Embracing Our Divine Dependence and Eternal Perspective

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the profound truth that every human being, regardless of their background, possesses an innate awareness of a higher power. This awareness is not just a cultural artifact but a fundamental aspect of our existence. We are reminded of the Athenians who worshiped an "unknown God" nearly 2,000 years ago, highlighting humanity's perpetual quest for the divine. God, as the Creator and Sustainer, provides for all creation, from the birds of the air to the lilies of the field. Yet, modern humanity often neglects this divine relationship, choosing instead to worship false gods of materialism and self-achievement.

The essence of our existence is our relationship with God. We are utterly dependent on Him, as He holds our lives in His hands. The world, in its current state, is a reflection of humanity's failure to acknowledge God's sovereignty. If all people truly believed in God, there would be no wars, jealousy, or rivalry. Instead, there would be humility, worship, and a life lived for His glory.

The kingdom of God is not just a future hope but a present reality. It represents God's rule and reign, characterized by righteousness and justice. God is unchanging, and His kingdom is coming, as proclaimed by Christ. This kingdom demands righteousness, and only those who seek it will experience God's blessings. The call is to prioritize the kingdom of God and His righteousness above all else, recognizing that material possessions and earthly concerns are fleeting.

In our pursuit of righteousness, we realize our inability to achieve it on our own. This realization leads us to Christ, who offers His righteousness to us. He lived a perfect life, fulfilling the law on our behalf, and through His sacrifice, our sins are forgiven. By seeking His kingdom and righteousness, we find peace, rest, and a transformed perspective on life. Our citizenship is in heaven, and our journey through this world is a pilgrimage toward our eternal home with Christ.

Key Takeaways:

1. Innate Awareness of God: Every human being has an inherent sense of a higher power, a divine presence that transcends cultural and historical boundaries. This awareness calls us to recognize God as the Creator and Sustainer of all life, urging us to live in acknowledgment of His providence and sovereignty. [35:42]

2. The Futility of Materialism: Modern society often prioritizes material possessions and self-achievement over a relationship with God. This misplaced worship leads to a life devoid of true purpose and fulfillment. By recognizing our dependence on God, we can realign our priorities and find meaning beyond material wealth. [36:53]

3. The Kingdom of God: The kingdom of God is a present reality and a future hope, characterized by righteousness and justice. It calls us to live under God's rule, acknowledging His unchanging nature and His plan to restore the world. Our pursuit of this kingdom should be our foremost priority. [39:40]

4. The Gift of Righteousness: In our pursuit of righteousness, we realize our inability to achieve it on our own. This leads us to Christ, who offers His righteousness to us through His sacrifice. By accepting this gift, we find peace, rest, and a transformed perspective on life. [48:46]

5. Eternal Perspective: Our citizenship is in heaven, and our journey through this world is a pilgrimage toward our eternal home with Christ. This perspective shifts our focus from earthly concerns to the eternal, allowing us to live with hope and assurance in God's promises. [55:27]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [35:42] - Innate Awareness of God
- [36:02] - God as Creator and Sustainer
- [36:39] - Modern Man's Neglect of God
- [37:10] - Worshiping False Gods
- [37:26] - Dependence on God
- [38:19] - The World Without God
- [39:03] - The Source of Worldly Troubles
- [39:40] - Understanding the Kingdom of God
- [40:53] - Righteousness and God's Blessings
- [41:34] - The Coming Judgment
- [42:39] - Prioritizing God's Kingdom
- [43:38] - Urgency of Seeking God's Kingdom
- [46:10] - The Reality of Life's Uncertainties
- [48:46] - The Gift of Righteousness
- [55:27] - Eternal Perspective and Hope

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 17:22-23 - Paul addresses the Athenians about their altar to an "unknown god."
2. Matthew 6:25-34 - Jesus speaks about God's provision and the importance of seeking His kingdom first.
3. Philippians 3:20-21 - Our citizenship is in heaven, and we await a Savior from there.

