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I. THERE IS A STING IN DEATH.

1. That there is such a sting in death appears from —

(1) The horrors of wicked men when they come to die.

(2) The unwillingness, even of the dearest of God's children, to undergo this last, rude, and violent shock of death.

(3) The attitude of Christ towards it (Matthew 26:39).

2. What there is in death that should make its sting so sharp and poignant, and cause such a natural antipathy against it in us?

(1) The harbingers, which go before it, to prepare its way — languishing diseases, racking pains, etc.

(2) Its annihilation of all the comforts and enjoyments of life.

(3) The separation of those dear companions, the soul and body.

(4) The consideration of those dishonours and disgraces which shall befall the body upon this separation.

(5) The deliverance over into eternity, which we have deserved, should be infinitely miserable to us.

II. THE STING OF DEATH IS SIN.

1. It was only sin that brought death into the world (Romans 5:12).

2. Death received its terrors from sin (Hebrews 2:15).Conclusion: If sin be the sting of death —

1. Let us beware that we add not more poison to this sting.

2. Then the only way to disarm death is by cleansing thyself from sin.

3. How unspeakably happy are those to whom the sting of death is taken out by the death of Christ!

(E. Hopkins, D.D.)

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KJV: O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

WEB: "Death, where is your sting? Hades, where is your victory?"