Investing in Eternity: Finding True Purpose in God

 

Summary

In the journey of life, we often find ourselves seeking purpose and meaning, grappling with the question of what truly matters. As we delve into the Book of Ecclesiastes, we are confronted with the stark reality that much of what we invest our lives in may seem futile under the sun—that is, within the confines of our earthly existence. Yet, this is not a call to despair, but rather an invitation to discover a deeper, more enduring significance that transcends the temporal.

The parable of the talents teaches us that our lives are not to be squandered on the ephemeral but invested in the eternal. It is not the quantity of our increase that matters, but our faithfulness in stewardship. The commendation, "Well done, good and faithful servant," is the ultimate affirmation we seek, and it reshapes our priorities and pursuits. We are not to be seduced by the temporary treasures of this earth but to focus on the eternal treasures in heaven.

God is not opposed to newness or to our endeavors to build and create. Indeed, He is in the business of making us new creations. However, the true meaning and purpose of our lives are found not in these things but in Him and His kingdom. To live for this life alone is to settle for mere participation awards when we are called to a life under the Son—Jesus Christ.

As we navigate through Ecclesiastes, we are reminded that all of us will invest our lives in something. The critical question is whether we are investing in what truly matters. The world offers many lies about what constitutes meaning and purpose, but God has already addressed these long before we were born. He calls us to live life with an eternal perspective.

In this life, we will face routines and the temptation to seek novelty for its own sake. Yet, the pursuit of newness for fulfillment is a cycle that ultimately leaves us wanting. We may try to build legacies, but even these are subject to being forgotten. Humanism suggests that we must create our own meaning, but this approach is limited and ultimately unsatisfying.

We are made in the image of God, imbued with purpose and meaning by our Creator. It is in understanding that we are made for eternal life that we find our true purpose. There are two moments that will shape our approach to life: the moment we die and the moment we stand before Jesus. Living with the latter in mind changes everything.

Now, let us consider the key takeaways from this message:

1. The pursuit of earthly achievements, while not inherently wrong, cannot be the ultimate source of our purpose. True fulfillment is found in living for God and investing in His kingdom, which promises rewards beyond this temporal life. This perspective liberates us from the empty chase of worldly success and redirects our efforts toward eternal significance. [34:21]

2. Our identity as image-bearers of God is foundational to our sense of purpose. We reflect aspects of God's character through our unique personalities, strengths, and abilities. Recognizing this divine imprint on our lives empowers us to live with intentionality and to contribute to the world in ways that honor our Creator. [25:29]

3. The reality of our mortality should not lead us to despair but to a life lived with urgency and focus on what will last beyond our time under the sun. The brevity of life is a call to prioritize our relationship with God and the impact we have on others in light of eternity. [09:19]

4. The anticipation of standing before Jesus should be a driving force in how we live today. This moment will be the ultimate evaluation of our faithfulness, and it should inspire us to seek God's grace, live out His values, and invest in what will endure beyond our earthly existence. [29:21]

5. While the world may forget our contributions, the legacy we leave in the hearts and lives of those we touch is of immeasurable value. Our actions, motivated by love and service, can ripple through generations, even if our names are not remembered. This is the legacy that echoes in eternity. [20:30]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 (CSB)
- "The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem: 'Absolute futility,' says the Teacher. 'Absolute futility. Everything is futile.' What does a person gain for all his efforts that he labors at under the sun? A generation goes and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises and the sun sets; panting, it hurries back to the place where it rises. Gusting to the south, turning to the north, turning, turning, goes the wind, and the wind returns in its cycles. All the streams flow to the sea, yet the sea is never full; to the place where the streams flow, there they flow again. All things are wearisome, more than anyone can say. The eye is not satisfied by seeing or the ear filled with hearing. What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun. Can one say about anything, 'Look, this is new'? It has already existed in the ages before us. There is no remembrance of those who came before and of those who will come after; there will also be no remembrance by those who follow them."

2. Matthew 25:14-30 (CSB)
- The Parable of the Talents: "For it is just like a man about to go on a journey. He called his own servants and entrusted his possessions to them. To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent, depending on each one’s ability. Then he went on a journey. Immediately the man who had received five talents went, put them to work, and earned five more. In the same way the man with two earned two more. But the man who had received one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master’s money. After a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. The man who had received five talents approached, presented five more talents, and said, ‘Master, you gave me five talents. See, I’ve earned five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.’ The man with two talents also approached. He said, ‘Master, you gave me two talents. See, I’ve earned two more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.’ The man who had received one talent also approached and said, ‘Master, I know you. You’re a harsh man, reaping where you haven’t sown and gathering where you haven’t scattered seed. So I was afraid and went off and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’ His master replied to him, ‘You evil, lazy servant! If you knew that I reap where I haven’t sown and gather where I haven’t scattered, then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and I would have received my money back with interest when I returned. So take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have more than enough. But from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. And throw this good-for-nothing servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’"

