Building a Life of Eternal Significance in Christ

 

Summary

In our journey of faith, it is crucial to understand that God desires to be intricately involved in every aspect of our lives. As stated in 1 Corinthians 10:31, whether we eat, drink, or engage in any activity, it should all be done for the glory of God. This means that our decisions, choices, and relationships should be built on the foundation of Jesus Christ, ensuring they have eternal value. Much like the story of the Three Little Pigs, the materials we use to build our lives matter. If we choose earthly, perishable materials, our lives will not withstand the trials and judgments of God. However, if we build with the indestructible materials of faith and obedience, our lives will have lasting significance.

At the Judgment Seat of Christ, God will evaluate four key areas of our lives: our deeds, desires, declarations, and dependability. Our deeds will be scrutinized to determine if they were performed with eternal value in mind or if they were merely temporal and self-serving. Even the smallest acts, like offering a cup of cold water in His name, will be rewarded if they are done with God in mind. Our desires and thoughts will also be judged, as God knows the secrets of our hearts. Nothing will remain hidden, and our true intentions will be revealed.

Furthermore, our words will be examined. Every careless word, whether a curse or a blessing, will be accounted for. Our conversations are not just between us and others; God is always present, recording our words for judgment. Lastly, our dependability will be assessed. God values faithfulness and consistency, not just sporadic acts of devotion. He desires a relationship with us that is steadfast and reliable, much like a trustworthy steward.

Ultimately, God seeks authenticity in our faith. He will reveal whether our lives were built on genuine faith or if they were mere imitations. On the day of judgment, the true nature of our faith will be exposed, and only those who have built their lives on the solid foundation of Christ will stand.

Key Takeaways:

- Eternal Value in Daily Life: Every decision and action should be made with the intention of glorifying God, ensuring that our lives have eternal significance. Building on the foundation of Christ transforms our earthly actions into indestructible treasures. [00:40]

- The Importance of Genuine Deeds: Our actions are not just about what we do but how we do them. Even the smallest act, when done in God's name, holds eternal value. This calls us to live intentionally, ensuring our deeds align with God's will. [03:30]

- The Weight of Our Thoughts and Desires: God will judge not only our actions but also our innermost thoughts and desires. This challenges us to cultivate a heart and mind that align with God's truth, knowing that nothing is hidden from Him. [04:25]

- Power of Words: Our words carry weight and will be accounted for in the day of judgment. This reminds us to speak with intention and kindness, understanding that our conversations are always in the presence of God. [05:44]

- Faithfulness and Dependability: God values consistency in our relationship with Him. Sporadic acts of devotion are not enough; He desires a faithful and dependable walk with Him, reflecting a genuine commitment to our faith. [07:49]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:40] - Glorifying God in All Things
- [01:12] - Building with Eternal Materials
- [02:03] - The Judgment Seat of Christ
- [02:20] - Evaluating Our Deeds
- [03:08] - The Significance of Small Acts
- [03:50] - Judging Desires and Thoughts
- [04:25] - Nothing Hidden from God
- [05:25] - Accountability for Our Words
- [06:24] - The Presence of God in Conversations
- [07:00] - Dependability in Faith
- [08:23] - The Importance of Consistency
- [09:02] - Revealing True Faith
- [10:12] - Identifying Genuine Faith
- [11:11] - The Real Deal in Faith

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 10:31
2. Matthew 12:36
3. 1 Corinthians 4:2

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Observation Questions:

1. According to 1 Corinthians 10:31, what should be the motivation behind our daily actions and decisions? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on glorifying God in all things? [00:40]

2. In Matthew 12:36, what does Jesus say about the words we speak? How does this relate to the sermon’s point about the power of our words? [05:25]

3. What does 1 Corinthians 4:2 say about the qualities of a steward? How does this connect to the sermon’s discussion on dependability and faithfulness? [07:00]

