Embracing Eternal Life: A Spiritual Posture for Today
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, I want to talk about the importance of having a spiritual posture that allows us to live life well, even amidst the challenges and struggles we face. Debbie and I have been in ministry for nearly 48 years, and I can tell you that having a partner in faith makes all the difference. Life is not always easy; it's often disordered and misaligned with God's purposes. But as believers, we should wake up every day expecting the best, not based on our circumstances, but on God's promises.
We need to adopt an "athletic position" in our spiritual lives, much like athletes do in sports. This means being ready and prepared to face whatever comes our way. Paul, in his letter to Timothy, encourages us to "fight the good fight of faith" and to "lay hold of eternal life." Eternal life is not just something we look forward to after death; it's something we can experience now. When we made our good confession and accepted Jesus, we received a part of this eternal life. This should shape our daily expectations and actions.
Eternal life is about receiving God's love and reflecting His glory. It's about investing in things that have eternal value, like how we treat others and how we live out our faith. This investment is not just for the afterlife but has immediate implications for how we experience life now. Pain and suffering are inevitable, but they don't have to define us. Instead, we should let the promise of eternal life shape our perspective and give us hope.
We need to pull pieces of eternity into our present lives. This means living with the expectation that God will show up in our daily struggles and victories. Even a crumb from God's table is enough to sustain us and bring about miraculous changes in our lives. So, let's get up every morning in the "athletic position," ready to fight the good fight of faith, and expect God to move in powerful ways.
### Key Takeaways
1. Spiritual Posture and Readiness: Just as athletes prepare themselves physically, we must adopt a spiritual posture of readiness every day. This means waking up with the expectation that God will help us navigate the challenges of life, not based on our circumstances but on His promises. This readiness involves a mental and spiritual alignment with God's purposes, setting the tone for a victorious day. [06:53]
2. Eternal Life Now: Eternal life is not just a future promise but a present reality. When we accepted Jesus, we received a part of this eternal life, which should shape our daily expectations and actions. This means living with the hope and assurance that God's love and glory are with us now, influencing how we interact with the world and face our struggles. [13:12]
3. Investing in Eternal Values: Our daily actions should reflect our belief in eternal life. This involves investing in things that have eternal value, such as how we treat others and live out our faith. Jesus encourages us to store up treasures in heaven, meaning that our acts of obedience and service have lasting significance, even if we don't see immediate results. [28:05]
4. Pain and Suffering: While pain and suffering are inevitable, they don't have to define us. The promise of eternal life reduces the power of pain in the here and now. By focusing on God's promises and the hope of eternal life, we can navigate life's challenges without being overwhelmed by them. This perspective allows us to keep moving forward, even when we don't have all the answers. [32:52]
5. Pulling Heaven into Our Lives: We are called to bring pieces of eternity into our present lives. This means living with the expectation that God will show up in our daily struggles and victories. Even a crumb from God's table is enough to sustain us and bring about miraculous changes. By fighting the good fight of faith, we can experience God's power and favor in our lives. [44:50]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[04:25] - Introduction and Acknowledgements
[05:42] - The Good Fight and Good Confession
[06:53] - Spiritual Posture for Life
[08:08] - Encouraging Young Believers
[09:21] - Wedding Observations
[10:40] - The Athletic Position
[11:54] - Paul's Advice to Timothy
[13:12] - Understanding Eternal Life
[14:41] - The Fight of Faith
[16:08] - Personal Struggles and Disordered Desires
[18:55] - Eternal Life Beyond Funerals
[20:29] - Present Tense Eternal Life
[21:50] - Daily Expectations and Eternal Life
[23:41] - Purpose of Creation
[25:03] - Reflecting God's Glory
[26:31] - Investing in Eternal Values
[28:05] - Practical Applications
[31:29] - Reducing the Power of Pain
[32:52] - Ecclesiastes and Life's Mysteries
[34:06] - Trees Falling and Life's Uncertainties
[37:44] - Personal Testimony
[40:35] - Transforming Power of the Holy Spirit
[42:07] - Motivated by Eternal Life
[43:31] - The Canaanite Woman's Faith
[44:50] - Crumbs from Heaven's Table
[46:22] - Pulling Heaven into Our Lives
[49:19] - Starting the Day in Prayer
[50:46] - Encouragement and Prayer
[52:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Timothy 6:11-12 (ESV): "But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses."
2. 1 John 5:11-12 (ESV): "And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life."
3. Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV): "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul instruct Timothy to pursue in 1 Timothy 6:11-12?
2. According to 1 John 5:11-12, where is eternal life found, and who possesses it?
3. In Matthew 6:19-21, what does Jesus say about where we should lay up our treasures and why?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "fighting the good fight of faith" in 1 Timothy 6:11-12 relate to our daily spiritual posture? [11:54]
2. What does it mean to "take hold of eternal life" in the present, as discussed in the sermon? [13:12]
3. How can investing in eternal values, as mentioned in Matthew 6:19-21, influence our daily actions and decisions? [28:05]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current spiritual posture. How can you adopt an "athletic position" in your spiritual life to be ready for daily challenges? [06:53]
2. Eternal life is described as a present reality. How can you let this truth shape your daily expectations and actions? [13:12]
3. Think of a specific way you can invest in eternal values this week. How can you treat others or live out your faith in a way that reflects this investment? [28:05]
4. Pain and suffering are inevitable, but they don't have to define us. How can focusing on God's promises and the hope of eternal life help you navigate a current challenge in your life? [32:52]
5. The sermon mentioned pulling pieces of eternity into our present lives. What is one practical way you can live with the expectation that God will show up in your daily struggles and victories? [44:50]
6. How can you start your day in a way that sets a positive spiritual tone, similar to the pastor's practice of starting the day in prayer? [49:19]
7. Identify a specific area in your life where you need a "crumb from God's table." How can you actively seek God's intervention and expect miraculous changes? [44:50]
Devotional
Day 1: Spiritual Readiness for Daily Life
We must adopt a spiritual posture of readiness every day, much like athletes prepare themselves physically. This means waking up with the expectation that God will help us navigate the challenges of life, not based on our circumstances but on His promises. This readiness involves a mental and spiritual alignment with God's purposes, setting the tone for a victorious day. By starting each day in an "athletic position," we are prepared to face whatever comes our way, trusting that God will provide the strength and guidance we need.
This spiritual posture is not passive but active, requiring us to be vigilant and proactive in our faith. It means being alert to the opportunities and challenges that come our way and responding to them with faith and confidence in God's promises. When we align our hearts and minds with God's purposes, we can approach each day with a sense of purpose and expectation, knowing that God is with us and will help us overcome any obstacles we face. [06:53]
1 Peter 1:13 (ESV): "Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take each morning to align your heart and mind with God's purposes, setting the tone for a victorious day?
Day 2: Experiencing Eternal Life Now
Eternal life is not just a future promise but a present reality. When we accepted Jesus, we received a part of this eternal life, which should shape our daily expectations and actions. This means living with the hope and assurance that God's love and glory are with us now, influencing how we interact with the world and face our struggles. Eternal life is about receiving God's love and reflecting His glory in our daily lives.
By understanding that eternal life begins now, we can live with a sense of purpose and hope, knowing that God's presence is with us in every moment. This perspective changes how we approach our daily challenges and interactions, allowing us to live with a sense of peace and assurance that God's love and glory are guiding us. [13:12]
John 17:3 (ESV): "And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent."
Reflection: How can you live today with the awareness that eternal life has already begun, and how does this change your perspective on your current challenges?
Day 3: Investing in Eternal Values
Our daily actions should reflect our belief in eternal life. This involves investing in things that have eternal value, such as how we treat others and live out our faith. Jesus encourages us to store up treasures in heaven, meaning that our acts of obedience and service have lasting significance, even if we don't see immediate results. By focusing on eternal values, we can live with a sense of purpose and fulfillment, knowing that our actions have lasting impact.
Investing in eternal values means prioritizing relationships, acts of kindness, and living out our faith in tangible ways. It means making choices that reflect our commitment to God's kingdom and His purposes, even when it requires sacrifice or goes against the grain of worldly values. [28:05]
Matthew 6:20-21 (ESV): "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can invest in eternal values today, and how can you make this a regular part of your life?
Day 4: Overcoming Pain and Suffering
While pain and suffering are inevitable, they don't have to define us. The promise of eternal life reduces the power of pain in the here and now. By focusing on God's promises and the hope of eternal life, we can navigate life's challenges without being overwhelmed by them. This perspective allows us to keep moving forward, even when we don't have all the answers. By trusting in God's promises, we can find strength and hope in the midst of our struggles.