#### Observation Questions
1. What does the Teacher in Ecclesiastes describe as "absolute futility"? ([05:04])
2. In the Parable of the Talents, what was the master's response to the servants who invested their talents? ([34:21])
3. According to the sermon, what are some of the things people often seek for meaning and purpose in life? ([08:00])
4. How does the Teacher in Ecclesiastes describe the cycle of life and nature? ([14:16])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the phrase "under the sun" signify in the context of Ecclesiastes, and how does it shape our understanding of life's purpose? ([27:00])
2. How does the Parable of the Talents illustrate the concept of stewardship and faithfulness in our lives? ([34:21])
3. Why does the sermon suggest that seeking new experiences or possessions for fulfillment is ultimately unsatisfying? ([18:10])
4. How does recognizing our identity as image-bearers of God influence our sense of purpose and meaning? ([25:02])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily routines and activities. Are there areas where you feel you are investing in things that may not have lasting significance? How can you redirect your efforts towards what truly matters? ([11:00])
2. The sermon mentions the importance of living with an eternal perspective. How can you practically incorporate this perspective into your decision-making and priorities? ([37:57])
3. Consider the legacy you are building with your life. What steps can you take to ensure that your actions and contributions have a lasting impact on others, even if your name is not remembered? ([20:02])
4. How can you cultivate a sense of purpose and meaning in your life by focusing on your relationship with God and His kingdom rather than on temporary achievements? ([35:01])
5. The anticipation of standing before Jesus should influence how we live today. What changes can you make in your life to align more closely with God's values and priorities? ([29:21])
6. Think about a recent situation where you sought newness for fulfillment. How did it turn out, and what did you learn from that experience about finding true satisfaction? ([18:10])
7. How can you use your unique strengths, abilities, and personality to reflect God's character and contribute to the world in a way that honors Him? ([25:02])

Devotional

Day 1: Eternal Investments Over Earthly Achievements
Life's true fulfillment is not found in the accumulation of wealth or success, but in the intentional investment in God's kingdom. This investment is not measured by the world's standards of success but by faithfulness and stewardship. The parable of the talents illustrates that it is not the amount of increase that matters, but the faithfulness in what has been entrusted to us. The ultimate affirmation sought is to hear "Well done, good and faithful servant," which signifies a life lived with eternal priorities in mind. This perspective frees one from the relentless pursuit of temporary gains and redirects efforts towards lasting significance. [34:21]

"For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?" (Mark 8:36-37 ESV)

Reflection: How can you realign your daily pursuits to focus more on eternal significance rather than temporary success?

Day 2: Divine Imprint on Our Lives
Recognizing oneself as an image-bearer of God is crucial to understanding one's purpose. Each individual reflects God's character through their unique abilities and strengths. This divine imprint empowers living with intentionality and contributing to the world in ways that honor the Creator. It is not about creating one's own meaning, as humanism suggests, but about discovering the meaning already given by God. This understanding provides a foundation for purposeful living and meaningful contributions that align with God's design. [25:29]

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." (2 Corinthians 4:7 ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you use your unique abilities to reflect God's character in your daily life?

Day 3: Urgency in Light of Mortality
The brevity of life should not lead to despair but to a life of urgency, focusing on what will last beyond our time on earth. This realization calls for prioritizing one's relationship with God and the impact on others in light of eternity. The awareness of mortality is a reminder to live each day with purpose, making choices that have eternal value rather than seeking novelty for its own sake. [09:19]

"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12 ESV)

Reflection: What is one thing you can do today to make a lasting impact on someone's life in light of eternity?

Day 4: Anticipating the Ultimate Evaluation
The anticipation of standing before Jesus should influence how one lives today. This moment of ultimate evaluation of faithfulness inspires a life seeking God's grace, living out His values, and investing in what endures beyond earthly existence. It is a call to live a life that is not just for the present but with an eternal perspective, knowing that every action and decision has significance in the eyes of God. [29:21]

"Therefore, we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." (2 Corinthians 5:9-10 ESV)

Reflection: How does the thought of standing before Jesus shape the way you approach your daily decisions and interactions?

Day 5: Legacy That Echoes in Eternity
The legacy one leaves is not measured by worldly remembrance but by the impact made on the hearts and lives of others. Actions motivated by love and service can create ripples through generations, even if one's name is not remembered. This is the legacy that matters, one that echoes in eternity, and it is of immeasurable value. It is a reminder that what is done for Christ lasts and that the true measure of a legacy is found in the lives touched by one's faith and love. [20:30]

"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel." (Philippians 1:27 ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can leave a positive, Christ-centered impact on someone's life this week?

Quotes

1) "Finding your purpose and meaning in the things that you're doing and building your life is always a recipe for disappointment and discouragement because every single thing that you're putting your energy into building is not going to last." [12:04] (Download)

2) "Life is full of many routines... eventually what happens for all of us as humans is we get bored finding meaning and purpose in the things that we're building and we go and pursue something new for ourselves." [14:51] (Download)

3) "The issue isn't the new thing; the issue is that we go looking for the new thing to give us a sense of peace and joy and purpose and meaning with our lives, and it can't because it's all temporary." [18:42] (Download)

4) "Building your legacy means that you're living in a way that's going to make people remember you when you're gone... but even that approach to life comes with its own set of limitations." [19:54] (Download)

5) "Your life does have meaning and purpose because the creator of your life, almighty God, says it does... You have purpose and meaning in your life because you are made in the image of God." [25:29] (Download)

6) "You will only find true purpose in this life when you understand that you are made for eternal life." [26:53] (Download)

7) "What if there is more to live this life than this life... you can choose to live for the moment that you're going to die or you can choose to live for the moment that you're going to stand before Jesus." [29:21] (Download)

8) "Well done, good and faithful servant... People who choose to live for the day that they're going to stand before Jesus, they live their lives with a perspective of my aim is to hear the words 'Well done, good and faithful servant.'" [34:21] (Download)

9) "God's not against you putting your energy into building things... What he's trying to tell us is that having purpose and meaning in your life is not found in those things; meaning and purpose is only found in him and in his kingdom." [35:42] (Download)

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Transcript
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