Eternal Hope: Embracing Joy in Heaven

 

Summary

In the midst of life's uncertainties and fleeting hopes, we are called to anchor our confidence in the eternal security found in Jesus Christ, our Blessed Hope. By setting our minds on things above, we can transcend the immediate challenges and distractions of this world. Heaven, as poetically envisioned by Steve Turner, is a place devoid of crime, war, and all the burdens that plague our earthly existence. There, the roles and professions necessitated by sin and suffering will be obsolete, replaced by the eternal joy of being redeemed by the grace of Jesus Christ.

In heaven, sin will be eradicated, both within us and around us. We will no longer grieve our Savior but will be a source of joy to Him, as He is to us. Our service to the Lord will be unencumbered by fatigue, discouragement, or weariness. We will explore the new heaven and new earth, free from the curse that once marred creation. This world will be characterized by genuine love, devoid of hatred, violence, and fear.

Our resurrection bodies will be modeled after that of Jesus, free from depression, temptation, and pain. We will finally be at home and at peace within ourselves, no longer groaning inwardly as we do now. The redemption of our bodies is the hope in which we are saved, as Paul writes in Romans. In the presence of the Lord, old regrets and battles will be forgotten, and every tear will be wiped away by God Himself. We will behold the King in His beauty, and in His presence, we will find fullness of joy.

Key Takeaways:

- Our hope in Jesus Christ provides a secure foundation amidst life's uncertainties. By focusing on the eternal, we can rise above the temporary struggles and distractions of this world. Heaven promises a future where the burdens of sin and suffering are no more, and we are fully redeemed by grace. [00:11]

- Heaven is a place where the roles necessitated by sin—such as policemen, soldiers, and doctors—are no longer needed. This vision invites us to imagine a world where the causes of these roles have been eradicated, highlighting the transformative power of redemption. [00:51]

- In heaven, we will serve the Lord without the hindrances of fatigue or discouragement. Our service will be a source of joy, and we will explore the new creation, free from the curse that once marred it. This vision encourages us to anticipate the joy of unencumbered service and exploration. [02:11]

- Our resurrection bodies will be free from the struggles we face now, such as depression, temptation, and pain. This promise of transformation offers hope and assurance that we will finally be at peace within ourselves, fully at home in our new bodies. [03:16]

- In the presence of the Lord, old regrets and battles will be forgotten, and every tear will be wiped away. This vision of eternal joy and peace invites us to look forward to the day when we will see the King in His beauty and experience the fullness of joy in His presence. [04:50]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Confidence in Eternal Security
- [00:33] - A Vision of Heaven
- [00:51] - The Absence of Earthly Roles
- [01:09] - Redemption and Grace
- [01:34] - Sin Eradicated
- [01:54] - Joyful Service in Heaven
- [02:11] - Exploring the New Creation
- [02:27] - A World Without Fear
- [02:49] - Resurrection Bodies
- [03:16] - Freedom from Struggles
- [03:33] - Peace in Resurrection
- [03:58] - Redemption of Our Bodies
- [04:16] - Presence of the Lord
- [04:50] - Fullness of Joy

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 8:23-25 - "Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?"
2. Colossians 3:1-2 - "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."
3. Revelation 21:4 - "‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to the sermon, what are some roles and professions that will no longer be needed in heaven, and why? [00:51]
2. How does the sermon describe the nature of our service to the Lord in heaven? [02:11]
3. What are the characteristics of our resurrection bodies as mentioned in the sermon? [03:16]
4. What does the sermon say about the presence of sin in heaven? [01:54]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise of a future without sin and suffering influence a believer's perspective on current struggles? [01:54]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our current roles and professions are shaped by sin and suffering? [00:51]
3. How might the vision of heaven as a place of unencumbered service and exploration impact a believer's motivation in their earthly life? [02:11]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between our current physical struggles and the hope of resurrection bodies? [03:16]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a current struggle or distraction in your life. How can focusing on the eternal security found in Jesus help you rise above it? [00:11]
2. Consider the roles and professions you engage with daily. How might imagining a world without the need for these roles change your perspective on redemption and grace? [00:51]
3. In what ways can you serve the Lord with joy and without discouragement in your current context, anticipating the unencumbered service of heaven? [02:11]
4. Identify a specific area of your life where you experience inner groaning or unrest. How does the promise of the redemption of our bodies offer hope in this area? [03:58]
5. Think of a past regret or battle that still affects you. How can the vision of God wiping away every tear encourage you to seek healing and peace? [04:50]
6. How can setting your mind on things above, as encouraged in Colossians 3:1-2, transform your daily priorities and decisions?
7. What practical steps can you take this week to remind yourself of the fullness of joy promised in the presence of the Lord? [04:50]

Devotional

Day 1: Anchoring in Eternal Security
In the midst of life's uncertainties, it is crucial to anchor our confidence in the eternal security found in Jesus Christ. By setting our minds on things above, we can transcend the immediate challenges and distractions of this world. This perspective allows us to focus on the eternal promises of heaven, where the burdens of sin and suffering are no more, and we are fully redeemed by grace. This hope in Jesus provides a secure foundation amidst life's uncertainties, encouraging us to rise above temporary struggles. [00:11]

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "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: What is one specific area of your life where you feel uncertain or insecure? How can you intentionally focus on the eternal security found in Jesus in that area today?


