Finding Joy in Eternal Assurance and Faith
Summary
In today's reflection, we are reminded of the profound truth that our joy and fulfillment should not be anchored in the transient successes or failures of our earthly endeavors, but rather in the eternal assurance that our names are written in heaven. This is a call to refocus our priorities, to remember that the cross and the sacrifice of Jesus are the ultimate sources of our joy and purpose. The story of Angelique, a young girl who chose to forgo her birthday celebration to contribute to the church, serves as a powerful illustration of childlike faith and the simplicity of putting God first. Her example challenges us to consider what our community would look like if we all had such faith.
We are also reminded that God's promises are not always fulfilled in the immediacy we desire. The story of the Israelites rebuilding the temple in Haggai's time teaches us that even when we make the right choices, the results may not be immediate. Yet, God's promise remains: He is with us. This is the ultimate reward—His presence, His Spirit dwelling among us. The question posed is whether this is enough for us. Are we seeking God for who He is, or for what He can give us?
The fulfillment of God's promises may not always align with our timelines, as seen in the prophecy of the temple's glory, which took 500 years to be realized. Yet, the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises is assured in the new heaven and new earth, where there will be no more pain or suffering. This future hope should anchor us, allowing us to live with a perspective that transcends our current circumstances.
In conclusion, the call is to trust in God's promises, to find our joy in His presence, and to live with a faith that is not dependent on immediate results but is anchored in the eternal assurance of His love and presence.
Key Takeaways:
- Our joy should be rooted in the eternal truth that our names are written in heaven, not in the temporary successes or failures of our earthly endeavors. This perspective shifts our focus from the material to the spiritual, reminding us of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. [00:56]
- Childlike faith, as exemplified by Angelique, challenges us to prioritize God above all else. Her willingness to sacrifice her birthday celebration for the church is a powerful reminder of the simplicity and purity of faith that Jesus calls us to emulate. [04:57]
- God's promises are not always fulfilled in our desired timeline, but His presence is the ultimate reward. The story of the Israelites rebuilding the temple teaches us that even when we make the right choices, the results may not be immediate, yet God's promise to be with us remains. [10:47]
- The fulfillment of God's promises may take time, as seen in the prophecy of the temple's glory, which took 500 years to be realized. Yet, the ultimate fulfillment is assured in the new heaven and new earth, where there will be no more pain or suffering. [24:58]
- Trusting in God's promises requires a faith that is not dependent on immediate results but is anchored in the eternal assurance of His love and presence. This future hope should anchor us, allowing us to live with a perspective that transcends our current circumstances. [30:38]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Building Update
- [00:23] - Joy in Heaven's Assurance
- [01:22] - The Cross as Our Focus
- [02:17] - Angelique's Faith
- [03:33] - Childlike Faith
- [04:57] - Faith Like Angelique
- [06:15] - Stories of Faith
- [08:14] - Studying Haggai
- [09:40] - Delayed Promises
- [11:02] - Haggai's Encouragement
- [13:51] - Temple's Former Glory
- [16:27] - God's Encouragement
- [18:41] - Is God Enough?
- [22:50] - God's Promises
- [24:58] - Fulfillment of Prophecy
- [28:57] - Ultimate Fulfillment in Revelation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 10:20 - "However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
2. Matthew 18:3 - "And he said: 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'"
3. Haggai 2:4-5 - "But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty. ‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.’"
