Hope, Faith, and the Pursuit of Eternal Joy

 

Summary

In our conversation today, we delved into the profound themes of hope and despair, drawing inspiration from C.S. Lewis's reflections. We explored the idea that hope is not merely wishful thinking or escapism but a vital theological virtue that propels us to look forward to the eternal world. This forward-looking perspective is not meant to detach us from the present but to empower us to make a significant impact here and now. History shows that those who have made the most difference in the world were those whose minds were set on heaven. This heavenly focus does not mean neglecting earthly responsibilities; rather, it enriches our earthly endeavors with a deeper purpose.

We also discussed the paradox of pursuing certain goods directly, such as happiness or health, and how they often elude us when they become our primary focus. Instead, these goods are best achieved as byproducts of pursuing something greater. This principle applies to many aspects of life, including our spiritual journey. The pursuit of heaven, for instance, should not be about securing eternal happiness as an end in itself but about embracing a life with God, which naturally leads to eternal joy.

Mark Nelson shared insights on the nature of belief, challenging the notion of faith as a fragile chain of separate links. Instead, he proposed a model of concentric circles, where core beliefs remain steadfast even as peripheral beliefs may change. This model allows for a more resilient faith that can withstand doubts and challenges without collapsing.

In our discussion, we also touched on the concept of the "weasel of despair," a metaphor for the dangers of a brittle faith. By reimagining our belief system as concentric circles, we can avoid the pitfalls of despair and maintain a hopeful outlook, even in the face of uncertainty.

Ultimately, the conversation emphasized the importance of keeping Jesus at the center of our faith. By focusing on a relationship with Him, rather than a rigid set of propositions, we can navigate the complexities of belief with grace and hope.

Key Takeaways:

- Hope is a theological virtue that encourages us to look forward to the eternal world, not as an escape but as a source of strength to impact the present. This perspective empowers us to live purposefully, knowing that our ultimate destiny is transcendent. [02:38]

- The paradox of pursuing goods like happiness or health directly often leads to their elusiveness. Instead, these are best achieved as byproducts of pursuing something greater, such as a life with God, which naturally leads to joy and fulfillment. [09:20]

- Faith should not be seen as a fragile chain of separate links but as concentric circles with core beliefs at the center. This model allows for a resilient faith that can withstand doubts and changes without collapsing. [13:57]

- The "weasel of despair" metaphor highlights the dangers of a brittle faith. By reimagining our belief system as concentric circles, we can avoid despair and maintain hope, even amidst uncertainty. [13:14]

- Keeping Jesus at the center of our faith is crucial. By focusing on a relationship with Him, rather than a rigid set of propositions, we can navigate the complexities of belief with grace and hope. [15:05]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:23] - Introduction to Mark Nelson
[00:57] - The Pencil Philosophy
[02:00] - Exploring Hope and Despair
[02:38] - C.S. Lewis on Hope
[03:41] - The Paradox of Pursuing Goods
[05:11] - Yearning for the Eternal
[06:42] - Impact of Heavenly Focus
[08:14] - The Pursuit of Greater Goods
[09:20] - The Paradox of Hedonism
[11:49] - The Weasel of Despair
[13:45] - Concentric Circles of Belief
[15:05] - Jesus at the Core
[15:19] - Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Colossians 3:1-2 (NIV) - "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."
2. Matthew 6:33 (NIV) - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
3. Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) - "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Observation Questions:
1. According to C.S. Lewis, how does focusing on the eternal world impact our actions in the present world? [02:38]
2. What examples from history were mentioned to illustrate the impact of a heavenly focus on earthly endeavors? [03:02]
3. How does Mark Nelson describe the concept of faith using the model of concentric circles? [13:57]
4. What is the "weasel of despair," and how does it relate to the concept of a brittle faith? [13:14]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the idea of setting our minds on things above, as mentioned in Colossians 3:1-2, align with the sermon’s emphasis on hope as a theological virtue? [02:38]
2. In what ways does the paradox of pursuing goods like happiness or health directly relate to the biblical instruction to seek first the kingdom of God? [09:20]
3. How might the model of concentric circles of belief help individuals maintain a resilient faith amidst doubts and challenges? [13:57]
4. What does it mean to keep Jesus at the center of our faith, and how does this focus help navigate the complexities of belief? [15:05]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when focusing on a heavenly perspective helped you make a positive impact in your current situation. How can you cultivate this perspective more consistently in your life? [02:38]
2. Consider the paradox of pursuing happiness directly. What greater purpose or goal can you focus on that might lead to a more fulfilling life? [09:20]
3. How can you apply the model of concentric circles to your own belief system to strengthen your faith against doubts? What core beliefs do you hold that remain steadfast? [13:57]
4. Identify an area in your life where you might be experiencing the "weasel of despair." How can reimagining your belief system help you overcome this despair? [13:14]
5. What practical steps can you take to keep Jesus at the center of your faith this week? How might this focus change your approach to daily challenges? [15:05]
6. How can you encourage others in your community to embrace a life with God as a means to achieve joy and fulfillment, rather than pursuing happiness as an end in itself? [09:20]
7. Think of a specific situation where you can apply the principle of seeking first the kingdom of God. What actions will you take to prioritize this in your life? [09:20]

Devotional

Day 1: Hope as a Source of Strength
Hope is not merely wishful thinking or escapism but a vital theological virtue that propels us to look forward to the eternal world. This forward-looking perspective is not meant to detach us from the present but to empower us to make a significant impact here and now. History shows that those who have made the most difference in the world were those whose minds were set on heaven. This heavenly focus does not mean neglecting earthly responsibilities; rather, it enriches our earthly endeavors with a deeper purpose. By understanding hope as a source of strength, we can live purposefully, knowing that our ultimate destiny is transcendent. [02:38]

"For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." (Romans 8:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: How can you let the hope of eternity influence a specific decision or action you take today?


