spiritual security and to point out how we can 
find stability in an unstable age. 
7. In many cases the only thing keeping us from feeling secure is our lack of trust 
in the One who created us. He can secure us in His hand. 
8. While most people don’t see this as their greatest need, it is often the filler 
for the void in their insecure heart. God has set eternity in our hearts (Ecc. 3:11)

I. Secure Education
A. Having a secure level of wisdom and understanding is important
1. Most people spend the first 20 -25 years of their life being educated. From their 
toddler years to Preschool; from Preschool to Kindergarten; from Kindergarten to 
Grade School; from Grade School to Middle School; from Middle School to High school; 
from High school to College, we seek to learn as much as we can. 
2. We want to enter this world with all of the knowledge we can retain so that we 
have the skills and insight to properly function in society. 
3. While this education is certainly profitable in physical things, it is unfortunate
that most people know more about the world than they do about the Lord by the time 
they reach adulthood. 
4. If our purpose for existing was to see how much wisdom we could gain in the 
physical things of this life, then we would be doing well. 
5. But the One who created us has much bigger plans for our lives. He wants us to 
know Him and His will. 
6. The difficulty here is that most people see God’s wisdom as foolishness and they 
will not listen (I Cor. 1:18-24). The message of the cross of Christ along with 
the preaching of salvation in Christ is seen as foolishness by most of our culture today. The redemption story seems trivial to our society.
7. The irony is that Jesus came with this message in Matthew 11:29-30, “Take My yoke
upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND 
REST FOR YOUR SOULS.” 
8. Security is found in learning from the Lord. Our souls have no rest otherwise. 
Jesus finished that passage with, "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." The 
way of the sinner is hard. Jesus wants to make it easier for us.
B. We need a spiritual education; a wisdom that comes from God
1. In I Cor 2:1-5, Paul told the saints the difference between being securely 
educated by the world and being filled with the wisdom of God.
2. God’s wisdom and knowledge are great. When we learn what He offers us in His 
revealed word, we are tapping into a treasure that is full of wisdom. In 
Romans 11:33, we read, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge 
of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!”
3. Paul continues His Corinthian letter regarding wisdom in 1 Cor 3:19-23 to say 
that the wisdom of the world is foolishness before God.
4. Since we want to be sure in our knowledge of God, we ought to pray for such 
wisdom (Col. 1:9-10; James 1:5).
5. We push our young people to do well in school so that they can go to college 
and have a good life. When was the last time you encouraged a young soul to do well 
in Bible class so that they can go to heaven and have eternal life? We need to keep 
our priorities straight. I know a lot of children that have grown up to know all 
kinds of information about the world, but they are destined for hell because they 
don’t know the Lord. (See II Tim. 3:15).
6. We need not to call ourselves wise by our own estimation (Rom. 12:16). We need 
to listen to God and find ourselves wise according to His standard. Let us read 
James 3:13-18 to learn the difference.
7. Many people fulfill Romans 1:22 by professing to be wise while their life is 
not in harmony with God’s will. The text reads, “Professing to be wise, they 
became fools” When we read on in the context we see that they were not following 
the truth, they were worshipping false gods, they were sexually impure, they were 
filled with evil, and the passage even says that they were “haters of God”. That 
is not only unwise, but is foolish. 
8. Let us finish this point with a word of exhortation from Ephesians 5:15-16
“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most 
of your time, because the days are evil.”

II. Secure Friendships
A. We all want to have friends that are reliable and faithful
1. Most of us have had a friendship dissolve due to a conflict among both parties. 
Some of us may have experienced being stabbed in the back a few times. Others may 
know the grief of losing a dear friend. 
2. In this world it is hard to find lasting relationships. We agonize over separation 
and times of departure from those we love because we wonder when or if we will ever 
see them again. 
3. We need to be careful that we don’t put too much emphasis on finding and keeping 
friends that can leave us at any moment, but that we become a friend of God who will 
be with us and never forsake us (Heb. 13:5).
4. The Bible warns us about making friends with the world. Often our companions 
can influence us to lower our moral standard or forget morals altogether 
(I Cor. 15:33). 
5. James wrote in James 4:4 “You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship 
with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend 
of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” We must choose who we want to befriend.
6. Often we are placed in situations where are asked to choose between the Lord and 
the world. In John 19:11-12 we read a good example. Many people will crucify Jesus 
over and over again, before giving up their allegiance to this world.
B. We need to choose to be a friend to the Lord
1. When we are commanded by God to do something for Him, we need to act in faith 
and be a friend to God (See James 2:21-24). Many people will say that they are the 
friend of God, but will never obey His word.
2. While we must not completely seclude ourselves from the world, we need to make 
sure to keep ourselves in the love of God while we become a friend to lost souls 
(sinners). Jesus is our example and God knows our hearts (Luke 7:34-35).
3. Jesus tells us what we need to do to be His friend. In John 15:13-19, Jesus 
shows us how His love for us should motivate our love for Him. When we do what he 
has commanded then we are truly His friend. 
4. What is often difficult is learning how to sever ties with people that will not 
help us to obey the Lord. Jesus taught in Luke 21:16-17 "But you will be betrayed 
even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and they will put {some} 
of you to death, and you will be hated by all because of My name.” Most of us 
have experienced this on several occasions. 
5. Let us take with us a word of wisdom from Proverbs 18:24 which says, “A man of 
{too many} friends {comes} to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than 
a brother.” If you don’t have any other friends, at least be a friend to the Lord.