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus instruct the disciples to rejoice in, according to Luke 10:20? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on finding joy in eternal assurance rather than earthly successes? [00:56]
2. How does the story of Angelique illustrate the concept of childlike faith mentioned in Matthew 18:3? What specific actions did she take that demonstrate this faith? [02:56]
3. In Haggai 2:4-5, what promise does God make to the people as they rebuild the temple? How does this promise serve as encouragement despite the lack of immediate results? [16:49]
4. How does the prophecy in Haggai about the temple's future glory relate to the ultimate fulfillment in Revelation 21? What does this tell us about the nature of God's promises? [24:58]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might Jesus emphasize rejoicing in the assurance of our names being written in heaven over rejoicing in earthly accomplishments? How does this perspective shift affect a believer's daily life? [00:56]
2. What does Angelique’s decision to forgo her birthday celebration teach us about prioritizing God in our lives? How can this childlike faith challenge our current priorities? [04:57]
3. How does the story of the Israelites in Haggai illustrate the tension between immediate results and long-term faithfulness? What does this teach us about trusting in God's timing? [10:47]
4. In what ways does the promise of God's presence, as seen in Haggai 2:4-5, provide a foundation for enduring faith? How can this promise be enough for believers facing challenges today? [16:49]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you found joy in a temporary success. How might focusing on the eternal assurance of your name being written in heaven change your perspective on that situation? [00:56]
2. Consider a time when you had to make a sacrifice for your faith. How did it feel, and what was the outcome? How can Angelique’s example inspire you to make similar sacrifices in the future? [04:57]
3. Think about a promise from God that you are waiting to see fulfilled. How can you find peace and motivation in the assurance of His presence, even if the promise is not yet realized? [16:49]
4. Identify an area in your life where you are seeking immediate results. How can you practice patience and trust in God's timing, as demonstrated by the Israelites rebuilding the temple? [10:47]
5. How can the future hope of a new heaven and new earth, as described in Revelation 21, influence your current approach to challenges and suffering? What practical steps can you take to anchor your life in this hope? [30:38]
6. Reflect on your current priorities. What changes can you make to ensure that God is at the center of your decisions and actions, similar to Angelique’s childlike faith? [04:57]
7. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with God, where His presence is enough for you, regardless of your circumstances? What specific practices can you implement to strengthen this relationship? [18:41]
Devotional
Day 1: Joy Anchored in Eternal Assurance
Our joy should be rooted in the eternal truth that our names are written in heaven, not in the temporary successes or failures of our earthly endeavors. This perspective shifts our focus from the material to the spiritual, reminding us of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. The assurance of our heavenly citizenship provides a foundation for joy that transcends the ups and downs of life. By focusing on this eternal truth, we can find peace and contentment regardless of our circumstances. This joy is not dependent on what we achieve or fail to achieve in this world but is anchored in the unchanging promise of our salvation. [00:56]
Luke 10:20 (ESV): "Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
Reflection: What are some earthly successes or failures that you have allowed to define your joy? How can you shift your focus to the eternal assurance of your name being written in heaven today?
Day 2: Childlike Faith and Prioritizing God
Childlike faith, as exemplified by Angelique, challenges us to prioritize God above all else. Her willingness to sacrifice her birthday celebration for the church is a powerful reminder of the simplicity and purity of faith that Jesus calls us to emulate. This kind of faith is not about grand gestures but about the sincerity of heart and the willingness to put God first in our lives. It invites us to examine our own priorities and consider what it means to truly trust and follow God with the innocence and trust of a child. [04:57]
Matthew 18:3-4 (ESV): "And said, 'Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can demonstrate childlike faith by prioritizing God above all else today?
Day 3: Trusting in God's Presence Amidst Delayed Promises
God's promises are not always fulfilled in our desired timeline, but His presence is the ultimate reward. The story of the Israelites rebuilding the temple teaches us that even when we make the right choices, the results may not be immediate, yet God's promise to be with us remains. This teaches us patience and trust in God's timing, knowing that His presence is with us through every step of the journey. It challenges us to seek God for who He is, rather than what He can give us, and to find contentment in His constant companionship. [10:47]
Haggai 2:4-5 (ESV): "Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, declares the Lord. Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the Lord. Work, for I am with you, declares the Lord of hosts, according to the covenant that I made with you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not."
Reflection: In what ways can you practice patience and trust in God's presence today, even when His promises seem delayed?