Day 2: The Paradox of Pursuing Greater Goods
The paradox of pursuing certain goods directly, such as happiness or health, often leads to their elusiveness. Instead, these goods are best achieved as byproducts of pursuing something greater. This principle applies to many aspects of life, including our spiritual journey. The pursuit of heaven, for instance, should not be about securing eternal happiness as an end in itself but about embracing a life with God, which naturally leads to eternal joy. By focusing on a higher purpose, we find that the things we desire most are often fulfilled in unexpected ways. [09:20]

"Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33, ESV)

Reflection: What is one "good" you have been pursuing directly, and how can you shift your focus to a greater purpose today?


Day 3: Resilient Faith through Concentric Circles
Faith should not be seen as a fragile chain of separate links but as concentric circles with core beliefs at the center. This model allows for a resilient faith that can withstand doubts and changes without collapsing. By understanding faith in this way, we can maintain a strong foundation even as we explore and question peripheral beliefs. This approach encourages a deeper exploration of faith, allowing for growth and adaptation while keeping core beliefs intact. [13:57]

"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe." (Hebrews 12:28, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a peripheral belief you have questioned recently. How can you explore this question while keeping your core faith intact?


Day 4: Avoiding the Weasel of Despair
The "weasel of despair" metaphor highlights the dangers of a brittle faith. By reimagining our belief system as concentric circles, we can avoid despair and maintain hope, even amidst uncertainty. This approach allows us to face challenges and doubts without losing our foundational beliefs. By focusing on the core of our faith, we can navigate through difficult times with resilience and hope, avoiding the pitfalls of despair. [13:14]

"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God." (Psalm 42:11, ESV)

Reflection: When faced with doubt or despair, what core belief can you hold onto to maintain hope?


Day 5: Keeping Jesus at the Center
Ultimately, the importance of keeping Jesus at the center of our faith cannot be overstated. By focusing on a relationship with Him, rather than a rigid set of propositions, we can navigate the complexities of belief with grace and hope. This relationship-centered approach allows for a dynamic and living faith that can adapt and grow over time. By keeping Jesus at the core, we ensure that our faith remains vibrant and resilient, capable of withstanding the challenges of life. [15:05]

"Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2, ESV)

Reflection: How can you focus on your relationship with Jesus today, rather than on specific doctrines or beliefs?

Quotes



Hope is one of the theological virtues. This means that a continual looking forward to the eternal world is not, as some modern people think, a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do. It does not mean that we're to leave the present world as it is. [00:02:38]

If you read history, you will find the Christians who did the most for the present world were just those who thought the most of the next. The apostles themselves, who set on foot the conversion of the Roman Empire, the great ones who built up the Middle Ages, the English evangelicals who abolished the slave trade all left their mark on earth precisely because their minds were occupied with heaven. [00:02:48]

It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at heaven and you get earth thrown in so to speak. Aim at earth and you will get neither. It seems a strange rule but something like it can be seen at work in other matters. [00:03:24]

Health is a great blessing, but the moment you make health one of your main direct objects, you start becoming a crank and imagine there is something wrong with you. You are only likely to get health provided you want other things more: food, games, work, fun, open air. [00:03:36]

Most of us find it very difficult to want heaven at all, except insofar as heaven means meeting again our friends who have died. One reason for this difficulty is that we have not been trained. Our whole education tends to fix our minds on this world. [00:04:08]

Most people, if they had really learned to look into their own hearts, would know that they do want, and want acutely, something that cannot be had in this world. There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise. [00:04:20]

We have these desires, these yearnings in us that we almost don't even recognize. We don't even know what they're for. For him, that was a pointer that yes, there is something not of this world that is meant to be our heart's desire, that we were created for. [00:05:20]

Christians who have made the most difference were the ones whose sights were not set completely on this world, that their eyes were set on heaven, their minds were set on heaven. We do think about it. I think it's easy to find fault with or poke holes in the kind of childish pictures of heaven. [00:07:10]

You can't get health if health is the main thing you want. You can't save civilization if your main goal is saving civilization. I've thought also about diversity and inclusivity. We talk about that a lot in these days. Somehow you can't get diversity if your main goal is diversity. [00:08:18]

The paradox of hedonism is the idea that hedonists classically thought that happiness was the great good and the thing that we all do strive for and should strive for. But it was very quickly pointed out that if you single-mindedly make your decisions so as to achieve the greatest happiness possible for yourself, you are very unlikely to achieve it. [00:09:20]

I think a better way of thinking about it is to drop the separate links of chain picture and substitute for something like concentric circles, circles within circles extending outward. What's important is at the center. The next most important things are in the next ring, so on and so forth. [00:13:45]

What it means is you can change things in the outer rings, the peripheral beliefs, without necessarily affecting things in the inner rings. The things you have at the core will be largely immune from change when you change your beliefs in the outer rings. [00:14:03]

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Transcript
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