III. Secure Identity
A. There have been many forms of identity crisis in recent years
1. When there are those that will steal your identity and use your name to do all 
kinds of evil, it can be unnerving to sit by idly without doing something to set 
up a measure of security to protect yourself. 
2. There is a lot of weight given to our names today. We sign for loans, for credit 
cards, for debit cards, for paperwork, for checks, for packages. Almost everything 
requires a signature with our name on it. 
3. While there is nothing wrong with protecting our name from a physical standpoint, 
are we secure that the Lord has our name in the book of life? 
(Phil. 4:3; Rev. 3:5).
4. It is so easy for us to want to be sure that our name is physically protected,
but are we keeping our name good before God and are we destined for eternity? 
(Rev. 20:12, 15)
5. It would be true identity theft if you allowed Satan to keep you from coming 
to the Lord and have God secure you a place in heaven. 
6. Those that have no identification with God will not be able to enter into the 
kingdom of heaven (Rev. 21:27; Matt. 7:21-23). 
B. Our identity is only secure in Jesus Christ our Lord.
1. We need to make sure that we are wearing the name “Christian” which means 
follower of Christ (Acts 11:26). The name of Christ is the only name in which we 
can be saved (Acts 4:12). 
2. Some are almost persuaded to be a Christian (Acts 26:28) while others realize 
the importance of wearing the name of the Lord and they are willing to even suffer 
for His name’s sake (I Pet. 4:14-19). 
3. Only in the Lord do we have a true identity. It is by our faith in His ability 
to keep us secure to the day of eternity (II Tim. 1:12).

IV. Secure Communities
A. People want to live in safe and secure neighborhoods
1. Many are moving into gated communities with security guards to try and find a 
safer place to live. Most of us have 2 or 3 modes of security in our homes. From 
extra dead bolt locks to a 120 pound dog, we will do whatever it takes to make us 
feel secure.
2. While we are all concerned that our neighbors may not be safe to raise our 
children around (sexual predators or worldliness) or that it could be a potential 
hazard to our families to live in a home without a security system of some kind 
(thieves and burglars), we need to find a real secure community in which to move 
our family.
B. We need to find community in the family of God
1. Peter stood up to preach and made a promise of salvation that was to all 
people and their children to come and be saved from this perverse generation 
(Acts 2:38-39). Those who are saved are added to the church by the Lord 
(Acts 2:47). This is a true transferring of residency (Col. 1:13).
2. In the Lord’s church there is a community where all things are shared, 
including our burdens (Acts 2:42-46; Gal. 6:2). For our Father we shine as a 
bright city to bring more glory to Him (Matt. 5:14-16). 
3. Christ is the first born among many brethren (Rom. 8:29-39) that are born into 
the family of God through the water and the Spirit (John 3:3-5) We are adopted 
when we are washed by the blood of Christ in baptism (Gal. 3:26-27). We are 
brothers and sister to one another and there is no better family or household to 
be a part of in this life or the next (Eph. 1:3-6)
4. The Bible teaches that we are the body of the saved, because Jesus Christ is 
the Savior of the body, the church (Eph. 5:23). Are you in Christ and are you an 
active part of His body? This is the only community of people that has any real 
security.
5. We must realize that God wants all people to come to Him and be saved. One 
day the Lord’s church will be delivered up to God and only those who are in that 
number will be saved (I Cor. 15:24). 
6.  While we remain on the earth, the household of God is the pillar and 
support of truth (I Tim. 3:15). To be around God’s people is to be around the 
finest people in the world.
7. Secure a place among God’s people today and know with certainty that you
are headed for heaven when this world comes to an end (I Pet. 4:15-19).

V. Secure Jobs
A. Many are concerned that employment is dwindling and jobs are few. 
1. We have an epidemic in our society today where jobs are being sent overseas 
and many people who used to find other forms of work are now unemployed. 
2. The Lord commands a good work ethic and wants us to use our hands to earn 
enough money to provide for our own (I Thess 4:11-12; II Thess. 3:10-14). 
3. We are instructed not to steal, but to work so that we can have our needs met 
and still have enough to help those who are in need (Eph. 4:28).
3. While most people are able to see the job crisis unfold in our communities, 
I am aware of another work crisis that has developed that very few are concerned 
about. 
B. The Lord needs workers in the kingdom and there are few that are laboring
1 . Christians were told to be constantly devoted to the work of the Lord, 
knowing that it was worthwhile (I Cor. 15:58) 
2. The reason for this admonition is due to the fact that there is much work to 
do and there are very few laborers. We are to pray for such workers to be sent 
to the field of evangelism (Matt. 9:37-38). 
3. Some of you may be thinking that this is a valid point, but it doesn’t put 
food on the table. Think about it. When we seek first the kingdom of God and 
His righteousness, all that we need is added unto us (Matt. 6:33). 
4. There are rewards that are afforded those who labor for the Lord (Heb. 6:10-12)
5. Are you a worker for the Lord? Do you labor in the kingdom? (I Cor. 16:10-16).
6. While God will reward those who are faithfully dedicated to working in His 
vineyard, there will also be a judgment based on our work (I Pet. 1:17-19).
7. One thing is certain, there will always be more work to do for the Lord. If 
you want to secure a job position that has great benefits and rewards, serve 
the Lord. 
8. There are souls to rescue and there are souls to save. Let us all get 
involved in this labor of love (I Thess. 1:2-3). 

