Embracing Eternal Perspective: Living with Christ's Reign
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the profound implications of living with a resurrection reality and an eternal perspective, emphasizing the transformative power of aligning our lives with Christ's reign. We began by considering the nature of our thoughts and the importance of setting our minds on heavenly things. I shared insights on how our daily habits and thoughts shape our spiritual journey, urging us to cultivate practices that focus on spiritual growth and heavenly aspirations.
We delved into the concept of being raised with Christ, which signifies a shift from earthly preoccupations to a focus on eternal values. This shift is not merely about avoiding worldly distractions but actively pursuing a life that reflects our heavenly citizenship. I discussed how this pursuit involves both our hearts and minds, requiring emotional and intellectual commitment to God's kingdom.
The narrative of Arthur from Sydney, who dedicated his life to writing the word "eternity" across the city, served as a powerful illustration of living with an eternal perspective. Arthur's story highlighted the impact one individual can have when they live out their convictions in everyday actions.
Throughout the sermon, I emphasized the importance of community and collective action in fostering a heavenly perspective. By engaging in acts of service and sharing the Gospel, we not only advance God's kingdom but also grow in our personal faith journey. This communal aspect of faith was illustrated through our interactions and shared experiences, such as the communal worship and the personal stories shared among the congregation.
As we concluded, I called on each of us to reflect on how we can align more closely with God's purposes, encouraging a response that could range from recommitment to first-time commitment to Christ. The closing prayer and benediction focused on seeking God's kingdom first, a theme that resonates through our daily choices and priorities.
### Key Takeaways
1. Living with an Eternal Perspective
Living with an eternal perspective means that our daily choices and actions are influenced by our ultimate destiny with Christ. This perspective helps us navigate life's challenges with hope and purpose, knowing that our current struggles are temporary compared to the eternal joy that awaits us. This mindset should permeate our thoughts, guiding us to invest in what is everlasting. [01:12:51]
2. The Power of a Single Word: Eternity
The story of Arthur writing "eternity" on the streets of Sydney exemplifies how a simple, consistent act can provoke deep spiritual reflection and impact in the community. This teaches us that our actions, no matter how small, can echo into eternity when they are done with a purpose that aligns with God's will. [46:57]
3. Craving the Heavenly Reign
To crave the heavenly reign of Jesus is to deeply desire His rule over every aspect of our lives. This craving leads us to surrender our personal ambitions and plans, aligning them with God's purposes. It's about letting His will and His kingdom priorities shape our daily living and decision-making. [01:00:17]
4. The Role of Community in Spiritual Growth
Engaging in a community of believers is crucial for spiritual growth. Through shared experiences, worship, and service, we not only advance God's kingdom but also find support and encouragement in our walk with Christ. This collective journey enhances our understanding of scripture and deepens our relationship with God. [01:06:51]
5. Setting Our Minds on Things Above
Setting our minds on things above involves a deliberate effort to focus our thoughts and actions on God's truths and kingdom. This practice is essential for maintaining a spiritual perspective that influences our entire being—shaping our emotions, strengthening our faith, and guiding our daily behaviors. [01:00:58]
### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
01:00:17 - Craving the Heavenly Reign
01:06:51 - The Role of Community in Spiritual Growth
01:12:51 - Living with an Eternal Perspective
46:57 - The Power of a Single Word: Eternity
01:00:58 - Setting Our Minds on Things Above
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Colossians 3:1-4 (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. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."
2. Isaiah 57:15 (NIV)
> "For this is what the high and exalted One says—he who lives forever, whose name is holy: 'I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says, "set your hearts on things above" in Colossians 3:1? How does this relate to our daily lives? [54:04]
2. In Isaiah 57:15, what does it mean that God lives "with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit"? How does this reflect God's character?
3. How did Arthur's act of writing "eternity" on the streets of Sydney serve as a practical example of living with an eternal perspective? [46:57]
4. According to the sermon, what are the emotional and intellectual aspects of setting our minds on things above? [01:00:58]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does setting our hearts and minds on things above change our perspective on earthly challenges and struggles? [49:18]
2. What does it mean to crave the heavenly reign of Jesus in our lives, and how does this craving manifest in our daily actions and decisions? [59:29]
3. How does the story of Arthur from Sydney illustrate the impact of a single, consistent act of faith on a community? What can we learn from his dedication? [46:57]
4. In what ways does engaging in a community of believers contribute to our spiritual growth and help us maintain an eternal perspective? [01:06:51]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily thoughts. What are some practical steps you can take to set your mind on things above more consistently? [48:16]
2. Arthur's story shows the power of a single word. What small, consistent act can you incorporate into your life to reflect your faith and impact those around you? [46:57]
3. How can you actively crave the heavenly reign of Jesus in your life? Identify one area where you need to surrender your personal ambitions to align with God's purposes. [59:29]
4. Think about your involvement in your church community. How can you contribute more effectively to the collective spiritual growth and support of others? [01:06:51]
5. What daily habits can you cultivate to keep your focus on spiritual growth and heavenly aspirations? Consider starting a new routine or practice this week. [01:05:24]
6. How can you use your current struggles to remind yourself of the eternal joy that awaits you? Share a specific challenge and how you can view it through an eternal perspective. [49:18]
7. Identify one person in your life who might benefit from hearing about the hope of eternity. How can you share this message with them in a meaningful way? [01:14:23]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Eternal Destiny
Living with an eternal perspective transforms how we approach every aspect of our lives. By focusing on our ultimate destiny with Christ, we are encouraged to navigate daily challenges with a sense of hope and purpose. This perspective is not just about waiting for what comes after life on earth but actively engaging in our present reality with an awareness that our actions have eternal significance. This mindset should guide our decisions, helping us to prioritize spiritual growth and invest in relationships and activities that have lasting value. Understanding that our current struggles are temporary helps us to endure hardships with grace and fortitude. [01:12:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X83N4jlkE0&t=4356s)
Colossians 3:1-2 "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: How can you practically prioritize eternal values in your daily schedule and interactions today?
