Living by Faith: Embracing the Unseen Realities
Summary
Today, I explored the profound truths of living by faith, not by sight, as we delved into 2 Corinthians chapter 5. We began by acknowledging the privilege of worship and recognizing Jesus as the full representation of God, who took on our failings and offered us renewal and life. This set the stage for a deeper understanding of our spiritual journey and the unseen realities that shape our existence.
In the sermon, I shared personal reflections on turning 60, which has prompted me to evaluate what truly matters in life. This milestone has brought a mix of emotions and a sense of urgency to live more intentionally. It's a reminder that while birthdays may seem trivial, they can also serve as significant markers of time that invite us to reflect and recalibrate.
We then transitioned into discussing the challenges and realities of life, as Paul does in his letter. Life presents us with hardships that can either crush or refine us. Paul's words in 2 Corinthians remind us that we are pressed but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair—highlighting the resilience offered through faith. This resilience is crucial as we navigate the complexities of life and the inevitable struggles that come our way.
A poignant part of our discussion focused on the unseen world's influence on the seen world. This theme is crucial for understanding how our faith must stand firm against visible challenges. By anchoring ourselves in the promises and presence of God, we can withstand the storms of life. The metaphor of the anchor was particularly powerful, symbolizing stability and security in the tumultuous seas of life.
The sermon culminated in a reflection on the judgment seat of Christ, as described in 2 Corinthians 5. This passage reminds us that our earthly actions have eternal implications. However, the judgment seat is not about condemnation but about the celebration of our faithfulness and perseverance. It's an encouragement to live a life that pleases God, knowing that our efforts are seen and rewarded by Him.
Throughout the sermon, I interwove personal stories and scriptural insights to illustrate these truths vividly. The goal was to encourage each of us to live by faith, acknowledging the unseen yet ever-present help of God in our daily lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Privilege of Worship and Representation - Worship is not just a routine part of our church gatherings; it is a profound declaration of God's worthiness and a reminder of Jesus' incarnation. Jesus set aside His divine privileges to demonstrate God's character through His life on earth. This truth should inspire and deepen our worship. [27:48]
2. Reflection and Significance of Milestones - Significant life milestones, like a 60th birthday, can be times of deep reflection and evaluation. They offer us a chance to pause and consider what we've accomplished and what we truly value. These moments can lead to a renewed sense of purpose and intentionality in how we live our remaining years. [31:02]
3. Resilience Through Faith - Paul's words to the Corinthians about being pressed but not crushed and perplexed but not in despair are a powerful reminder of the resilience that faith in Christ provides. In our own lives, this resilience enables us to face challenges without losing hope, anchored in the unchanging grace of God. [32:15]
4. The Influence of the Unseen on the Seen - The spiritual realm significantly influences our physical experiences. By focusing on the eternal truths of God's word and His promises, we can allow the unseen to shape our understanding and response to the seen, rather than being overwhelmed by the visible circumstances around us. [42:17]
5. Living to Please God - The ultimate goal of our lives should be to please God in all that we do, whether in times of joy or in trials. This focus aligns our daily actions with our eternal purpose, ensuring that our lives have a lasting impact that echoes beyond our temporal existence. [51:11]
### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
27:48 - The Privilege of Worship and Representation
31:02 - Reflection and Significance of Milestones
32:15 - Resilience Through Faith
42:17 - The Influence of the Unseen on the Seen
51:11 - Living to Please God
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
- Philippians 2:5-8
- Lamentations 3:22-23
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says, "For we live by faith, not by sight" in 2 Corinthians 5:7?
