Living Fully: Embracing Time and Presence
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound difference between merely existing and truly living. Inspired by Dr. Tony Campolo's story, we delved into the concept of being fully present in our lives. It's easy to count the years we've been alive, but much harder to measure the moments when we were truly alive. We often drift through life on autopilot, missing out on the richness of fully lived moments. Our focus today is on how to be more present and alive, making the most of the time God has given us.
We discussed the importance of managing both our minutes and our moments. Time management isn't just a practical skill; it's a theological one. God exists outside of our linear timeline, and understanding this can help us better manage our own time. We explored the idea that time is a human construct, created to help us manage our lives, but God operates on a different level. He is the eternal now, not bound by past, present, or future.
We also touched on the concept of heaven, not just as a future destination but as a present reality. Eternity is invading time right now, and we can experience glimpses of heaven through the Holy Spirit and the church. This understanding should motivate us to live fully in the present, making the most of every opportunity.
We then moved on to practical steps for better time management. We need to identify and eliminate the "barren fig trees" in our lives—those activities that waste our time and don't produce fruit. We discussed the importance of habit stacking, where we combine activities to make better use of our time. For example, reading a book while commuting or praying while listening to the news.
Finally, we emphasized the importance of being fully present in teachable moments, both in our own lives and in the lives of those around us. Jesus was the ultimate example of this, always seizing opportunities to teach, heal, and love. We are called to do the same, to be peacemakers, grace givers, and tone setters in a world that desperately needs it.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Difference Between Existing and Living: It's easy to count the years we've been alive, but much harder to measure the moments when we were truly alive. Being fully present in our lives allows us to experience the richness of God's creation and His purpose for us. [31:34]
2. Time Management as a Theological Concept: Time is a human construct, created to help us manage our lives, but God operates outside of our linear timeline. Understanding this can help us better manage our own time, aligning our lives more closely with God's eternal perspective. [35:08]
3. Heaven as a Present Reality: Heaven is not just a future destination but a present reality. Eternity is invading time right now, and we can experience glimpses of heaven through the Holy Spirit and the church. This understanding should motivate us to live fully in the present. [37:50]
4. Eliminating Barren Fig Trees: We need to identify and eliminate the "barren fig trees" in our lives—those activities that waste our time and don't produce fruit. By doing so, we can better steward the time God has given us and focus on activities that bring glory to Him. [45:34]
5. Seizing Teachable Moments: Being fully present in teachable moments allows us to impact our lives and the lives of those around us. Jesus was the ultimate example of this, always seizing opportunities to teach, heal, and love. We are called to do the same, to be peacemakers, grace givers, and tone setters. [52:35]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[30:39] - Dr. Tony Campolo's Story
[31:34] - Measuring Life in Moments
[32:38] - Empire State Building Moment
[33:18] - Win the Day Series
[34:12] - Right Relationship with Time
[35:08] - Time as a Human Construct
[36:31] - God's Eternal Perspective
[37:11] - Heaven as a Present Reality
[38:37] - God's Timeline
[39:23] - Free Will and Suffering
[40:13] - Teleology and God's Plan
[40:56] - Everything is Created Twice
[41:50] - Imagination and Reality
[44:10] - Managing Minutes and Moments
[45:34] - Cursing the Barren Fig Tree
[47:00] - Time Leaks and Prioritization
[48:19] - Habit Stacking
[49:43] - Doing the Math
[51:06] - Chronos and Kairos
[52:35] - Stewarding Teachable Moments
[53:55] - Jesus as the Ultimate Example
[55:09] - Call to Action
[56:40] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 5:16 - "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
2. 2 Peter 3:8 - "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day."
3. Matthew 21:19 - "Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, 'May you never bear fruit again!' Immediately the tree withered."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Ephesians 5:16 suggest about how we should approach our daily lives?