Day 4: The Long Journey to Fulfillment
The fulfillment of God's promises may take time, as seen in the prophecy of the temple's glory, which took 500 years to be realized. Yet, the ultimate fulfillment is assured in the new heaven and new earth, where there will be no more pain or suffering. This future hope should anchor us, allowing us to live with a perspective that transcends our current circumstances. It reminds us that God's timeline is not our own, and that His plans are far greater than we can imagine. This perspective encourages us to remain faithful and hopeful, trusting in the ultimate fulfillment of His promises. [24:58]
2 Peter 3:8-9 (ESV): "But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
Reflection: How can you anchor your hope in the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, even when the journey seems long and uncertain?
Day 5: Faith Anchored in Eternal Assurance
Trusting in God's promises requires a faith that is not dependent on immediate results but is anchored in the eternal assurance of His love and presence. This future hope should anchor us, allowing us to live with a perspective that transcends our current circumstances. It calls us to a deeper level of trust and reliance on God, knowing that His love and presence are constant and unchanging. This kind of faith is not swayed by the challenges or uncertainties of life but remains steadfast in the assurance of God's eternal promises. [30:38]
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to exercise faith that is not dependent on immediate results, but is anchored in the eternal assurance of God's love and presence?
Quotes
"Don't rejoice that the demons submit to you, rejoice that your name is written in heaven. He says your joy shouldn't be based upon some ministry thing or something that happens in life, this circumstance that circumstance your joy should be that your names are in heaven. That's something to get excited about." [00:53:08]
"Instead of having a party I decided to give the money they would have spent for you and your new church love Angelique. PS you are the best pastor and so cool. You know that PS was so touching no I think about that I thought about that letter and I just you know so often I'll bring up an example." [01:76:20]
"Unless you change and become like a little child unless you have the faith like this little child you'll never see the kingdom of heaven and when I read that note you know it was just some cute little Angelique you know I just thought do you remember what it was like to have a birthday party when you're a kid." [03:35:12]
"God's more important than me it's all God's more important than my birthday God's more important this guy's more important than that and we go well when you get older issues get bigger no no no Jesus says now you become like a little child I remember being in high school after I first became a Christian." [05:06:91]
"These people were cursed by God okay not a great position of being cursed by God so gods blown all their money away he causes a drought there's you know no crops no harvest everything's falling apart and God says them because you know why it's because you guys are building your own house is taking care of yourselves." [08:32:81]
"Some of you in this room you've made some choices to do the right thing in God's eyes some of you decide to stay married you try to work things out and you know what things aren't getting any better some of you you know decide to get things right in your business and do things in an honest right way." [09:40:30]
"God promises that every time you do what's right in his eyes it will work out better for you now when it's his timing we don't know he just makes that promise and most of us we want something more concrete than his promise know what's more concrete than a promise of God you know." [10:14:09]
"God's promise to you is God his reward is himself the question is is that enough for you see some of you come here and you go okay when will I get from following God and my answer God to me that's a good deal it's a real good deal you're okay I understand relationship with the creator of the universe." [18:07:48]
"The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house as a law almighty and in this place I will grant peace declares the Lord Almighty okay so God says I will make some promises to you though okay here's this temple and he goes this one I promise you the glory of this one." [23:90:67]
"This prophecy it did come true the problem is that it didn't come true for five hundred years okay so these guys build this temple in about 519 BC but then along comes Herod the Great in 20 BC five hundred years later and then Herod looks at the temple and he being an egomaniac makes it even bigger." [24:38:25]
"Then at the very end there's gonna be this new existence where there's this new heaven new earth this world that we live in right now it's not gonna be like this it's gonna be destroyed these bodies that we know and understand right now it's not going to be like this in the future." [30:01:66]
"That's the promise but it's future it's just a matter of is that enough for you to hold on to that see we want the immediate rather than trusting in God's promises we want to try to live without any type of faith whatsoever and yet the Bible says that's how you can tell a true believer." [30:42:62]
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