What do Saul, Ahithophel, and Judas have in common? They all committed suicide. Suicide is “the intentional takings of one’s own life” (Dictionary.com). Literally: self-kill or self-murder. Usually done when one has lost hope or to make a point. It is frequently in the news because famous people, your neighbors, or a young person takes his or her life. There are even cases where Christians commit suicide. Suicide is condemned in the Bible and should never be an option we consider. God gave life (Gen. 1:26, 27). Life is sacred (Gen. 9:6). Therefore, we do not have the to take life unlawfully. Homicide is the unlawful taking of another’s life. Suicide is the unlawful taking of your own life; it is self-murder. In this lesson we will notice: 1. Suicides in the Bible; 2. Suicide does not solve problems; 3. Samson’s death does not justify suicide.

1. www.HebronChurchOfChrist.com

2. What do Saul, Ahithophel, and Judas
have in common?
 Suicide
 “the intentional taking of one’s own life”
• Literally: self-kill or self-murder
• Why – loss of hope or to make a point

3. Suicide is condemned in the Bible
& should never be an option
 God gave life, Gen. 1:26, 27
 Life is sacred, Gen. 9:6
 No right to take it unlawfully
• Others: homicide
• Self: suicide

5. King Saul, 1 Sam. 31
 Luxuries, servants, wealth
 Turned from God, 1 Sam. 13, 15
 Years of envy & selfishness, 1 Sam. 18-27
 Became totally lost in life, 1 Sam. 28:5-19
 Desperate circumstances, 1 Sam. 31:1-3
 Gave up & killed himself, 1 Sam. 31:4, 5
 Did not trust in God

6. Ahithophel, 2 Sam. 15-17
 Wise man, counselor to David, 2 Sam. 16:23
 Betrayed God’s anointed, 2 Sam. 15:12, 31
 Outlined plan to kill David, 2 Sam. 16:15-17:4
 Advice dismissed, 2 Sam. 17:5-22
 Took his own life, 2 Sam. 17:23

7. Judas, Mt. 26, 27
 Betrayed the Lord’s anointed, Mt. 26:14-50
 Greedy & materialistic, Jn. 12:4-6
 Realized his guilt, Mt. 27:3
 Tried to alleviate his guilt, Mt. 27:3, 4
 Hanged himself, Mt. 27:5

8. Judas, Mt. 26, 27
 Could have turned out different
• Peter repented & was faithful, Jn. 21
• Rahab the harlot became faithful, Heb. 11
• Saul of Tarsus – Apostle Paul, 1 Cor. 15:10

9. It does not solve problems for you
 Sin by taking your own life, Rev. 21:8
 Other sins still against you, Lk. 13:3

10. It does not solve problems with others
 Problems not solved – did not disappear
 Problems remain permanently unresolved

11. Perhaps the most selfish act
 Only thinking of your pain & your relief
 Want those left behind to feel guilty

12. Suicide is for those who are too weak
to face their problems
 Not a noble thing

13. Died faithful to God, Heb. 11:32

14. Died fighting God’s enemies, Judges 16:23-30
 Prisoner & slave
 Philistines involved in idolatrous worship
 Called on the Lord, Judges 16:28
 Received strength, Judges 16:29, 30

15. Died fighting God’s enemies, Judges 16:23-30
 Similar cases
• Firefighter
• Soldier

16. What do Saul, Ahithophel, and Judas
have in common?
 Suicide
 “the intentional taking of one’s own life”
• Literally: self-kill or self-murder
• Why – loss of hope or to make a point

17. Suicide is condemned in the Bible
& should never be an option
 God gave life, Gen. 1:26, 27
 Life is sacred, Gen. 9:6
 No right to take it unlawfully
• Others: homicide
• Self: suicide