Aligning Our Vision with Eternity's Purpose
Summary
In today's message, I emphasized the critical importance of aligning our vision with the concept of eternity. I began by highlighting that our ultimate purpose, whether in our homes or cities, is eternity. I referenced 2 Corinthians 4:18, which encourages us to focus on the unseen, eternal things rather than the fleeting, visible things of this world. Similarly, Colossians 3 reminds us to seek the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God, and to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things.
I shared an illustration by Francis Chan involving a long rope representing eternity and a small portion signifying our life, to demonstrate how we often focus too much on our brief earthly existence and neglect the vastness of eternity. This perspective shift is crucial as we pursue God's vision for our lives, ensuring we don't get so caught up in the 'what' that we forget the 'why.'
I spoke about our church's commitment to being a light for middle schoolers and high schoolers in our city, emphasizing that every Sunday we spend in our current seats is a Sunday that these young people are not being reached. Our vision is to create a space where they can safely encounter Jesus, receive godly counsel, and be encouraged in their purpose.
I also addressed the danger of forgetting the 'why' in ministry and in our personal lives. I used the example of Jonah, who lost sight of his purpose and became angry when God spared Nineveh after Jonah's warning. This story serves as a reminder that our actions and gifts should always be used to turn hearts towards God.
Furthermore, I discussed the distractions that can lead us away from our 'why,' such as Martha's preoccupation with serving instead of listening to Jesus, who was teaching in her home. Our vision must always be driven by eternity, and we must constantly ask ourselves if our pursuits are ultimately for people to come to know Jesus.
I concluded by reiterating the importance of not getting comfortable with where we are but to keep moving forward with the vision God has given us. Our church's goal to raise funds for the new building is not just about physical expansion but about increasing our capacity to reach people for Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
- Our vision must transcend the temporal and be anchored in the eternal reality of God's kingdom. As we engage in our daily tasks and pursue our God-given dreams, we must continually ask ourselves if our efforts contribute to the everlasting impact on souls. [52:13 <2_weKtIv1pA>]
- The story of Jonah serves as a powerful reminder that even when we are walking in our calling, we must guard against becoming so focused on our tasks that we lose sight of the reason behind them. Our ministry and work should always be about leading others to repentance and a relationship with God. [01:03:46 <2_weKtIv1pA>]
- The example of Martha and Mary teaches us that even noble tasks can become distractions if they cause us to miss the presence of Jesus. We must prioritize our relationship with Christ above all service and ensure that our service flows from a heart attuned to Him. [01:12:10 <2_weKtIv1pA>]
- When evaluating whether a vision is from God, we should consider whether it aligns with His heart for people to know Him. If our pursuits are not ultimately aimed at drawing others to Christ, we need to reassess our path and realign with God's purpose. [01:14:11 <2_weKtIv1pA>]
- As a church and as individuals, we must not become complacent with our current state but always strive to expand our reach for the gospel. Every aspect of our ministry should be designed to increase our capacity to bring people into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. [01:16:19 <2_weKtIv1pA>]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 4:18 (AMP) - "So we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are unseen; for the things which are visible are temporal [just brief and fleeting], but the things which are invisible are everlasting and imperishable."
2. Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV) - "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
3. Jonah 4:1-4 (NIV) - "But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord, 'Isn't this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.' But the Lord replied, 'Is it right for you to be angry?'"
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Corinthians 4:18, what are we encouraged to focus on, and why?
2. In Colossians 3:1-2, what does Paul instruct believers to set their hearts and minds on, and what is the significance of this instruction?
3. How did Jonah react when God spared Nineveh, and what does this reveal about his understanding of his mission? [01:03:46 <2_weKtIv1pA>]
4. What was Martha's main distraction when Jesus visited her home, and how did Jesus respond to her concern? [01:11:21 <2_weKtIv1pA>]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to focus on the unseen and eternal things rather than the visible and temporary things, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 4:18?
2. How does setting our minds on things above, as instructed in Colossians 3:1-2, influence our daily lives and decisions?
3. What can we learn from Jonah's reaction to God's mercy towards Nineveh about maintaining the right perspective in our ministry and personal lives? [01:03:46 <2_weKtIv1pA>]
4. How does the story of Martha and Mary illustrate the potential pitfalls of being overly focused on tasks rather than on Jesus' presence? [01:11:21 <2_weKtIv1pA>]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily activities. Are there specific tasks or pursuits that distract you from focusing on eternity? How can you realign your focus this week? [01:12:10 <2_weKtIv1pA>]
2. Think about a time when you were so focused on achieving a goal that you lost sight of the reason behind it. How can you ensure that your future goals are aligned with God's eternal purpose? [01:00:04 <2_weKtIv1pA>]
3. Jonah struggled with understanding God's compassion for Nineveh. Is there a group of people or a situation where you find it hard to extend God's grace? How can you change your perspective to align with God's heart? [01:03:46 <2_weKtIv1pA>]
4. Martha was distracted by her service while Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet. In your current season of life, how can you prioritize spending time with Jesus over your busy schedule? [01:11:21 <2_weKtIv1pA>]
5. Our church is focused on reaching middle schoolers and high schoolers. How can you personally contribute to this vision, whether through prayer, volunteering, or financial support? [01:19:29 <2_weKtIv1pA>]
6. Identify one area in your life where you have become complacent. What steps can you take to move forward with the vision God has given you? [01:16:19 <2_weKtIv1pA>]
7. How can you ensure that your actions and decisions this week are driven by the goal of leading others to a relationship with Jesus? [01:14:11 <2_weKtIv1pA>]
Devotional
Day 1: Eternal Perspective Shapes Vision
Eternity is not just a distant concept; it is the ultimate destination that should shape every aspect of life. When setting goals and making decisions, it is essential to weigh them against the backdrop of eternity. The temporal achievements and material possessions of this world can often distract, but they will eventually fade. Instead, one should focus on the unseen, the eternal aspects of life, which hold true value. This perspective shift is not about dismissing the importance of daily responsibilities but about infusing them with eternal significance. By doing so, one ensures that their efforts contribute to a legacy that lasts beyond their time on earth. This approach to life aligns with the heart of God, who desires for everyone to come to the knowledge of the truth and the salvation found in Jesus Christ [52:13].