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#### Observation Questions
1. What does the sermon suggest about the innate awareness of God in all humans, and how does this relate to the Athenians' worship of an "unknown God"? [35:42]
2. How does the sermon describe modern humanity's neglect of God, and what are some examples of false gods that people worship today? [36:53]
3. According to the sermon, what are the characteristics of the kingdom of God, and how is it both a present reality and a future hope? [39:40]
4. What does the sermon say about our inability to achieve righteousness on our own, and how does Christ offer His righteousness to us? [48:46]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon explain the futility of materialism, and what does it suggest about the true source of purpose and fulfillment? [36:53]
2. In what ways does the sermon describe the kingdom of God as a call to live under God's rule, and what implications does this have for our daily lives? [39:40]
3. How does the sermon portray the relationship between our earthly journey and our eternal citizenship in heaven? [55:27]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the urgency of seeking God's kingdom and righteousness, and how does this urgency impact our priorities? [43:38]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Do you sense an innate awareness of God, and how does this awareness influence your daily decisions and actions? [35:42]
2. Consider the false gods of materialism and self-achievement mentioned in the sermon. Are there specific areas in your life where you might be prioritizing these over your relationship with God? [36:53]
3. The sermon emphasizes the present reality of God's kingdom. How can you actively participate in living under God's rule and reign in your community? [39:40]
4. In what ways can you seek Christ's righteousness in your life, acknowledging your inability to achieve it on your own? How does this pursuit change your perspective on personal achievements? [48:46]
5. The sermon speaks of our journey as a pilgrimage toward our eternal home. How does this perspective influence your view of current challenges and opportunities? [55:27]
6. How can you prioritize seeking God's kingdom and righteousness in your daily routine, and what practical steps can you take to align your life with this priority? [43:38]
7. Reflect on the idea of eternal citizenship. How does this concept affect your interactions with others and your approach to life's uncertainties? [55:27]

Devotional

Day 1: Innate Awareness of the Divine
Every human being carries an inherent sense of a higher power, a divine presence that transcends cultural and historical boundaries. This awareness is not merely a product of cultural conditioning but a fundamental aspect of human existence. It calls us to recognize God as the Creator and Sustainer of all life, urging us to live in acknowledgment of His providence and sovereignty. The Athenians, who worshiped an "unknown God," exemplify humanity's perpetual quest for the divine, a quest that continues today. In recognizing this innate awareness, we are invited to deepen our relationship with God, acknowledging His presence in every aspect of our lives. [35:42]

"For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." (Romans 1:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a moment in your life when you felt a deep sense of the divine. How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence in your daily routine today?


Day 2: The Futility of Materialism
Modern society often prioritizes material possessions and self-achievement over a relationship with God. This misplaced worship leads to a life devoid of true purpose and fulfillment. By recognizing our dependence on God, we can realign our priorities and find meaning beyond material wealth. The pursuit of materialism is ultimately futile, as it distracts us from the eternal and the divine. Instead, we are called to seek a deeper relationship with God, understanding that true fulfillment comes from living in accordance with His will and purpose. [36:53]

"Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven." (Proverbs 23:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one material possession or achievement you have been prioritizing over your relationship with God. What steps can you take today to shift your focus back to Him?


Day 3: The Present Reality of God's Kingdom
The kingdom of God is not just a future hope but a present reality, characterized by righteousness and justice. It calls us to live under God's rule, acknowledging His unchanging nature and His plan to restore the world. Our pursuit of this kingdom should be our foremost priority, as it represents God's rule and reign in our lives. By prioritizing the kingdom of God and His righteousness, we align ourselves with His divine purpose and experience His blessings in our lives. [39:40]

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in bringing about God's kingdom in your community today? How can you embody righteousness and justice in your interactions with others?


Day 4: The Gift of Righteousness through Christ
In our pursuit of righteousness, we realize our inability to achieve it on our own. This realization leads us to Christ, who offers His righteousness to us through His sacrifice. By accepting this gift, we find peace, rest, and a transformed perspective on life. Christ lived a perfect life, fulfilling the law on our behalf, and through His sacrifice, our sins are forgiven. This gift of righteousness is not something we can earn but is freely given to us by God's grace. [48:46]

"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle to live righteously. How can you rely on Christ's righteousness to transform this area today?


Day 5: Living with an Eternal Perspective
Our citizenship is in heaven, and our journey through this world is a pilgrimage toward our eternal home with Christ. This perspective shifts our focus from earthly concerns to the eternal, allowing us to live with hope and assurance in God's promises. By embracing an eternal perspective, we are reminded of the transient nature of earthly life and the enduring nature of our relationship with God. This perspective encourages us to live with purpose, knowing that our ultimate home is with Christ. [55:27]

"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, ESV)

Reflection: How does the knowledge of your heavenly citizenship influence your daily decisions and priorities? What is one practical way you can live with an eternal perspective today?

Quotes


"God is the Creator God is the maker and the sustainer of everything it is God he says who's made the fowls of the earth consider behold the fowls of the air they s not neither do they reap nor gather into bars yet your heavenly father feeded them this is great Doctrine about God as the Creator as the sustainer of the cosmos and as the great provider the god of Providence in his eternal might and glory." [00:36:02]

"Man's always a worshipper he worships food drink clothing himself his own achievements possessions money he worships he serves mmon man's always a worshipper and here he is fool as he is worshiping false gods of his own creation and in the meantime he's not worshiping God The God Who made the fouls of the air The God Who made the lily and the beauty of the flower and the form and the design and all the magic and the Marvel of it all and man never gives him a thought oh this is madness is our Lord get right in your thinking about yourself then think of yourself in your relationship to God." [00:37:26]

