Ascending: Living from Heavenly Authority and Perspective
Summary
In our journey through life, we often find ourselves facing challenges and storms that seem insurmountable. It is in these moments that we must remember the power of ascending—rising above our circumstances to gain a heavenly perspective. This is not merely a physical ascent but a spiritual one, where we elevate our thoughts and align our vision with that of the Father.
The concept of ascending is deeply rooted in the understanding that we are not bound by the limitations of this world. As believers, we have been raised with Christ and are seated with Him in heavenly places. This is not a future promise but a present reality. We have been given the authority to live from this place of victory, to operate from a position of rest and peace, and to bring the realities of heaven into our earthly experiences.
When we ascend, we gain clarity. We see beyond the gray skies and the storms that threaten to overwhelm us. We find the sun that has been shining all along, obscured only by our limited perspective. Ascending allows us to see the bigger picture, to recognize that the challenges we face are not the end but rather opportunities for God to move powerfully in and through us.
Living an ascended life means recognizing that we are not bystanders but active participants in God's plan. It is not enough to see; we must also act. We must ask the Father what He is doing in the midst of our situations and join Him in His work. This requires us to step out of our comfort zones, to embrace the great adventure of faith, and to impact the world around us.
As we practice ascending, we learn to thank God for all He has done, which shifts our perspective and fills us with peace. We remember that we are not alone, that we are part of a community of believers who can help us recall God's faithfulness. We dwell on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, and in doing so, we find the strength to persevere.
In summary, ascending is about living from a place of heavenly authority and peace, recognizing our position in Christ, and actively participating in the unfolding of God's kingdom on earth. It is about seeing with the eyes of faith and allowing the King of glory to work through us as we open the gates for His presence to enter our world.
Key Takeaways:
- Ascending is not a future hope but a present reality where we live from a place of victory and authority in Christ. We are called to rise above our circumstances and gain a heavenly perspective, which empowers us to face life's challenges with clarity and peace. [01:08:57]
- We must not be content with merely observing what God is doing; we are called to action. By asking God for His perspective and joining Him in His work, we move from being bystanders to becoming catalysts for change in our world. [01:39:59]
- The practice of ascending involves a shift in focus from our problems to God's faithfulness. By thanking Him for what He has done, we cultivate a heart of gratitude that anchors us in peace and equips us to navigate life's storms. [01:27:02]
- Ascending teaches us to live in the tension between the now and the not yet. We learn to rest in God's promises and maintain hope, even when we do not see immediate fulfillment, trusting that in Christ, we ultimately win. [01:19:38]
- The ascended life is one of occupation, where we actively bring the realities of heaven to earth. As we learn to live from our heavenly position, we become agents of restoration, rebuilding lives and communities with the hope and peace of the Kingdom. [01:37:23]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 2:6 - "And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus."
2. Colossians 3:2-3 - "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God."
3. Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 2:6, where are believers seated, and with whom? How does this relate to the concept of ascending mentioned in the sermon? [01:06:12]
2. In Colossians 3:2-3, what are believers instructed to set their minds on, and why? How does this instruction help in gaining a heavenly perspective? [01:22:08]
3. Philippians 4:6-7 talks about presenting requests to God with thanksgiving. How does this practice contribute to experiencing God's peace, as mentioned in the sermon? [01:27:02]
4. The sermon mentioned that ascending involves not just seeing but also acting. What does it mean to be an active participant in God's plan according to the sermon? [01:39:59]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding our position in Christ, as described in Ephesians 2:6, change the way we face life's challenges? [01:06:12]
2. What does it mean to "set your minds on things above" in practical terms, and how can this shift in focus help us navigate difficult situations? [01:22:08]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of gratitude in shifting our perspective. How does thanking God for what He has done help us to ascend above our current circumstances? [01:27:02]
4. The concept of living in the tension between the now and the not yet was discussed. How can believers maintain hope and peace even when they do not see immediate fulfillment of God's promises? [01:19:38]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How might viewing it from a heavenly perspective, as described in Ephesians 2:6, have changed your response? [01:06:12]
2. Identify one area of your life where you struggle to set your mind on things above. What practical steps can you take this week to shift your focus? [01:22:08]
3. Think of a time when you felt overwhelmed by your circumstances. How did practicing gratitude, as suggested in Philippians 4:6-7, help you find peace? If you haven't tried this, how can you start? [01:27:02]
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of not just observing but also acting. What is one specific action you can take this week to join God in His work in your community? [01:39:59]
5. How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude in your daily life to help you ascend above your current problems? Share one specific practice you will implement. [01:27:02]
6. Reflect on a promise of God that you are still waiting to see fulfilled. How can you maintain hope and peace in the waiting, trusting that in Christ, you ultimately win? [01:19:38]
7. The sermon talked about being agents of restoration. Identify one area in your community where you can actively bring the realities of heaven to earth. What steps will you take to make an impact? [01:37:23]
Devotional
Day 1: Victory in Present Reality
Ascending into the spiritual realm is not a distant dream but a current state of being for those in Christ. This concept is rooted in the belief that as followers of Jesus, individuals are not confined by earthly limitations. The truth is that believers are spiritually seated with Christ in the heavens, a position that grants them authority and victory over life's challenges. This authority is not something to be passively acknowledged but actively lived out. It is a call to view life's obstacles from a higher perspective, one that sees beyond the immediate to the eternal victory that is already won in Christ. By embracing this ascended life, one can navigate through storms with a sense of peace and clarity, knowing that they are operating from a place of divine empowerment. [07:40]
Ephesians 2:6-7 (ESV): "And raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: How can you practice living from your position of victory in Christ in a practical situation you are currently facing?