2. How does Paul describe the earthly and heavenly dwellings in 2 Corinthians 5:1-4?
3. What is the significance of Jesus setting aside His divine privileges according to Philippians 2:5-8? ([27:48])
4. How does the promise in Lamentations 3:22-23 about God's mercies being new every morning relate to the sermon? ([43:58])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of living by faith, not by sight, challenge our daily decision-making and perspective on life's struggles? ([37:12])
2. In what ways can significant life milestones, like turning 60, prompt deeper reflection and intentional living? ([31:02])
3. How does the metaphor of the anchor in the song "Cornerstone" illustrate the stability and security found in faith? ([47:05])
4. What does Paul mean by the "judgment seat of Christ" and how should this understanding influence our actions and attitudes? ([53:50])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did your faith help you navigate through it? How can you strengthen your faith to better handle future challenges? ([32:15])
2. Think about a significant milestone in your life. How did it change your perspective or actions? What steps can you take to live more intentionally now? ([31:02])
3. How can you incorporate the practice of focusing on the unseen, eternal truths of God's word in your daily life to influence your response to visible circumstances? ([42:17])
4. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel "pressed but not crushed" or "perplexed but not in despair." How can you anchor yourself in God's promises during these times? ([32:15])
5. What are some practical ways you can live to please God in your daily activities, whether in times of joy or trials? ([51:11])
6. How can you remind yourself of God's new mercies each morning, especially during difficult times? What specific actions can you take to start your day with this mindset? ([43:58])
7. Reflect on the idea of the judgment seat of Christ as a celebration of faithfulness. How does this perspective motivate you to live a life that pleases God? ([53:50])
Devotional
Day 1: Worship Transforms Our View of God
Worship is not merely a routine or a segment of a church service; it is a transformative experience that renews our understanding of God's nature and His acts. When we worship, we are not just singing songs or reciting prayers; we are engaging in a profound declaration of God's worthiness. This act of worship is deeply connected to the reality of Jesus' incarnation—God becoming man to demonstrate His character and love for humanity. By worshiping, we acknowledge Jesus' sacrifice and His setting aside of divine privileges, which should inspire and deepen our worship, making it a heartfelt response to His profound love and mercy. [27:48](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3-EVlFCRqw&t=1653s)
"Though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar." (Psalm 138:6)
Reflection: How does your current practice of worship reflect a true understanding of God's nature and His acts in your life?
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Day 2: Milestones as Mirrors for Reflection
Significant life milestones, such as turning 60, serve as mirrors reflecting our past, present, and the potential future. These moments compel us to pause and evaluate our lives, questioning what we have achieved and what we truly value. This process of reflection is crucial as it can lead to a renewed sense of purpose and intentionality in how we live our remaining years. Embracing these milestones with a heart of wisdom allows us to align more closely with God's desires for our lives, ensuring that our actions and decisions are driven by what eternally matters. [31:02](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3-EVlFCRqw&t=1847s)
"Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12)
Reflection: What recent milestone can you reflect on to evaluate your spiritual growth and realign your life goals with God's purpose?
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Day 3: Resilience Rooted in Faith
The resilience provided by faith in Christ is a powerful force that sustains believers through the trials and tribulations of life. As Paul illustrates, being 'pressed but not crushed' encapsulates the enduring strength that comes from trusting in God's sovereignty and grace. This resilience is not about denying the hardships but facing them with a hope that does not waver because it is anchored in the eternal rather than the temporal. Such faith does not eliminate challenges but provides the strength to endure them with peace and confidence. [32:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3-EVlFCRqw&t=1920s)
"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair." (2 Corinthians 4:8)
Reflection: In what recent situation did you feel overwhelmed, and how can your faith in Christ help you view it with resilience instead of despair?
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Day 4: The Unseen Influencing the Seen
The spiritual realm significantly influences our physical experiences, shaping our responses and understanding of the world around us. By focusing on the eternal truths of God's word and His promises, believers can navigate life's visible challenges with an eternal perspective. This shift in focus allows the unseen—God's kingdom and His workings—to mold our attitudes and actions, ensuring that we respond to life's challenges not merely with human wisdom but with divine guidance. [42:17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3-EVlFCRqw&t=2522s)
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:18)
Reflection: What visible challenge are you facing, and how can you allow your faith to guide your response instead of reacting based on the immediate circumstances?
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Day 5: Living to Please God
The ultimate goal of every believer should be to live a life that pleases God, making every effort to align daily actions with the divine will. This focus not only ensures that our lives have a lasting impact but also aligns us with our eternal purpose. Living to please God involves making choices that reflect His love and righteousness, whether in times of joy or trials. It is about striving for faithfulness and perseverance, knowing that our efforts are seen and rewarded by Him. [51:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3-EVlFCRqw&t=3056s)
"And so, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him." (2 Corinthians 5:9)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to make adjustments to better align with living to please God?
Quotes
1) "So looking forward, trusting God for a future home. And kind of a yet today, looking around to see how you can help people in your current home. Isn't that amazing? Like at 90 plus, who knows really what's going on?" [01:00:49]
2) "Just trying to live in such a way so no matter what I do, whether I eat, drink, or whatever I do, I'm just going to live it for the glory of God." [01:01:46]
3) "I love to golf. I'm really, I just seem to be really good at it. I work really hard at it. I love to compete. Like, I'm a fierce competitor. But this is, it's just a game." [01:04:17]
4) "We live by faith, not by sight. Yeah, I might prefer to be away from the Lord, Paul says. Or away from the body and at home with the Lord. But I'm not." [50:31]
5) "So I make it my goal to please him. There. That's it. Paul sometimes can talk a lot. And then all of a sudden he just says something really simple." [51:11]
6) "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ so that each of us may receive what is due for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." [54:28]
7) "The point here is, is how about we just choose to please him? And just let all that other stuff, like we'll just let that go to Jesus." [58:05]
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