Eternal Life: A Present Reality in Knowing God
Summary
In today's sermon, I delved into the profound understanding of God's plan, particularly focusing on the promise of eternal life and how it is a present reality for believers, not just a future hope. I began by emphasizing that God's plan was not a reactionary measure to human failure but was established before the foundation of the world. This plan included a promise of love and redemption through Jesus Christ, who was predestined to be the sacrificial lamb to demonstrate God's love by dying in our place.
I clarified that eternal life is not merely an unending existence but the quality of life that emanates from knowing God intimately. This life is characterized by the very nature of God—Zoe—flowing through us, transforming our daily experiences to align with the divine. I stressed that eternal life is not something we wait to receive in heaven but is a present possession for those who believe in Jesus Christ.
Throughout the sermon, I referenced various scriptures from the Gospel of John, highlighting that eternal life is a present-tense possession, a reality that believers have already passed into. I challenged the congregation to labor for the food that endures to everlasting life, which is the Word of God, and to recognize that the only food many consume is what is prepared by their pastors. I urged everyone to personally labor in the Word, ensuring that it becomes a part of their daily lives.
I also addressed the misconceptions surrounding salvation, pointing out that it is not merely about avoiding hell but about knowing God and experiencing His life here on earth. I explained that the church has often misrepresented salvation by placing too much emphasis on material blessings or spiritual gifts as indicators of spiritual maturity, rather than the true measure, which is an intimate knowledge of God.
In conclusion, I invited the congregation to respond to the message by making a decision about their salvation, rededicating their lives to Christ, or joining the church community. I emphasized the importance of developing a personal relationship with God and living out the eternal life that He has promised us now.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's plan, including the promise of eternal life, was established before the foundation of the world, demonstrating His foreknowledge and intentionality. This plan was not a backup but the original design, with Christ at the center as the lamb slain for our redemption. Understanding this deepens our appreciation for God's sovereignty and love. [01:12]
2. Eternal life is not just an unending existence but the quality of life that comes from an intimate relationship with God. It is a present possession for believers, not a future hope. This life—Zoe—should be evident in our daily experiences, transforming us to reflect God's nature. [06:24]
3. The Word of God is the food that endures to everlasting life. Laboring in the Word is essential for believers to grow in their relationship with God and to experience the fullness of eternal life here on earth. This requires personal commitment beyond just receiving teachings from pastors. [14:15]
4. Salvation is much more than forgiveness of sins and the avoidance of hell; it is about knowing God and experiencing heaven on earth. The church must correct the message of salvation to reflect this truth, encouraging believers to live victoriously and abundantly in the present. [23:26]
5. Spiritual maturity is not measured by material possessions or the operation of spiritual gifts but by the depth of one's personal relationship with God. Knowing God intimately is the highest form of spiritual maturity and the essence of eternal life. [27:16]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Titus 1:1-3 (NLT)
> "This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began."
2. John 3:36 (NKJV)
> "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."
3. John 17:3 (NKJV)
> "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Titus 1:1-3, what is the purpose of Paul's mission as an apostle? How does this relate to the promise of eternal life?
2. In John 3:36, what are the two outcomes mentioned for those who believe and those who do not believe in the Son?
3. How does Jesus define eternal life in John 17:3? What does this definition emphasize about the nature of eternal life?
4. The sermon mentioned that eternal life is a present possession for believers. How does this align with the passages from John 3:36 and John 17:3? [06:24]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean that eternal life is a present possession for believers, as stated in the sermon and supported by John 3:36? How does this understanding impact a believer's daily life? [06:24]
2. How does the promise of eternal life, made before the foundation of the world (Titus 1:1-3), demonstrate God's foreknowledge and intentionality in His plan for humanity?
3. The sermon emphasized that knowing God intimately is the essence of eternal life (John 17:3). How does this intimate knowledge of God differ from merely knowing about God? [27:16]
4. The sermon challenged the congregation to labor for the food that endures to everlasting life, which is the Word of God. How does this concept of laboring in the Word relate to the idea of eternal life as a present reality? [14:15]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current understanding of eternal life. How does the idea that eternal life is a present possession change your perspective on your daily walk with God? [06:24]
2. The sermon mentioned that many believers rely solely on their pastors for spiritual nourishment. What steps can you take to personally labor in the Word of God and make it a part of your daily life? [14:15]
3. How can you cultivate a more intimate relationship with God, as described in John 17:3? What specific actions can you take this week to deepen your knowledge and understanding of God? [27:16]
4. The sermon pointed out that spiritual maturity is measured by one's personal relationship with God rather than material possessions or spiritual gifts. How can you assess and grow in your spiritual maturity based on this criterion? [27:16]
5. Consider the misconceptions about salvation that were addressed in the sermon. How can you shift your focus from merely avoiding hell to experiencing and living out the fullness of eternal life here on earth? [23:26]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of living victoriously and abundantly in the present. What are some practical ways you can apply this principle in your life, especially in challenging situations? [10:00]
7. Reflect on the idea that God's plan for your life was established before the foundation of the world. How does this understanding affect your trust in God's sovereignty and love, especially during difficult times? [01:12]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Eternal Blueprint
Before the world was formed, God had a master plan that included the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. This plan was not an afterthought but the original design, with Christ predestined to be the sacrificial lamb. Understanding this is crucial as it reveals God's sovereignty and His profound love for humanity. The promise of eternal life was not contingent on human actions but was a gift prepared from the very beginning. This knowledge should inspire awe and gratitude, as it underscores the depth of God's commitment to His creation and the lengths He was willing to go to ensure our redemption and restoration.