2. How does 2 Peter 3:8 help us understand God's perspective on time compared to our own? [35:08]
3. What was the significance of Jesus cursing the barren fig tree in Matthew 21:19? [45:34]
4. According to the sermon, what are some examples of "barren fig trees" in our lives? [47:00]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How can understanding God's eternal perspective on time (2 Peter 3:8) change the way we manage our own time? [35:08]
2. What does it mean to "make the most of every opportunity" as stated in Ephesians 5:16, and how can this be applied in our daily routines? [51:06]
3. Why is it important to identify and eliminate "barren fig trees" in our lives, and how does this concept relate to being good stewards of our time? [45:34]
4. How did Jesus exemplify being fully present in teachable moments, and what can we learn from His example? [52:35]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily routine. Are there any "barren fig trees"—activities that waste your time and don't produce fruit—that you need to eliminate? How will you go about doing this? [45:34]
2. Think about a recent moment when you were fully present and felt truly alive. What made that moment special, and how can you create more of these moments in your life? [31:34]
3. How can you practice habit stacking in your daily life to make better use of your time? For example, what activities can you combine to be more productive? [49:43]
4. Identify a teachable moment you recently experienced. How did you respond, and how can you be more proactive in recognizing and seizing these moments in the future? [52:35]
5. How can you align your time management practices with God's eternal perspective, as discussed in the sermon? What changes do you need to make to better steward the time God has given you? [35:08]
6. In what ways can you be a peacemaker, grace giver, and tone setter in your community, as Jesus was? Provide specific examples of how you can implement this in your interactions this week. [55:09]
7. What steps can you take to ensure you are making the most of every opportunity, as instructed in Ephesians 5:16? How can you remind yourself daily to live wisely and purposefully? [51:06]
Devotional
Day 1: Measuring Life in Moments
It's easy to count the years we've been alive, but much harder to measure the moments when we were truly alive. Being fully present in our lives allows us to experience the richness of God's creation and His purpose for us. Many people drift through life on autopilot, missing out on the richness of fully lived moments. To truly live, one must be fully present, engaging with the world and the people around them. This means being mindful and intentional about how we spend our time and where we place our focus.
By being fully present, we can experience the beauty and wonder of God's creation in a deeper way. We can also better understand and fulfill the purpose He has for our lives. This requires a conscious effort to break free from the distractions and routines that often consume our days. Instead, we should seek to be aware of the moments that matter, cherishing them and allowing them to shape us. [31:34]
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (ESV): "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted."
Reflection: Think of a recent moment when you felt truly alive and present. What made that moment special, and how can you create more opportunities for such moments in your daily life?
Day 2: Time as a Human Construct
Time is a human construct, created to help us manage our lives, but God operates outside of our linear timeline. Understanding this can help us better manage our own time, aligning our lives more closely with God's eternal perspective. God exists in the eternal now, not bound by past, present, or future. This understanding can transform how we view and manage our time, encouraging us to live with a sense of purpose and urgency.
By recognizing that time is a gift from God, we can become better stewards of it. This means prioritizing activities that align with His will and bring glory to Him. It also involves being mindful of how we spend our minutes and moments, ensuring that we are not wasting the precious time we have been given. [35:08]
2 Peter 3:8 (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."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily schedule. Are there activities that consume your time but do not align with God's purpose for your life? How can you adjust your schedule to better reflect His eternal perspective?
Day 3: Heaven as a Present Reality
Heaven is not just a future destination but a present reality. Eternity is invading time right now, and we can experience glimpses of heaven through the Holy Spirit and the church. This understanding should motivate us to live fully in the present. The concept of heaven as a present reality challenges us to see the divine in our everyday lives. Through the Holy Spirit, we can experience moments of heaven on earth, feeling God's presence and love in tangible ways.
This perspective encourages us to live with an eternal mindset, making the most of every opportunity to experience and share God's love. It also reminds us that our actions and choices have eternal significance, impacting not only our lives but also the lives of those around us. [37:50]
Luke 17:20-21 (ESV): "Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, 'The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.'"
Reflection: How can you become more aware of the glimpses of heaven in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to live with an eternal mindset today?
