Eternal Perspectives: Choices, Joy, and Divine Awareness

 

Summary

In today's sermon, we explored the profound reality of the afterlife and the consciousness that persists beyond the grave. We delved into the scriptural truths that affirm the existence of heaven and hell, and the awareness of those who dwell in each place. We examined the story of Lazarus and the rich man, not as a parable, but as a literal account that reveals the conscious torment of the rich man in hell and the comfort of Lazarus in Abraham's bosom. This narrative underscores the eternal destinies awaiting each of us and the urgency of our choices here on earth.

We also considered the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, a joy not shared by angels but by the redeemed who have gone before us. This joy is rooted in a profound understanding of the glory of heaven, an understanding that far exceeds our earthly comprehension. The anticipation and celebration in heaven over a soul saved on earth is a testament to the interconnectedness of the heavenly and the earthly realms.

Furthermore, we reflected on the account of King Saul and the prophet Samuel, which illustrates that those in heaven are aware of earthly events and can even foresee future occurrences. Samuel's appearance to Saul, though long deceased, indicates that there is a level of consciousness and knowledge that transcends our earthly experience.

As we navigate our earthly journey, we are reminded that our actions and decisions have eternal implications. The saints in heaven, represented in the book of Revelation, are depicted as having a limited but significant awareness of earthly affairs, longing for the fulfillment of God's justice.

In conclusion, we are called to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that our time on earth is fleeting and that a great cloud of witnesses surrounds us. We are encouraged to lay aside every weight and sin, running the race set before us with perseverance, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

Key Takeaways:

- The story of Lazarus and the rich man serves as a vivid reminder that our eternal destination is determined by our earthly choices. The rich man's plea from hell to warn his brothers reflects the irreversible nature of our decisions and the importance of living a life that honors God. [01:00:34]

- Heaven rejoices over a single repentant sinner because those who are in the presence of the angels understand the true value of salvation. This joy is not a fleeting emotion but a profound recognition of the transformative power of God's grace in a person's life. [01:02:36]

- The account of King Saul and the prophet Samuel reveals that those in heaven may have insight into earthly events and even future happenings. This serves as a reminder that our lives are part of a larger divine narrative, and our faithfulness has implications beyond what we can see. [01:05:14]

- The saints in Revelation, who inquire about the avenging of their blood, demonstrate that there is an awareness in heaven of unfinished divine justice on earth. This awareness should motivate us to live righteously, knowing that our actions contribute to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. [57:08]

- The great cloud of witnesses mentioned in Hebrews 12:1 suggests that we are not alone in our spiritual journey. The faithful who have gone before us serve as an encouragement to persevere in faith, laying aside every hindrance and fixing our eyes on Jesus. [01:09:47]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 16:19-31 - The story of Lazarus and the rich man.
2. Revelation 6:9-11 - The souls under the altar asking for justice.
3. Hebrews 12:1-2 - The great cloud of witnesses.

#### Observation Questions
1. In the story of Lazarus and the rich man, what are the key differences in their experiences after death? ([01:00:03])
2. According to Revelation 6:9-11, what do the souls under the altar know about the events on earth? ([53:04])
3. What does Hebrews 12:1-2 suggest about the role of the "great cloud of witnesses" in our spiritual journey? ([01:09:00])
4. How does the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, as mentioned in Luke 15:10, reflect the understanding of salvation among the redeemed? ([01:02:03])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the rich man's plea to Abraham in Luke 16:27-28 reveal about his understanding of his eternal fate and the fate of his brothers? ([01:00:34])
2. How does the awareness of the souls under the altar in Revelation 6:9-11 about the lack of avenging their blood influence our understanding of divine justice? ([53:04])
3. In what ways does the "great cloud of witnesses" in Hebrews 12:1-2 serve as an encouragement for believers to persevere in their faith? ([01:09:00])
4. How does the account of King Saul and the prophet Samuel in 1 Samuel 28:15-19 illustrate the awareness of those in heaven about earthly events and future occurrences? ([01:05:00])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the story of Lazarus and the rich man, how do your daily choices reflect your awareness of their eternal consequences? ([01:00:03])
2. Considering the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, how can you actively participate in sharing the gospel to bring such joy to heaven? ([01:02:03])
3. The souls under the altar in Revelation 6:9-11 long for divine justice. How does this awareness motivate you to live righteously and seek justice in your own life? ([53:04])
4. Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages us to lay aside every weight and sin. Identify one specific hindrance in your life that you need to set aside to run your spiritual race more effectively. ([01:09:00])
5. The account of King Saul and Samuel shows that those in heaven have some awareness of earthly events. How does this perspective influence your view of the interconnectedness between heaven and earth? ([01:05:00])
6. Reflect on a time when you felt the presence of the "great cloud of witnesses" encouraging you in your faith journey. How can you draw strength from this awareness in your current spiritual challenges? ([01:09:00])
7. Considering the eternal perspective discussed in the sermon, what practical steps can you take this week to focus more on eternal values rather than temporary earthly concerns? ([01:09:00])

Devotional

Day 1: Eternal Choices Shape Destiny
Our lives are a tapestry of choices, each thread woven with the potential to shape our eternal destiny. The story of Lazarus and the rich man starkly illustrates this truth, revealing the stark contrasts between a life lived in self-indulgence and one lived in humility. The rich man, who once feasted sumptuously, finds himself in torment, while Lazarus, who suffered at his gate, is comforted in Abraham's bosom. This narrative is not merely a cautionary tale but a clarion call to examine the path we tread. It is a reminder that the decisions we make, the love we share, and the compassion we extend have repercussions that echo into eternity. The rich man's plea from his place of suffering serves as a sobering reminder that there are no second chances after death; our choices are irrevocable, and their consequences are eternal. Let this understanding guide every action and decision, steering us towards a life that honors the divine and reflects our awareness of the afterlife. [01:00:34]

Luke 16:25-26 (ESV): "But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.'"