"For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will." (Ephesians 1:4-5 ESV)
Reflection: How does understanding God's predestined plan change your perspective on your own life and purpose?
Day 2: The Present Reality of Eternal Life
Eternal life is not just a future state to be anticipated but a present reality for those who believe in Jesus Christ. It is a quality of life that stems from an intimate relationship with God, characterized by His divine nature—Zoe—permeating our existence. This transformative experience begins now and continues into eternity, reshaping our daily lives to reflect God's character. Believers are called to live out this eternal life today, demonstrating the love, joy, and peace that come from knowing God intimately. [06:24]
"And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." (John 17:3 ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God to experience more of His eternal life in your daily routine?
Day 3: Sustenance Through the Word
The Word of God is spiritual nourishment that endures to everlasting life. It is essential for believers to engage with Scripture personally, allowing it to transform them from the inside out. This requires a commitment to studying, meditating on, and applying the Word in every aspect of life. The sustenance from the Word is not meant to be solely provided by pastors but should be actively sought by each individual. This personal labor in the Word is what leads to growth and a fuller experience of eternal life here on earth. [14:15]
"Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation." (1 Peter 2:2 ESV)
Reflection: What practical steps can you take to make the study and application of God's Word a more consistent part of your daily life?
Day 4: Redefining Salvation
Salvation is not merely about escaping hell but about entering into a dynamic relationship with God and experiencing His kingdom on earth. It is about knowing God and living in the reality of His presence. The church must emphasize this aspect of salvation, encouraging believers to seek a victorious and abundant life now, rather than focusing solely on future rewards or material blessings. This shift in understanding can lead to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven Christian life. [23:26]
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33 ESV)
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from the benefits of salvation to the relationship with God that salvation brings?
Day 5: Intimacy with God as Spiritual Maturity
Spiritual maturity is not measured by material wealth or the display of spiritual gifts but by the depth of one's relationship with God. True spiritual growth is found in knowing God intimately, which is the essence of eternal life. This intimate knowledge of God is what transforms a believer's life and should be the ultimate goal of every Christian. Pursuing this relationship with God is what leads to a life that truly reflects His nature and character. [27:16]
"And this is my prayer, that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ." (Philippians 1:9-10 ESV)
Reflection: What are some specific ways you can deepen your personal relationship with God to grow in spiritual maturity?
Quotes
1) "So this is not plan B for God. This is plan A. So then what was Adam's role? Adam was representative of all of us. So before God ever created Adam, he knew that Adam would fail because he knew Adam represented all of us. And so he had to put something in place long before Adam ever existed. That's what makes him God." [08:13]
2) "So he who believes in the son has everlasting life. Everlasting life there, everlasting means perpetual or forever. Life there is a Greek word, zoe. So whoever believes in the son has the very life of God exuding out of them." [10:00]
3) "The one who believes has eternal life. Watch this. As a present possession. Likewise, the one who refuses to believe on Christ has the... The wrath of God, watch this, abiding on them as a present possession. So one life is working for, one life is working against." [11:38]
4) "It's not something that begins when we get to heaven. That's what we've been taught, right? Let's get saved so that we can experience heaven. And you're going to miss out on eternal life right here on this earth because you're waiting to get to heaven to experience it." [13:00]
5) "And God who cannot lie promised this before the beginning of time. And so I want to go back to some things that we have been saying, right? So this is not plan B for God. This is plan A. So then what was Adam's role? Adam was representative of all of us." [06:24]
6) "So the promise was that if the son would become the lamb of God, the father would grant eternal life to all of those who place their trust in him, him referring to Jesus. And God who cannot lie promised this before the beginning of time." [06:24]
7) "So the one who refuses to believe on Christ has eternal life. See, they've got something else. They've got wrath. That means punishment, anger, and vengeance as a present reality in their lives. Now, how many know God isn't doing anything to them?" [11:38]
8) "So if you live in six days a week without the word, you're not going to be that productive. This isn't something for a select few. This is normal Christian living. Everybody in here is blessed. That's saved. See, some of them don't even know that." [32:36]
9) "So Jesus made it real clear, didn't he? He said, and this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom you have said. Now, this word know is a Greek word, gnosko. And it means to know intimately, to understand, and to be sure." [27:16]
10) "So many people have mistakenly thought that the goal of salvation is the forgiveness of sin. Watch this. For the sole purpose of avoiding hell. So many people have lived their lives, right? They're not laboring for that word to grow in their relationship with God." [23:26]
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