VI. Secure Investments
A. From the stock market to savings accounts people want to be secure financially
1. Some people get sick and stressed out over the security of the belongings
that they possess and the finances that they manage. 
2. First, let me commend those who are good stewards of what they have received, 
but let me quickly remind us all that these “things” are only temporary.
3. We are concerned about people stealing our possessions and about our 
investments losing value.
4. Security when it comes to worldly wealth seems to be faulty and we are in 
this constant struggle to make ends meet while we live here on earth.
B. We need to invest and store up our treasures in heaven where they are secure

1. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures 
on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust 
destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure 
is, there your heart will be also.”
2. Just as our heart will dwell with our treasure, so also will our allegiance 
to either God or wealth (Matt. 6:24-34)
3. The Bible warns often that by pursuing material things (including wealth), 
that many have experienced the sorrows that come with it (I Tim. 6:3-12).
4. The wisdom of Proverb 27:24 teaches plainly “For riches are not forever”. 
The wise man Solomon also wrote about this in Ecclesiastes 5:13-16 in saying, 
“There is a grievous evil {which} I have seen under the sun: riches being 
hoarded by their owner to his hurt. When those riches were lost through a bad 
investment and he had fathered a son, then there was nothing to support him. 
As he had come naked from his mother's womb, so will he return as he came. He 
will take nothing from the fruit of his labor that he can carry in his hand. 
This also is a grievous evil-- exactly as a man is born, thus will he die. So 
what is the advantage to him who toils for the wind?” (See also Psalm 49:16-20)
5. From the rich young ruler who walked away from Jesus, to the rich farmer 
who was only concerned with his possessions and not his soul, down to the rich 
man who was unwilling to help the poor man Lazarus, Jesus words stand true. It 
is hard for a rich man to enter heaven (Luke 12:15-21; 16:19-31; Matt. 19:16-26)
6. When all you have is hope in the things of this life, that is what you cling 
to each day. But when you have the hope of eternal life in heaven, you realize 
that you are just passing through while your treasures are laid up somewhere 
beyond the blue (a wonderful lyric that we often sing).
7. Make a commitment to trust in the Lord and find the true wealth that is 
to be had in heaven. You will be sadly disappointed on the day that your soul 
is required of you, if you were only wealthy in this world’s goods but not 
rich in faith toward God. 

VII. Secure Housing
A. It is important to us that we have a safe roof over our head at night.
1. With the increases in the population and the lack of housing there is an 
issue that has developed in recent years in America where we have more 
homeless than ever before.
2. People today not only want housing, but often their pursuit is for the 
biggest and best that they can find. 
3. There is definitely a divide in our culture where we have from homeless
shelters and government assisted living to the finest mansions and castles 
around the world. 
4. The point that needs to be made is that no matter where you live today, you 
could die tomorrow. Where is your soul going to spend eternity? 
5. Unfortunately, most people aren’t concerned with this reality.
B. We need to make sure that we have a dwelling place reserved in heaven.
1. Even amongst Christians you can sense this desire for the biggest and best 
in heaven. How many songs do we sing that talk about our mansion in heaven?
2. If you look at the text in John 14:1-6, where many people have gotten the 
idea that we will have a mansion in heaven, people often miss the real 
significance of the passage. The real word for mansion should be dwelling place. 
3. The joy that comes from having a place reserved in heaven is not due to its 
size, beauty or luxury, but it is in the presence of God Himself. Don’t miss 
that point.
4. Paul taught that we should desire our home in heaven, not because of the 
home, but because of our being with the Lord (II Cor. 5:1-10).
5. The way that we establish our home in heaven is through obedience to the 
Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:46-49).
6. While we dwell here on earth, we are being built up as a spiritual house 
together with other Christians as we serve and praise the Lord (I Pet. 2:5;).
7. We all should be looking for the city which is to come 
(Heb. 11:9-10, 13-16; 13:14). 
8. Do you have “homeland security”?

Conclusion
1. Do you have a false sense of security today? Are you relying on this 
world or on the Lord to keep you secure apart form any diligence and 
dedication on your part?
2. Are you certain that you are not focused so much on what is earthly that 
you will miss eternity? Set your minds on things above and not on things on 
the earth? 
3. If we can help you to feel the greatest sense of security by assisting you 
in giving your life to the Lord, we would love to assist you and rejoice in 
your decision. 
4. Come now and find the greatest sense of security in the Lord