4. How does the story of the Three Little Pigs illustrate the importance of the materials we use to build our lives, as mentioned in the sermon? [01:12]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of doing everything for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31) challenge the way people typically make decisions in their daily lives? [00:40]

2. What might be the implications of knowing that every word we speak is recorded and will be accounted for, as stated in Matthew 12:36? How does this affect the way people communicate? [05:25]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God evaluates the authenticity of our faith? How does this relate to the idea of being a dependable steward as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 4:2? [07:00]

4. How does the sermon’s analogy of the Three Little Pigs help illustrate the difference between building a life with eternal versus temporal materials? [01:12]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did you consider or not consider the glory of God in that decision? What might you do differently next time? [00:40]

2. Think about your daily conversations. Are there specific words or phrases you use that might not align with the idea of speaking with intention and kindness? How can you change this? [05:25]

3. Identify an area in your life where you struggle with consistency in your faith. What steps can you take to become more dependable in that area? [07:00]

4. Consider your current desires and thoughts. Are there any that you feel might not align with God’s truth? How can you work on aligning them more closely with His will? [04:25]

5. Reflect on a time when you acted with genuine faith. What was the outcome, and how did it impact your relationship with God? How can you replicate this in other areas of your life? [09:02]

6. How can you ensure that your actions, even the smallest ones, are done with eternal value in mind? Can you think of a specific small act you can do this week with God in mind? [03:30]

7. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your life is built on the solid foundation of Christ, rather than on perishable materials? [01:12]

Devotional

Day 1: Living with Eternal Intent

In our daily lives, every decision and action should be made with the intention of glorifying God, ensuring that our lives have eternal significance. This means that whether we are at work, at home, or in our communities, our actions should reflect the values and teachings of Jesus Christ. By building our lives on the foundation of Christ, we transform our earthly actions into indestructible treasures that withstand the trials and judgments of God. This perspective encourages us to evaluate our priorities and align them with God's eternal purposes, rather than temporary, worldly gains. [00:40]

"For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done." (1 Corinthians 3:11-13, ESV)

Reflection: What is one decision you can make today that prioritizes eternal significance over temporary satisfaction?


Day 2: The Heart Behind Our Actions

Our actions are not just about what we do but how we do them. Even the smallest act, when done in God's name, holds eternal value. This calls us to live intentionally, ensuring our deeds align with God's will. It is not enough to perform good deeds; the motivation behind them must be rooted in a desire to honor God. This perspective challenges us to examine our intentions and ensure that our actions are not self-serving but are genuinely aimed at glorifying God and serving others. [03:30]

"Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 7:20-21, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a recent act of kindness you performed. What was your true motivation behind it, and how can you ensure your future actions align with God's will?


Day 3: Aligning Desires with God's Truth

God will judge not only our actions but also our innermost thoughts and desires. This challenges us to cultivate a heart and mind that align with God's truth, knowing that nothing is hidden from Him. Our desires should reflect a longing for God's righteousness and a commitment to His purposes. By aligning our thoughts and desires with God's truth, we ensure that our lives are not only outwardly righteous but also inwardly pure and pleasing to God. [04:25]

"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalm 139:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: What is one desire or thought pattern you need to surrender to God today to align more closely with His truth?


Day 4: The Impact of Our Words

Our words carry weight and will be accounted for in the day of judgment. This reminds us to speak with intention and kindness, understanding that our conversations are always in the presence of God. Every word we speak has the potential to build up or tear down, to bless or to curse. By being mindful of our words, we can ensure that our speech reflects the love and grace of God, contributing to a culture of encouragement and truth. [05:44]

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent conversation where your words may not have reflected God's love. How can you approach future conversations with more intention and kindness?


Day 5: Consistent Faithfulness

God values consistency in our relationship with Him. Sporadic acts of devotion are not enough; He desires a faithful and dependable walk with Him, reflecting a genuine commitment to our faith. This means that our relationship with God should be marked by regular, intentional practices that demonstrate our love and dedication to Him. By cultivating a consistent faith, we build a life that is resilient and deeply rooted in God's promises. [07:49]

"Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy." (1 Corinthians 4:2, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one spiritual practice you can commit to regularly to deepen your relationship with God and demonstrate your faithfulness.