Day 4: Eliminating Barren Fig Trees
We need to identify and eliminate the "barren fig trees" in our lives—those activities that waste our time and don't produce fruit. By doing so, we can better steward the time God has given us and focus on activities that bring glory to Him. Barren fig trees represent the unproductive and often distracting activities that consume our time and energy. These can be habits, routines, or even relationships that do not contribute to our spiritual growth or God's kingdom.
Eliminating these barren fig trees requires honest self-reflection and a willingness to make changes. It involves prioritizing activities that are fruitful and align with God's purpose for our lives. By doing so, we can ensure that we are making the most of the time and resources God has entrusted to us. [45:34]
John 15:2 (ESV): "Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit."
Reflection: Identify one "barren fig tree" in your life. What steps can you take to eliminate it and replace it with a more fruitful activity that aligns with God's purpose for you?
Day 5: Stewarding Teachable Moments
Being fully present in teachable moments allows us to impact our lives and the lives of those around us. Jesus was the ultimate example of this, always seizing opportunities to teach, heal, and love. We are called to do the same, to be peacemakers, grace givers, and tone setters. Teachable moments are opportunities for growth and transformation, both for ourselves and for others. By being fully present and attentive, we can recognize and seize these moments, allowing God to work through us.
Jesus exemplified this in His ministry, always being aware of the needs and opportunities around Him. As His followers, we are called to emulate His example, being intentional about creating and stewarding teachable moments in our daily lives. This involves being open to the Holy Spirit's guidance and being willing to step out in faith to teach, heal, and love those around us. [52:35]
Colossians 4:5-6 (ESV): "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."
Reflection: Think of a recent teachable moment you experienced. How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience to better steward future teachable moments?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "It's easy for us to calculate just how long we have been alive, but it's hard to quantify that life into actually lived fully present, fully alive moments in time. It's something that we struggle with because time is measured in moments are in minutes, but life is measured in moments." [31:34] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God wants you to be fully present and fully alive all the time. And I believe it's possible for the Christian to lead that kind of life. So when was it the last time that you had the Empire State Building moment? When was the last time in your life that time stood still? Think about it for a moment." [32:38] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "He is ordering your footsteps. He is working all things together for good. This is how God works. We live in a fall. World and yes, bad things happen to good people. So much of the time. This is a part of the cause of freewill. See God is giving you this gift of freewill and bad things happen things that maybe we had nothing to do with it all and they impact us." [39:23] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When God gives a vision to somebody God makes provision. When God gives vision God makes provision the way I like to say it you've heard this around stewardship time if it's God's will it's God's bill right and God pays his bill." [42:54] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You don't find time you make time do you realize that every person in this room and every person watching online has the same amount of seconds in every minute the same number of minutes in every hour and the same number of hours in every day we all have to make decisions about our time and time is the great equalizer." [45:34] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We want to close the gap between how old we are and how long we live so that we can make the most of both the minutes that God has given us and the moments that God has given us. You see time management is not just practical. It's also theological and that's going to be what I show you today." [34:12] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Faithfulness is fruitfulness and all of us have barren fig trees in our lives. Things that waste time things that waste energy you see cursing the barren fig tree is identifying the things that waste time in our lives that we are wasting away and we're giving poor stewardship over the time that God has given us." [45:34] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Managing your minutes is tough and it's a science and there's a lot of things that can help you with it managing moments though is an art you may not know this but the ancient Greeks had two words for time they had chronos and kairos chronos is where we get the word for chronology like our word for time it's the clock it's the minutes it's the past present future stuff but kairos is what's used in Ephesians 5 16 and it's interpreted by saying time or opportunity to take advantage of the opportunity to weigh what's happening there." [51:06] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "There are people, all around us, that need the church, need Christians to be peacemakers, grace givers, and tone setters. We've got to step up to do what God has called us to do, to be fully present, to be fully alive, and to be the people of God to the world that desperately needs it. We've got to learn how to manage our minutes and how to manage our moments and win the day." [55:09] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Our life will soon be done. We have so much time. The only things that will exist beyond our life is what we do for Christ. And what we do for Christ will last for eternity." [55:09] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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