DEPRESSION, SUICIDE, AND THE BIBLE’S ANSWERS

John 10:10

Introduction:

Depression and suicide are real issues prevailing in our society, and usually among students and young professionals.
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people aged 15-29, and one of the most common factors that lead
people to killing their own self is depression. Over 800,000 people every year take their lives.

The reality and impact of depression and suicide affects not just unbelievers, but even believers as well. It cannot be
simply dismissed as a trivial matter. We cannot afford to overlook or ignore it as “just another dramatic episode.” Our
failure to prepare ourselves for these risks may cost a life.

And because the Bible is a complete book that addresses each and every issue of life throughout all ages, it also provides
us with the answers we need to face them. Whether you are going through a difficult and depressing moment, or whether
you are dealing with someone in deep despair, this message is for you.

Message:
1. The Real Score about Suicide and Depression:
- Depression is the leading factor behind suicide. In its severe form, depression is shown by the following signs
and symptoms:
a. Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness
b. Angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, even over small matters
c. Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities,
d. Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
e. Tiredness and lack of energy, so even small tasks take extra effort
f. Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain
g. Anxiety, agitation or restlessness
h. Slowed thinking, speaking or body movements
i. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt, fixating on past failures or self-blame
j. Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
k. Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts or suicide
l. Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches

- But depression is just one of the many factors that could lead to suicide. The inability to deal with life’s
stresses, conflict, disaster, violence, abuse, state of loss, alcohol and other addictive behaviors, and a sense of
isolation, are others that bring about suicidal thoughts.
- The next step to harboring suicidal thoughts is the attempt. The problem with a suicidal attempt is that a prior
attempt escalates the feeling of wanting to do it again.

2. Seven instances of suicide in the Bible:

a. King Saul – Because of defeat by the enemy and great fear after being wounded, Saul chose to end his
life, rather than face abuse by his captors. When his armor-bearer refused to kill him at his request, he
took his own life by falling on his sword. (1 Sam. 31:3-5)
b. Armor-bearer to Saul – Out of hopelessness and terror after seeing that Saul was dead, this assistant to the
king impulsively took his life as well. (1 Sam. 31:5)
c. Samson – In his great drive for revenge, Samson was willing to die when he killed the Philistines in the
crowded temple that day. Braced between two pillars, he used his final strength to push them down, and
take his own life along with his enemies. (Judges 16:25-30)
d. Abimelech – This king over Israel was ruthless and cruel. His evil knew no limits, and after killing many
people, and even taking the lives of 69 of his 70 half-brothers, God allowed one woman to stop him. After
 she dropped a millstone on his head, he was so injured that his pride led him to take his own life. So that
no one could “say a woman killed him.” (Judges 9:50-55)
e. Ahithophel – As a one-time close companion of David, and grandfather of Bathsheba, Ahithophel
eventually took up the cause of Absalom’s rise against him. But when he noticed that his advice had not
been taken to lead to final defeat over David’s army, out of possible fear, rejection, or complete
hopelessness, he chose to go home, “put his house in order, and then hanged himself.” (2 Samuel 17:23)
f. Zimri – As an evil king of Israel and facing utter defeat, Zimri saw no way out, except to take his own
life. He set the palace on fire and died in it, rather than choose to face his enemy. (1 Kings 16:15-20)
g. Judas – In great despair and guilt after betraying Christ, the burden Judas carried led him to choose
suicide. His story is probably the most well-known account in the Bible on the tragedy of suicide. He was
Jesus’ own disciple, he walked with him, he was close to him, but yet he still didn’t “know” him. And
instead of repenting and seeking forgiveness after betraying Christ, he allowed the great burden of sin to
lead him to this terrible end.  (Matt. 27:3-4)

3. Knowing The Devil’s Ploy to Discourage Us (John 10:10; 2 Cor 12:7; 2 Cor 7:5)
“Discouragement is of the devil.” Our adversary uses discouragement to weaken us and make us depressed. No
believer is depression-proof, unless his heart and mind is preserved from it by the Word of Hope.

4. The Bible’s Provisions of Hope and Encouragement

a. You do not need to live in fear (1 Tim 1:7)
b. The Lord is ever near those who are going through tough times (Psa 34:18-19)
c. You can always turn to God when you cannot turn to anyone else (Psa 55:22; 1 Pet 5:5)
d. There is no condemnation in Christ (Rom 8:1)
e. God is greater than any depressing moment in your life (1 John 4:4)

CONCLUSION:
When you fail, It is never the end—God’s plans are always beautiful and better, and you cannot afford to miss it by taking
your life (Jer 29:11)