Quotes


matter the Bible says in first Corinthians 10:31 whether you eat or drink or whatever you do do all to the glory of God God wants to be involved in all the idiosyncratic elements of your existence he wants to be involved in all the decisions he wants to be involved in all the choices and all the directions and all the relationship he wants to be involved in the whole thing so that it has Eternal value attached to it so that it has the value of gold silver precious stones which is indestructible [00:27]

the moment you attach God two life decisions on the foundation of Jesus Christ you've now established value in your existence one of the reasons why so many people even Christians live lives without values is they're operating with the wrong material they are Earthbound and once you Earthbound that is you have no spiritual Eternal perspective attached then you are operating on that which will not stand the test on the day at the Judgment seat of Christ [01:23]

at the Judgment seat of Christ when he rolls my tape and rolls your tape he's going to discuss with you and me four things four things the first thing he's going to discuss are our works the Deeds that we did he talks about the works each man's work verse 13 each man's work those are the Deeds you perform whether the acts that you did did were of value to Eternity or they were only Earthbound they were temporal they had no Eternal attachment to it [02:00]

he's not only going to judge what you did but what you were thinking what you were thinking this judgment is so precise so intense Luke chap 12 verses 2 and three puts it this way but there is nothing covered that will not be revealed and hidden that will not be known that's right accordingly whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light and whatever you whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the rooftops [04:13]

Matthew chapter 12: 36 excuse me but I tell you that every careless word that people speak they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment for by your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned so every cuss word and Every curse word two different things c c us SS profanity curse c r s e wishing evil upon people he says every one of those have been recorded [05:35]

Jesus Christ then is a part of every conversation everybody time you talk to somebody it's not just the somebody you're talking to it's God taping the conversation and it is part of the Judgment I know some of you are mad you even came to church today cuz you just I don't need to hear this he's going to judge your Deeds he's going to judge desires he's going to judge declarations and then he's going to judge dependability [06:34]

1 Corinthians 4:2 says it's accounted unto a steward to be faithful could he depend on you you know some some some of you are married to people and they only remember you on special days they got you on your birthday they got you for Christmas they got you for your anniversary but in between those special days you don't hear much from them you don't get much niceness from them but they going to show up for the special days [07:07]

God's got a lot of children who show up for special days they'll come for the big programs of special things but in terms of consistently walking with him loving him serving him they'll they they'll they'll they'll serve in a Ministry this month they'll skip 6 months pop back up another month cuz they weren't faithful they weren't Dependable but we don't want that in our lives we don't want people working with us who you can't depend on [07:40]

on that day he will know whether it was gold or goldplated because if it's goldplated people can think it's gold when only it's camouflaged and it shows up not to be gold he will be able to demonstrate whether it was diamond or cut glass cuz cut glass can kind of look like diamonds if it shined up real nice and you could think it with diamond when it was just glass made to appear like diamonds [09:02]

God has got a lot of fake Christians who look christianese on the outside but on that day when he turns it inside out it will be Christian knockoff not the real deal the real deal on Sunday in church but not the real deal as a lifestyle with their works and their words and their consistency and so he says on that day it will reveal it he wants to know did you value gold silver precious stones the free gift of salvation [10:47]

he is saying you remember the story The Three Little Pigs Don't you it was all about the material that they used to build a house the big bad wolf came and one is straw one is wood the other is Brick the first two went down only the third one stood because of the material they used [01:03]

he's going to look at them in minute detail according to Matthew chap 10 verse 42 it says he will not even miss a cup of cold water given in his name so if you offer a person a cup of cold water and attach God to the cup he says that is a rewardable work so he is not going to miss details of things done to which he was attached [03:11]

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Transcript
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