Understanding that pain and suffering are temporary and that God's promises are eternal helps us to endure difficult times with faith and resilience. It allows us to see beyond our current circumstances and trust that God is working all things for our good. [32:52]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from your current pain and suffering to the eternal promises of God, and what practical steps can you take to maintain this perspective?
Day 5: Bringing Heaven into Our Lives
We are called to bring pieces of eternity into our present lives. This means living with the expectation that God will show up in our daily struggles and victories. Even a crumb from God's table is enough to sustain us and bring about miraculous changes. By fighting the good fight of faith, we can experience God's power and favor in our lives. Living with this expectation allows us to see God's hand at work in our daily lives and to trust in His provision and guidance.
Bringing heaven into our lives means living with a sense of anticipation and faith, knowing that God is present and active in our daily experiences. It means looking for and recognizing the ways in which God is working in our lives and responding with gratitude and faith. [44:50]
Matthew 15:27-28 (ESV): "She said, 'Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table.' Then Jesus answered her, 'O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.' And her daughter was healed instantly."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to see God's miraculous provision, and how can you live with the expectation that He will show up in those areas today?
Quotes
1. "I think it's real important that when you get up every day as a believer, that you're going, okay, this life is pretty much messed up. The world around us is pretty, not always godly. Could we agree on that? That you're going to get up and it's going to be, there's going to be a struggle involved with it. There's, there's issues. I mean, as I've gotten older, I don't move too quick. When I wake up, I move real slow to see which parts are working." [06:53] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I think you should expect for the very best. I think you should get up every morning and go, doggone it. This is going to be an amazing day. And, and God is going to help me. I'm not basing my hope on what's going on out there, what's going on around me, or even what's going on in me. I'm basing on what his word says, what is possible, which is within reach by faith. And I'm going to go lay a hold of it and get a hold of some, I think everybody should wake up every day thinking that." [07:30] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You got to live a life in such a way with a certain set of expectancies that makes young people want to go out and do what you're saying. Hey, if you'll do this, you'll succeed. There is a posture. There is a posture in which you can win. You can win more than other people are winning. Can we guarantee everybody's going to get through everything and skate through? Absolutely not. It's never happened. Never will." [08:40] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "But can we say, Hey, there is a way to live, to experience more victory than most people are. And I think that's what we should believe for this morning. Amen. So I think you had a wedding here yesterday. It's my understanding. And I'm assuming it was a young couple. You have to ask because, you know, everybody's getting married, all different things now." [09:00] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Just because we go through something doesn't mean what we believed at first wasn't absolutely true. Absolutely true. And so this whole thing of what I want to teach today in getting beyond survival into thriving, and I think is very possible in life. And it's like getting in the athletic position." [10:20] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "So when we see the term fight, he doesn't say go out and play the fight, the game of faith. He doesn't try the game of faith. He says, fight it, right? So that means to fight the fight of faith. And everybody in this room knows a fight is intense. It's emotional. It's, it's passionate. It's, it's committed. If you're in a fight with somebody, you just, you're, you're shooting, you're hitting, you're doing whatever you had to do. You're fighting. It's very intentional." [13:12] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "So when we made the good confession, Paul said in first Timothy, when we made the good confession, surrendered our life to Jesus, confessed him as our Lord and Savior, we received eternal life. When the Holy Spirit came and the deposit of the Holy Spirit came in us, we received eternal life. So that means we have something of what is fulfilled there. We have something of what is fulfilled there. We have something of what is fulfilled there. We have some of it now." [20:29] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "So what's your expectation going to be? Well, I don't see much eternal life around me. I'm going to lay hold of it and I'm going to bring it here. So what is eternal life? It's the life we'll experience for all eternity. So you could go through whatever you describe eternal life to be whenever you get to heaven. That is eternal life. That is eternal life. That is eternal life. That is eternal life in its full description." [21:50] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "So that means in this place that whenever we're experiencing eternal life, we're experiencing his love and reflecting his glory. All right, that's what's happening. Now, I wanted you to take a few things home with you on this whole eternal life thing. So I'm going to break through these real quick, and then I'm going to make this short. Super practical." [25:03] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The best way to live your Christian life is to know you're investing and not demand results now. When you go, it didn't work. What do you mean it didn't work? Are you telling me that what you did in obedience and in faith did not go forward into heaven? And if you weren't rewarded here, you won't be rewarded there. You would be saying the Bible is a liar. You don't always get your return now, but you always get your return." [29:30] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?