Reflection: How might the reality of eternal consequences influence the choices you make today, and how can you align your actions with a life that honors God?

Day 2: The Transformative Power of Repentance
The heavens erupt in joy for every sinner who turns from their wayward path to embrace the transformative power of repentance. This joy is not a mere emotional response but a profound recognition of the value of a soul redeemed by grace. Those who have experienced the glory of heaven understand the magnitude of salvation and celebrate each repentant heart as a victory over darkness. This joy is shared by the redeemed, a testament to the interconnectedness of the spiritual realm with our earthly lives. As believers, we are invited to partake in this heavenly celebration, recognizing the significance of each person's journey to God. The joy in heaven serves as a reminder that every act of repentance is a ripple in the vast ocean of God's redemptive plan, and we are called to rejoice with the angels and saints over the miracle of a changed life. [01:02:36]

Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV): "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the joy of salvation, and how can you be a part of their journey towards repentance and transformation?

Day 3: Divine Insight Beyond the Grave
The account of King Saul and the prophet Samuel opens our eyes to the profound truth that consciousness and knowledge persist beyond the grave. Those who dwell in heaven possess an awareness that transcends our earthly limitations, possibly even perceiving events yet to unfold. This narrative is not just a historical curiosity but a powerful reminder that our lives are woven into a divine tapestry that extends beyond the here and now. Our faithfulness on earth has lasting implications, and our connection to the divine narrative does not end with our last breath. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us be comforted by the knowledge that our story is part of a larger, eternal story, and that our actions contribute to the unfolding of God's grand design. [01:05:14]

1 Samuel 28:16-17 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Why then do you ask me, since the Lord has turned from you and become your enemy? The Lord has done to you as he spoke by me, for the Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, David.'"

Reflection: How does the understanding that your life is part of a larger divine narrative influence your daily faithfulness and the choices you make?

Day 4: Awareness of Unfinished Divine Justice
The saints in Revelation, who inquire about the avenging of their blood, demonstrate that there is an awareness in heaven of unfinished divine justice on earth. This awareness is not passive but carries with it a longing for the fulfillment of God's justice and righteousness. As believers, we are called to live with an acute sense of this divine justice, allowing it to shape our actions and interactions. Knowing that our lives contribute to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan should motivate us to pursue righteousness and seek justice in our own spheres of influence. The saints' anticipation of divine justice serves as a reminder that our earthly pursuit of what is right is echoed in the heavens and is integral to the kingdom of God. [57:08]

Revelation 6:10-11 (ESV): "They cried out with a loud voice, 'O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?' Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in the pursuit of justice in your community, reflecting the divine justice that the saints in heaven anticipate?

Day 5: Encouraged by a Cloud of Witnesses
The great cloud of witnesses mentioned in Hebrews 12:1 serves as a profound encouragement to us in our spiritual journey. These faithful individuals who have gone before us are not distant and detached; rather, they surround us, cheering us on as we run the race set before us. This image inspires us to lay aside every weight and sin that clings so closely, to run with perseverance, and to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. The legacy of these witnesses challenges us to live lives worthy of the calling we have received, to strive for holiness, and to press on towards the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Their presence reminds us that we are part of a grand, historical procession of faith, and their example spurs us on to greater faithfulness. [01:09:47]

Hebrews 11:39-40 (ESV): "And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect."

Reflection: How can the example of the faithful who have gone before you inspire you to lay aside hindrances in your life and run with perseverance the race set before you?

Quotes

1) "There is a consciousness that we will have when we get to heaven of what's going on here on earth." [01:01:32] (Download)

2) "The people of God saved up in heaven are rejoicing for that sinner to get saved. Because they know a lot more about heaven than we know here on earth." [01:02:36] (Download)

3) "Heaven's going to be a place where we'll never say goodbye in glory over yonder in the morning. What a wonderful day it's going to be." [01:14:03] (Download)

4) "If that loved one could come back from heaven and stand behind a sacred desk or stand beside that grave, you know what they would say? It really is worth it all." [01:14:56] (Download)

5) "The saints in heaven are wondering how long? How long before the rapture of the church? How long is it going to be before you come again?" [54:52] (Download)

6) "They cried with a loud voice saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?" [53:43] (Download)

7) "But here's the truth. Are you on the way to heaven? Now, he's given us a little heaven to go to heaven in." [01:13:13] (Download)

8) "I think everybody in heaven was that's there was fully aware of why he came the very first time. At that point in time, they died." [52:32] (Download)

9) "Samuel's saying to Saul, I told you this before, that this was what was going to happen to you." [01:06:40] (Download)

10) "We're compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses... we need to lay aside every weight in the sin." [01:09:47] (Download)

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?