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issues: suicide
issues: suicide
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“The goal of the enemy is to convince us that God’s promises of abundant life are untrue”
What are the reasons for suicide?
• Escape-get away from life’s problems
• Revenge – To get back at someone by making them feel responsible for the
cause of death
• Altruism – Death for a higher cause (kamikaze pilots, suicide bombers)
• Risk Taking – Playing “games” for emotional thrill
• Mix – Some combination of the above
What Do The Scriptures Teach Concerning Suicide?
“There is little in the Bible concerning suicide. The word suicide (self-murder) does not
appear. There are certainly examples (without comment on the morality of the act).”
• Saul- 1 Sam 31:4-5
• Ahithophel – 2 Sam 17:23
• Zimri – 1 Kings 16:18
• Possibly Samson – Judges 16:28-31
• Judas Iscariot – Matthew 27:5
Is suicide morally wrong?
The early church did come to the conclusion that suicide is a violation of the sixth
commandment. What others issues are raised by the following verses?
• Exodus 20:13-Self Homicide
• 1 Samuel 2:6-Soveriegnty of God over life and death
• Genesis 9:5-6 – Sacredness of life
• Psalm 139:14
• Body as the Temple and vehicle for service – 1 Corinthians 6:19
The church saw suicide as a challenge to the sovereignty of God
Is suicide an unforgivable sin?
Augustine believed it to be a sin that could not be repented of (Confessions 413-426).
John Donne believed Augustine’s view placed human limits on God’s grace (Biathanatos).
The scriptures teach that Christ is faithful, and that there is only one unforgivable sin.
• John 10:29 – snatch them out
• Matthew 12:31
God’s grace is greater than the sin of suicide. A relationship with Christ is the deciding
factor.
What Can I Do?
1. Look for the Signs
a. Depression
b. Overall change of Mood
c. Change of Physical Appearance
d. Decline in Academic Performance
e. Family Dysfunction
f. Suicidal Talk
g. Loss of interest in important activities or hobbies
h. Previous Suicide Attempts
i. Giving away items of value, writing letters of expression, “saying goodbye.
2. Ask and Listen – Scale of Lethality
a. Have you thought about suicide? – Ideation
b. How often?
c. When was the last time you thought about it?
d. Have you ever thought about how you would do it? – Plan
e. What would that plan be?
f. Are the means to carry out that plan available to you now?
At what point should you break a confidence in order to help the person?
When they are an imminent danger to themselves
What if I am having thoughts of suicide?
Reach Out – Don’t Give Up
God cares about your life – Psalm 34:8, 1 Peter 5:7
God hears your cries for help – Psalm 18:4-6
You are not alone – John 16:33
Promise to make contact before you make an attempt to end your life –
1-800-SUICIDE, call an adult, call the police, call a trusted friend, call your coach, call
one of us!!!
God has promised us a full life in Christ.
The enemy wants us all to believe it’s not worth living.
Don’t buy the lie!!!
I command you--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged.
For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”-Joshua 1:9
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life,
and have it to the full.- John 10:10
