𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗗𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗬

FROM DUST TO DESTINY

“The Frailty of the Flesh and the Glory of Grace”
Key Text: 2 Corinthians 5:1
Right Division: 2 Timothy 2:15
Pauline Emphasis: Romans–Philemon

INTRODUCTION

The image reminds us of an unavoidable truth: the human body decays.
No matter wealth, religion, or works—flesh returns to dust.

But the gospel revealed to Paul shows something greater: the believer’s hope is not in the body, but in Christ.
Death exposes the weakness of flesh—but grace reveals eternal life.

DECAY — The Certainty of Corruption
Genesis 3:19 | Ecclesiastes 12:7

A. Flesh Is Temporary — From dust, to dust
B. Sin Accelerated Death — Adam’s fall
C. No Flesh Escapes Decay — Universal truth
Insight: Physical decay proves we need a spiritual solution.

DETERIORATION — The Weakness of the Body
Psalm 103:14–16 | Romans 8:10

A. The Body Is Fragile — Easily broken
B. Sin Dwells in the Flesh — Mortality reigns
C. Time Always Wins — No exceptions
Pauline Truth: The flesh is not redeemed—the spirit is.

DEATH — The Wages of Sin
Romans 6:23 | Hebrews 9:27

A. Death Is Appointed — One appointment all keep
B. Sin Earned Death — Wages paid
C. No Second Chance in Flesh — Judgment follows
Dispensational Clarity: Death ends human effort—grace must come before.

DECEPTION — Trusting the Temporary
Matthew 16:26 | 1 Timothy 6:7

A. Religion Cannot Stop Decay
B. Works Cannot Preserve Life
C. Fleshly Confidence Fails
Warning: Anything outside Christ ends in the grave.

DELIVERANCE — Christ Conquered Death
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 | Hebrews 2:14

A. Christ Died in the Flesh — Truly human
B. Christ Rose Victorious — Death defeated
C. Christ Offers Life — Freely given
Pauline Gospel: The empty tomb answers the decaying body.

DISTINCTION — Body vs. Soul
2 Corinthians 5:8 | Philippians 1:21–23

A. Body Returns to Dust
B. Soul Goes to the Lord
C. Separation Is Temporary
Right Division: Believers do not sleep in the grave—they are with Christ.

DESTINY — Two Eternal Outcomes
Romans 5:12 | Romans 5:18

A. In Adam — Death
B. In Christ — Life
C. Choice Is Now
Focus: Eternal destiny is decided before decomposition.

DELAY — Resurrection Is Coming
1 Corinthians 15:51–53 | 1 Thessalonians 4:16

A. Bodies Will Be Raised
B. Corruption Will Put on Incorruption
C. Glory Replaces Decay
Pauline Hope: This body may rot—but not forever.

DECISION — Believe Before It’s Too Late
2 Corinthians 6:2 | Romans 10:9–10

A. Today Is the Day of Salvation
B. Faith Saves Instantly
C. Grace Secures Eternally
Dispensational Urgency: The grave is real—but so is grace.

CONCLUSION

The image shows what happens to the body.
The Bible reveals what happens to the soul.
Flesh decays
Religion fails
Works end
Grace saves
Christ lives
Hope is eternal

CALL TO ACTION

Do not prepare your body for burial—
Prepare your soul for eternity
Believe the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1–4)
Trust Christ alone
Rest in grace, not flesh

FINAL THOUGHTS

Decay is certain
Flesh is failing
Death is appointed
Religion cannot save
Christ conquered death
The soul lives on
Destiny is determined now
Resurrection is coming
Grace is the only hope

Rightly Divide
Rightly Believe
Rightly Live