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself." - Philippians 3:20-21
Reflection: How can you adjust your current goals to better reflect an eternal perspective?
Day 2: Purpose Beyond Tasks
Walking in one's calling involves more than just performing tasks; it requires a deep understanding of the 'why' behind the actions. The story of Jonah is a stark reminder that losing sight of God's purpose can lead to frustration and anger, even when one is doing what they were called to do. It is crucial to remember that the ultimate goal of any calling or ministry is to lead others to repentance and a relationship with God. This focus ensures that one's work is not just busywork but a meaningful pursuit that aligns with God's desire for all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth [01:03:46].
"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" - Mark 16:15
Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself of the 'why' behind your daily tasks to keep your focus on God's purpose?
Day 3: Service Rooted in Relationship
Service to others is a noble endeavor, but it must stem from a relationship with Christ to have true value. The example of Martha, who was preoccupied with serving to the point of missing out on Jesus' teaching, illustrates the danger of allowing even good deeds to distract from what is most important. Prioritizing time with Jesus ensures that service is an overflow of one's love for Him and not a substitute for genuine intimacy. This balance is essential for maintaining a vision that is driven by eternity and for ensuring that one's actions are always aimed at drawing others closer to Christ [01:12:10].
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." - Matthew 6:33
Reflection: Are there areas in your service where you have prioritized tasks over your relationship with Jesus? How can you realign your priorities?
Day 4: Vision Aligned with God's Heart
A vision that is truly from God will always align with His heart for people to know Him. It is important to regularly assess whether one's pursuits are aimed at drawing others to Christ. If they are not, it may be time to reassess and realign with God's purpose. This process of evaluation is not a one-time event but a continual practice that ensures one's path remains true to the calling God has placed on their life. By doing so, one can avoid the pitfalls of self-centered ambitions and instead pursue a vision that has eternal significance and honors God [01:14:11].
"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" - Matthew 16:26
Reflection: Consider your current vision or goals. How do they align with God's desire for people to come to know Him?
Day 5: Complacency Versus Gospel Expansion
As believers, it is not enough to become comfortable with the current state of affairs, whether in personal growth or church ministry. There must be a continual striving to expand the reach of the gospel. Every aspect of ministry should be designed to increase the capacity to bring people into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. This means being willing to step out of comfort zones, invest in resources, and create opportunities for others to encounter the love of God. The goal is not just physical expansion but spiritual growth and the transformation of lives through the power of the gospel [01:16:19].
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." - Galatians 6:9
Reflection: What are some ways you can contribute to the expansion of the gospel beyond your current level of involvement?
Quotes
1) "We cannot forget our why, Limitless. We cannot forget our why. Even as the church, we can't forget our why. Everything that we do when we're here in this building every Sunday, everything that happens every week, we must remember that our why is eternity. Our why is eternity. Everything we do here is to increase our capacity to reach people for Jesus." [01:16:59 <2_weKtIv1pA>] ()
2) "We get so focused on pursuing the goal, we want to pursue the business, we want to pursue the vision, we want to pursue the corner office, we want to pursue the bonus, we want to pursue the position that we forget why we're doing it. We forget the why. We're so focused, and the enemy will even use that, that we forget why God has called us to do it." [59:23 <2_weKtIv1pA>] ()
3) "The why must always be eternity. Philippians 3:12, I'm going to read it out of the message paraphrase, it says, 'I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made, but I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me.' Friends, don't get me wrong; by no means do I count myself as an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—towards Jesus." [57:10 <2_weKtIv1pA>] ()
4) "Every Sunday that we sit in these seats is a Sunday that a middle schooler and a high schooler is not being reached because we're supposed to be over there. We're supposed to be next door. We want to minister to them at a level and at a place that they can hear it, they can see it, it's in a way that they can receive it, and that they can come to know Jesus." [01:19:29 <2_weKtIv1pA>] ()
5) "We can miss the why when it comes to vision. We can be assured that our vision is god-given when our why is eternity. Why am I pursuing this dream? Why am I relentless about this vision? Why am I doing this? The answer should always be because eternity is on the line." [01:13:32 <2_weKtIv1pA>] ()
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