Faith, Purpose, and Investing in Eternity

 

Summary

In moments of discouragement, when the weight of unanswered prayers or unfulfilled dreams feels overwhelming, it's crucial to hold onto faith. Faith is not just a passive belief but an active trust in God, even when circumstances are unclear or challenging. It involves believing when we cannot see, obeying when we do not understand, and persisting when we do not feel like it. This kind of faith assures us of an eternal future with God, free from sorrow, sadness, sickness, and suffering. When we place our trust in Christ, we are promised eternal security; God holds onto us and never lets go, even when we feel like giving up.

Life on earth is temporary, and while we cannot take our earthly possessions with us, we can invest in eternity. The greatest investment we can make is in the Kingdom of God. God desires to use us, bless us, and do amazing things through us. He calls us to be world changers, but this requires us to stop saying "I can't" and start believing in His power and purpose for our lives. Our earthly life will eventually end, but our existence does not. Therefore, it's essential to consider how much we are investing in eternity and the legacy we are leaving behind.

Key Takeaways:

- Faith in Action: Faith is more than belief; it is an active trust in God that persists even when we cannot see the outcome. It requires us to obey and trust God's plan, even when it doesn't make sense to us. This kind of faith is foundational to our relationship with God and our eternal security. [00:13]

- Eternal Security: When we place our trust in Christ, we are assured of an eternal future with Him. God holds onto us with an unbreakable grip, providing us with security and hope, even when we feel like letting go. This promise of eternal security is a source of comfort and strength. [00:26]

- Investing in Eternity: Our earthly possessions are temporary, but we can invest in eternity by focusing on the Kingdom of God. This investment is the most significant one we can make, as it impacts our eternal future and the legacy we leave behind. [00:40]

- God's Purpose for Us: God desires to use us for His purposes, to bless us, and to do amazing things through us. We are called to be world changers, and this requires us to move beyond our limitations and trust in God's power and purpose for our lives. [00:58]

- Life Beyond Earth: Our physical life will end, but our existence continues beyond this world. It's crucial to reflect on how we are investing in eternity and the impact we are making for the Kingdom of God. This perspective helps us live with purpose and intentionality. [01:14]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:13] - Holding onto Faith
[00:26] - Eternal Security in Christ
[00:40] - Investing in the Kingdom
[00:58] - God's Purpose for Your Life
[01:14] - Life Beyond Earth

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
2. Matthew 6:19-21 - "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
3. John 10:28-29 - "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to the sermon, what are the three actions that define faith? [00:13]
2. What does the sermon say about the security of our relationship with God when we trust in Christ? [00:26]
3. How does the sermon describe the concept of investing in eternity? [00:40]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the end of our physical life and our existence beyond it? [01:14]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Hebrews 11:1 relate to the idea of faith as described in the sermon? Consider the aspects of believing, obeying, and persisting. [00:13]
2. In what ways does Matthew 6:19-21 challenge us to rethink our priorities and investments in life? How does this align with the sermon's message on investing in eternity? [00:40]
3. Reflect on John 10:28-29. How does this passage provide comfort and assurance about our eternal security in Christ, as mentioned in the sermon? [00:26]
4. What does the sermon imply about God's purpose for us and how we can be world changers? How does this connect with the idea of moving beyond our limitations? [00:58]

#### Application Questions
1. Think about a time when you felt discouraged or wanted to give up. How can the concept of active faith help you in similar situations in the future? [00:13]
2. What are some practical ways you can invest in the Kingdom of God this week? Consider both your time and resources. [00:40]
3. Reflect on your current priorities. Are there any earthly possessions or pursuits that might be hindering your investment in eternity? How can you adjust your focus? [00:40]
4. How can you remind yourself of the eternal security you have in Christ during moments of doubt or fear? [00:26]
5. Identify one area in your life where you often say "I can't." How can you start trusting in God's power and purpose to overcome this limitation? [00:58]
6. Consider the legacy you are leaving behind. What steps can you take to ensure it aligns with God's purpose for your life? [01:14]
7. How can the assurance of life beyond earth influence the way you live your daily life? What changes might you need to make to live with more purpose and intentionality? [01:14]

Devotional

Day 1: Active Trust in Unseen Circumstances
Faith is not merely a belief but an active trust in God, especially when the path ahead is unclear. It requires obedience and persistence, even when understanding is lacking. This kind of faith is foundational to our relationship with God, providing assurance and security in His eternal promises. When we choose to trust God despite our circumstances, we align ourselves with His greater plan and purpose for our lives. [00:13]

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you struggle to trust God fully? How can you actively choose to trust Him today, even if you cannot see the outcome?


Day 2: Assurance of Eternal Security
Placing our trust in Christ assures us of an eternal future with Him. This promise of eternal security is a source of comfort and strength, reminding us that God holds onto us with an unbreakable grip. Even when we feel like letting go, God’s steadfast love and faithfulness provide hope and assurance. This eternal security is not based on our efforts but on His unchanging nature and promises. [00:26]

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." (John 10:27-28, ESV)

Reflection: When you feel insecure or uncertain, how can you remind yourself of God’s promise of eternal security? What practical steps can you take to rest in His assurance today?


Day 3: Investing in the Kingdom of God
Our earthly possessions are temporary, but we have the opportunity to invest in eternity by focusing on the Kingdom of God. This investment is the most significant one we can make, impacting our eternal future and the legacy we leave behind. By prioritizing God’s Kingdom, we align our lives with His eternal purposes, making a lasting impact beyond our earthly existence. [00:40]

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matthew 6:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical way you can invest in God’s Kingdom today? How can you shift your focus from temporary possessions to eternal impact?


Day 4: Embracing God’s Purpose for Your Life
God desires to use us for His purposes, to bless us, and to do amazing things through us. We are called to be world changers, moving beyond our limitations and trusting in God’s power and purpose for our lives. Embracing this calling requires faith and a willingness to step out of our comfort zones, believing that God can do more through us than we can imagine. [00:58]

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? How can you embrace His purpose for your life today, trusting in His power to work through you?


Day 5: Living with an Eternal Perspective
Our physical life will end, but our existence continues beyond this world. It’s crucial to reflect on how we are investing in eternity and the impact we are making for the Kingdom of God. By living with an eternal perspective, we can live with purpose and intentionality, ensuring that our lives reflect God’s eternal values and priorities. [01:14]

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." (2 Corinthians 4:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate an eternal perspective in your daily life? What changes can you make to ensure your actions and decisions align with God’s eternal values?

Quotes


I have no doubt that some of you are discouraged and you feel like giving up on on your job or your dream or that prayer that's been on answered don't give up faith is believing when I don't see it obeying what I don't understand it and persisting when I don't feel like it if you put your trust in Christ you're gonna spend trillions of years in eternity with no more sorrow no more sadness no more sickness no more suffering when you put your hand in God's he grasped onto it and he's never letting go there may be times you'd like to let go but he's never letting go you are eternally secure now you've heard me say many times you know you can't take it with you but you can send it on ahead and there's no greater investment than the kingdom of God God wants to use you he wants to bless you he wants to do amazing things in your life he wants you to be a world changer you just need to stop saying I can't one day your heart will stop beating that will be the end of your body it's not gonna be the end of you how much you investing in eternity [00:00:00]

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Transcript
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