Day 2: Imagining a World Transformed by Redemption
Heaven is envisioned as a place where the roles necessitated by sin—such as policemen, soldiers, and doctors—are no longer needed. This vision invites us to imagine a world where the causes of these roles have been eradicated, highlighting the transformative power of redemption. In heaven, the absence of crime, war, and suffering paints a picture of a world characterized by genuine love and peace, free from hatred, violence, and fear. This transformative vision encourages us to anticipate the joy of a redeemed creation. [00:51]

Isaiah 2:4 (ESV): "He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore."

Reflection: Consider a role or profession in your life that exists because of sin or suffering. How can you contribute to a world that reflects the transformative power of redemption in that area today?


Day 3: Joyful Service and Exploration in Heaven
In heaven, we will serve the Lord without the hindrances of fatigue or discouragement. Our service will be a source of joy, and we will explore the new creation, free from the curse that once marred it. This vision encourages us to anticipate the joy of unencumbered service and exploration, where our efforts are not limited by weariness or disillusionment. The promise of joyful service in heaven invites us to reflect on how we can serve God with joy and enthusiasm in our current lives. [02:11]

Revelation 22:3 (ESV): "No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him."

Reflection: What is one way you can serve God joyfully today, without the hindrances of fatigue or discouragement? How can you cultivate a heart of joyful service in your daily life?


Day 4: Transformation and Peace in Resurrection Bodies
Our resurrection bodies will be free from the struggles we face now, such as depression, temptation, and pain. This promise of transformation offers hope and assurance that we will finally be at peace within ourselves, fully at home in our new bodies. The redemption of our bodies is the hope in which we are saved, as Paul writes in Romans. This transformation invites us to look forward to the day when we will be at peace within ourselves, free from the burdens that currently weigh us down. [03:16]

1 Corinthians 15:42-43 (ESV): "So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power."

Reflection: Identify a struggle you face in your current body, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. How can the promise of a transformed resurrection body give you hope and peace in that struggle today?


Day 5: Experiencing Fullness of Joy in the Presence of the Lord
In the presence of the Lord, old regrets and battles will be forgotten, and every tear will be wiped away. This vision of eternal joy and peace invites us to look forward to the day when we will see the King in His beauty and experience the fullness of joy in His presence. The promise of being in the presence of the Lord encourages us to seek His presence in our daily lives, finding joy and peace even amidst current challenges. [04:50]

Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Reflection: What is one regret or battle you are currently facing? How can you seek the presence of the Lord today to experience His joy and peace in the midst of it?

Quotes

"Rejoiced with great confidence in the long-term security that you have in Jesus Christ our Blessed hope the appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ set your minds on things above on the glory that is yet to be let us fix our eyes on Jesus." [00:08:55]

"In heaven there will be no policeman because there will be no crime in heaven there will be no soldiers because there will be no war in heaven there will be no doctors no surgeons no nurses no prison warders security guards Undertaker's insurance salesman nobody's worried about the future you see no judges no watchmakers." [00:49:20]

"Because everything that gave rise to every one of these things has gone forever but there will be is people redeemed by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ forever and forever in heaven friends let's just lift our minds up and take this in for a moment let's get beyond what's immediately around us and cooling us down." [01:04:33]

"In heaven sin will be no more it will no longer be in you and it will no longer be around you never again will you ever grieve your Savior you will be a joy to him and he will be a joy to you forever and forever in heaven you will serve the Lord as you always wished you could." [01:18:95]

"You will never tire you will never become weary you will never be discouraged in heaven you will explore the joys of the new earth freed at last from the curse you will explore the new heaven the planet weakly and the new earth the planet recreated by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and by his power." [01:41:87]

"No floods no raging fires no storms no earthquakes no mudslide you will enjoy the blessings of a world where every person really loves every other person no hatred no violence and no fear you will enjoy this life in a resurrection body modeled after the resurrection body of Jesus in which no dark cloud of depression can ever cast." [01:63:90]

"Its shadow over you some folks are saying amen to that and no strong pool of temptation will ever arise from that resurrection body thank God for that and no sharp anguish of pain will ever cause you anguish in that resurrection body you will be at home in your resurrection body you will be at peace in your resurrection body." [02:03:25]

"Right now the Bible says we often groan inwardly in other words we experience battles within our own physical frame that make us not quite feel at home even in our own body at times but here's what we're waiting for we're waiting for the redemption of our bodies and says Paul in Romans chapter II it is in this hope." [02:35:56]

"That we are saved and when you are there in the presence of the Lord and there you were given this marvelous gift of the resurrection body old regrets that have haunted you will be gone forever and old battles that have plagued you for years will never ever ever be fought again though be no death so be no morning." [02:59:50]

"There'll be no crying there be no pain and every tear and every regret will be wiped out of your eyes by God himself and then you will see the king in his beauty my eyes shall behold him in my flesh I shall seek God and in the presence of God you will find fullness of joy." [03:83:68]

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Transcript
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