Day 2: Catalysts for Kingdom Change
The call to ascend is not merely about gaining a new perspective; it is about becoming an active participant in the unfolding of God's kingdom on earth. It is not enough to observe from a distance; one must engage with what the Father is doing. This engagement means stepping out in faith, asking God for His vision in the midst of circumstances, and joining Him in His transformative work. It requires courage to leave comfort zones and become agents of change, impacting the world with the love and power of the Kingdom. By doing so, believers embody the call to be the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing hope and restoration wherever they go. [01:39:59]
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: What is one way you can join in God's work in your community this week, and how will you take the first step?
Day 3: Gratitude Anchors Peace
Ascending involves shifting focus from the problems at hand to the faithfulness of God. It is about cultivating a heart of gratitude by remembering and thanking God for His past deeds, which in turn anchors the soul in peace. This practice of thanksgiving changes one's outlook, enabling them to see life's storms not as insurmountable obstacles but as opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and provision. Gratitude becomes a powerful tool that equips believers to persevere through challenges with a steadfast heart, confident in the knowledge that they are never alone and that God's faithfulness is unchanging. [01:27:02]
Colossians 3:15-17 (ESV): "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: Can you identify a recent challenge where you can shift your focus to God's faithfulness and offer gratitude today?
Day 4: Resting in the Tension of Now and Not Yet
The ascended life teaches believers to live in the tension between the present reality and the future fulfillment of God's promises. It is about maintaining hope and resting in the assurance that, in Christ, victory is certain, even when it is not immediately visible. This hope is not passive; it is an active trust that empowers individuals to persevere through trials, knowing that God's timing is perfect and His plans are good. By resting in this tension, believers can experience peace amidst uncertainty and continue to walk in faith, looking forward to the complete realization of God's kingdom. [01:19:38]
Hebrews 6:18-19 (ESV): "So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain."
Reflection: What promise of God are you waiting for, and how can you actively rest in the assurance of its fulfillment?
Day 5: Agents of Heavenly Restoration
Living an ascended life means being an occupier of the heavenly realm, bringing its realities to bear on the earth. It is about recognizing the authority given to believers to impact lives and communities with the hope and peace of the Kingdom. As agents of restoration, individuals are called to rebuild what is broken, to offer healing and wholeness in a world that is longing for the touch of the divine. This occupation is not a passive waiting for heaven but an active engagement in the here and now, working to manifest the love, joy, and peace of the Kingdom in tangible ways. [01:37:23]
Isaiah 58:12 (ESV): "And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in."
Reflection: In what specific area can you be an agent of restoration today, and what action will you take to initiate this process?
Quotes
1) "Ascend represents a perspective. It's about learning to live from one place into the other, accessing a realm that allows us to see in a different way." [01:22:13](Download | Download)
2) "When we talk about practice, there is a training and a practice that we're learning. Rather than everything happening to me, I'm learning how to sit and rest in this position of being ascended, my ascended life, who I really am in Christ." [01:34:40](Download | Download)
3) "There's something about our perspective that needs to change, that we start to have the perspective of heaven, the mind of Christ. It's when we begin to get that, we're looking for that. And where do you find that? You find it in the place of peace and you find it seated with him." [01:33:25](Download | Download)
4) "We have been seated in heavenly places with Christ. Present tense, we have ascended. This whole idea of ascending is to lift up, to elevate, but also to occupy." [01:08:57](Download | Download)
5) "The ascended life is about learning to live in the tension of what Jesus said, the things he did, the things he expects us to do, and sometimes the also reality that we've not seen it yet." [01:19:38](Download | Download)
6) "There's something about dwelling on the right things. Again, it's not that you're not going to encounter problems and situations. It's what we do in the midst of it. In the midst of it, I can realize that even though these things are happening around me and even to me, it's not the end." [01:29:40](Download | Download)
7) "We are in this place where, like it's already been signed. The treaty's already been signed, but we are in this place of we're learning to occupy. So I just want you to picture the King of glory. And us as gateways, we're opening up the gates." [01:51:49](Download | Download)
8) "It's not enough just to see, because if all I do is see, I'm just okay to be a bystander, or do I want to be part of the solution? When I can see what's really happening, I don't get caught up into the fray." [01:39:59](Download | Download)
9) "There's something about learning to ascend in the heavenly realm as seated with him and that needs to become your home. That becomes my normal operating system, my normal place of operating, that I'm operating from that place." [01:18:09](Download | Download)
10) "Sometimes what we want the most is we want our situation to change and he's trying to change our perspective. The situation won't. But he is more concerned about us becoming sometimes than even the end result." [01:24:17](Download | Download)
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