Day 2: The Echo of a Single Act
The story of Arthur writing "eternity" on the streets of Sydney teaches us that even the smallest actions can have profound spiritual repercussions. This single word, consistently scribed in public view, prompted those who saw it to reflect on their own eternal journey. Similarly, our seemingly small actions can resonate deeply within our community when they are imbued with purpose and aligned with God's will. This encourages us to consider how our daily behaviors and words might influence others towards contemplation of the eternal. [46:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X83N4jlkE0&t=2802s)
Hebrews 12:1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."
Reflection: What is one simple act you can perform this week that might encourage someone to think about their spiritual life?
Day 3: Yearning for Divine Rule
Craving the heavenly reign of Jesus means desiring His influence over every aspect of our existence. This deep longing leads us to surrender our personal ambitions to align with His divine purposes. By letting His priorities shape our decisions, we experience a transformation that aligns our daily living with the kingdom of God. This surrender is not passive but an active, ongoing process of choosing God's ways over our own. [01:00:17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X83N4jlkE0&t=3602s)
Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself resisting the reign of Jesus, and what steps can you take to surrender it to Him?
Day 4: Community as a Catalyst for Spiritual Growth
Engaging in a community of believers is not just beneficial but essential for spiritual growth. Through shared worship, service, and the exchange of personal stories, we find encouragement and accountability. This collective experience not only advances God's kingdom but also deepens our understanding of scripture and enhances our relationship with God. By participating actively in our faith community, we contribute to and benefit from the spiritual journeys of others. [01:06:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X83N4jlkE0&t=3996s)
1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
Reflection: How can you more actively engage in your faith community to foster both your spiritual growth and that of others?
Day 5: Focused on the Heavenly
Setting our minds on things above is a deliberate practice that requires constant effort. By focusing our thoughts on God's truths and kingdom, we influence our entire being—our emotions, our faith, and our daily behaviors. This practice helps us maintain a spiritual perspective that guides us through life's complexities and challenges, keeping us aligned with God's purposes. [01:00:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X83N4jlkE0&t=3643s)
Philippians 3:20 "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to set your mind on heavenly things rather than earthly distractions?
Quotes
"Since then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above. This idea of setting and seeking is not just kind of taking a glance or a quick look, or even spending five minutes a day in the word of life. It's about a relentless pursuit. Relentless pursuit for the things above. Craving the things above. Craving the things of heaven." [54:55]
"One of the best ways I've heard this explained is that because your old self is dead, because you have been crucified with Christ, anything that you do in this life to invest in things that are not going to last, invest in things that are not going to have an eternal impact, all you're doing is prettying up your graveyard." [01:09:27]
"Being hidden with Christ reminds us that our true value and our true identity is found in him alone, not in our accomplishments or our possessions or the opinions of others. It's found in Jesus Christ alone." [01:10:44]
"Arthur felt a very strong calling to literally write the word eternity on the streets of Sydney. So even though he was illiterate, he couldn't even write his own name legibly, he could write eternity in perfect script." [46:57]
"It's important to, in terms of our spiritual life, get into healthy habits where we put practices in front of us that help us set our minds on the things of God. This is why having a time of daily devotions every day where you read the Word of God, when you pray, is a good thing." [01:06:05]
"Paul starts off by saying since then you have been raised with Christ. Paul is reminding us of something extraordinary here. That because we are with Christ something extraordinary has taken place. We were with Christ in his death. Our old life who we used to be was crucified with Christ." [50:26]
"Living with a resurrection reality, living with an eternal perspective, rewrites our past, our present and our future. Because Paul concludes by saying, when Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." [01:12:51]
"But if we set our minds on the things of earth, if we allow ourselves to be consumed by trying to just acquire wealth and success and possessions and power, what ends up happening is we feel stressed, we feel burnt out, and eventually we feel more empty than we felt before." [01:06:51]
"To crave the things of heaven to live with an eternal perspective means that we are to live with Jesus as King. And do you see how our understanding of eternity impacts us today? We are today to crave his heavenly reign." [59:29]
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