"If only all men and women believed in God they'd all humble themselves before him if only the whole world believed in God tonight there'd be no preparation for war there'd be no jealousy and envy and rivalry why all men and women would be bowing before him and worshiping him and living to his glory and his praise but because they don't they set themselves up they are the gods and they worship themselves and there's a rival God so there's an iron curtain I'm going to be bigger he makes a biger buom I'll make a bigger buom and up and up and up we go and you get Wars." [00:38:19]

"The kingdom of God what does that mean well this means the rule of God this means the reign of God this means that God after all is not only the maker of this world and its controller but he is its governor and the sooner the better we begin to discover something about his role and his Reign the kingdom of God and his righteousness what does he mean well he means that God is just and holy God is righteous God is light anded in him is no Darkness at all god is perfect in all his ways and God made a perfect world and God meant the world to be perfect but it's gone wrong but God doesn't change and God is going to put this world right." [00:39:40]

"God only blesses those who are righteous God curses the rebel the wroth of God is already revealed from Heaven upon all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men read your Bible read your Old Testament and you'll see that repeatedly God blesses those who serve him who submit themselves to him who are righteous in his sight this is the first thing to discover says Christ the kingdom of God and his righteousness his kingdom is coming he sent his son into the world in order to establish it and to found it and he's Gathering men and women into it." [00:40:53]

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God God and his righteousness realize that because you're a man you're a responsible being that you're living your life under God that your food and your drink will vanish that your clothing won't count you won't be interested in them when you're on your deathbed men what food drink clothing offer them to a dying men offer to them to offer them to somebody who's desperately ill they're not interested well says our Lord live your life like that realize that nothing matters except your relationship to God and that he's a righteous and a holy God that he's the judge of the whole world and that he's going to establish his kingdom." [00:42:39]

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness how can I know that I'm in the kingdom of God how can I be righteous how can I be in a position that God will bless me Sake it says Christ put it first put everything else on one side don't read another book until you're certain of this don't look at another film until you're certain of this don't do anything until you're certain of this SE it first be urgent about it strive to enter in at the straight gate isn't it obvious my friends isn't this she logic." [00:43:38]

"Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness believe me food and drink and clothing and money will not be the slightest value to you when you're in this position and you may be there at any moment seek it first be urgent strive with all your might and man to be righteous in the sight of God but believe me you won't have tried for very long before you'll realize that it's anutter and a complete impossibility the moment you pull yourself up and say I'm a man and not a beast I've got a soul and not merely a body and I see that God is Holy and I must be holy God and un Holiness can't dwell together light and darkness can't mix I must be perfect I must cease to sin I must live a Godly a holy life." [00:46:10]

"Come unto me all ye that labor under heavy laden and I will give you rest carrying your awful Lord of sin carrying the Blackness of your own unregenerate heart striving and all in vain listen to him take my yoke upon you and learn of me for I am meek and lonely of heart and you shall find rest for your souls come to me he says in your desperation you're trying to make yourself righteous quite right it's the obvious thing to do if you want to be in God and His Everlasting Kingdom but you can't and you're realizing it listen he says I came into the world from heaven in order to give you the righteousness that you can never achieve for yourself that's what I'm here for." [00:48:46]

"Seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God and your savior and The Giver to you of righteousness and you'll get immediate Soul satisfaction in it will be the end of your Vain and useless striving you will indeed find rest and peace for your soul you will know my dear friend that all your sins are forgiven though they be as Scarlet they shall be as white as nownow though you've sinned into the deepest depths of hell they're all forgiven in the blood of Christ and you'll know it what a knowledge peace with God being justified by faith when we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." [00:51:34]

"Once a man has entered into the kingdom of God and has received the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ his whole view of life has changed this world world now to him has become a pilgrimage through which he's got to go he sees it as a world of ugliness because of men's sin and Rebellion against God he doesn't say is in life marvelous wonderful thrilling oh he says how terrible is man man's in humanity to man Man the creature of lust and passion and vice and evil and ugliness oh it's a veil of Tears but he's got to go through it and he's ready to go through with it but he doesn't live for it he says my citizenship is in heaven." [00:55:27]

"We are but strangers and pilgrims in this world my dear friend this is a land through which we travel we are all Journeymen it's true of all of us here today gone tomorrow but if you are in the kingdom of God and have his righteousness you know that death to you is nothing but to be ushered immediately into the Glorious presence of the Lord Jesus Christ to see him as he is and to spend your eternity with him you see the man who is in the kingdom of God and has this righteousness is a man who knows that here he mustn't expect much but there he has an inheritance which is inance which is Incorruptible and undefiled and the that fadeth not away reserved in Heaven by God for all who are citizens of his kingdom." [00:56:34]

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Transcript
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