Living Purposefully: Embracing Life's Eternal Significance

 

Summary

In 2 Corinthians 5, we are reminded of the profound truth that Christians have one life, lived in two distinct parts: life in the body and life with the Lord. While we are at home in the body, we live by faith, facing many challenges and frustrations. Yet, this life is not without purpose. Our aim, whether at home in the body or with the Lord, is to please Him. This life, though temporary and fraught with difficulties, is laden with opportunities to honor Christ in ways that will not be possible in heaven.

The Apostle Paul encourages us not to lose heart despite the trials we face. Our earthly bodies, likened to fragile tents, are temporary dwellings. However, God has prepared an eternal home for us, a building not made with hands, in the heavens. This assurance of a future with Christ gives us courage and hope. But what about our life now? What is its purpose? Paul addresses this by emphasizing that our current life is not merely a waiting period for heaven. Instead, it is a time filled with opportunities to glorify God and bring joy to His heart.

We are reminded that we will all stand before the Judgment seat of Christ, not to be condemned, but to give an account of our lives. This accountability should inspire us to live purposefully, knowing that our actions have eternal significance. Our life in the body is the only time we can pray, believe, show courage, resist sin, and shine as lights in dark places. These are opportunities to lay up treasures in heaven, to build with gold, silver, and precious stones, rather than wood, hay, and stubble.

The challenge of standing before Christ should motivate us to seize the opportunities we have now. Our life, even at its most frustrating, is filled with chances to honor Jesus in ways that will not be possible in heaven. This perspective transforms our view of earthly life, encouraging us to live with purpose and passion for Christ, knowing that our labor is not in vain.

Key Takeaways:

- Life in Two Parts: Christians have one life lived in two parts: life in the body and life with the Lord. While our earthly life is temporary and challenging, it is filled with opportunities to honor Christ in ways that will not be possible in heaven. [12:23]

- Purpose in the Present: Our current life is not just a waiting period for heaven. It is a time to glorify God and bring joy to His heart. We are called to live purposefully, knowing that our actions have eternal significance. [31:02]

- Judgment Seat of Christ: We will all stand before the Judgment seat of Christ, not to be condemned, but to give an account of our lives. This accountability should inspire us to live with intention and purpose, laying up treasures in heaven. [14:22]

- Opportunities in Challenges: The difficulties we face in life are opportunities to honor Jesus. Our earthly struggles are unique chances to demonstrate faith, courage, and love, which will not be possible in the presence of Christ. [32:14]

- Eternal Perspective: Understanding the eternal significance of our earthly life encourages us not to lose heart. Our present challenges prepare us for an eternal weight of glory, motivating us to live fully for Christ now. [36:28]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to 2 Corinthians 5
- [00:31] - Why Christians Do Not Lose Heart
- [01:19] - The Fragility of Life in the Body
- [02:26] - The Promise of an Eternal Home
- [03:49] - Purpose of Life in the Tent
- [05:14] - The Value of Earthly Life
- [07:24] - Two Parts of a Christian's Life
- [09:10] - Unequal Parts of One Life
- [12:23] - Challenge and Opportunity in Both Parts
- [14:22] - The Judgment Seat of Christ
- [16:48] - Giving an Account
- [24:02] - Rewards for Faithful Service
- [30:23] - Opportunity in the Present
- [36:28] - Encouragement to Seize Opportunities

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 2 Corinthians 5:1-10
- Romans 8:1
- 1 Corinthians 3:10-15

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Observation Questions:

1. According to 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, what are the two parts of a Christian's life as described by Paul? How does he describe our earthly bodies? [01:35]

2. What does Paul mean when he says, "we make it our aim to please him" in 2 Corinthians 5:9? How does this relate to the Judgment seat of Christ? [00:11]

3. In the sermon, what analogy does the pastor use to describe our earthly bodies, and what does this suggest about the nature of our current life? [01:35]

4. How does the pastor describe the transition from life in the body to life with the Lord? What assurance does this provide to believers? [03:00]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does it mean for Christians to live by faith and not by sight, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 5:7? How does this impact our daily lives? [08:21]

2. How does the concept of standing before the Judgment seat of Christ influence the way Christians should live their lives now? [14:22]

3. The pastor mentions that our earthly life is filled with opportunities to honor Christ. What are some specific ways mentioned in the sermon that believers can do this? [32:14]

4. How does understanding the eternal significance of our earthly life help Christians not to lose heart, according to the sermon? [36:28]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current life. Are there areas where you feel like you're just "doing time in the tent"? How can you find purpose and opportunities to honor Christ in these areas? [04:37]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of living with intention and purpose. What is one specific action you can take this week to live more purposefully for Christ? [31:02]

3. Consider the challenges you are currently facing. How can you view these as opportunities to demonstrate faith, courage, and love? [32:14]

4. The pastor mentioned that our actions have eternal significance. What is one habit or behavior you want to change to ensure you are laying up treasures in heaven? [25:24]

5. How can you make it your aim to please Christ in your daily interactions and decisions? Identify one area where you can improve this week. [31:02]

6. Reflect on the idea of standing before the Judgment seat of Christ. How does this perspective change the way you approach your responsibilities and relationships? [14:22]

7. The sermon encourages believers not to lose heart. What is one scripture or promise from God that you can hold onto during difficult times to maintain courage and hope? [36:28]

Devotional

Day 1: Life in Two Parts
Christians live one life in two distinct parts: life in the body and life with the Lord. While our earthly life is temporary and filled with challenges, it is also rich with opportunities to honor Christ in ways that will not be possible in heaven. This duality of existence calls for a deep understanding of our purpose here on earth. The Apostle Paul reminds us that while we are at home in the body, we live by faith, facing many challenges and frustrations. Yet, this life is not without purpose. Our aim, whether at home in the body or with the Lord, is to please Him. This perspective transforms our view of earthly life, encouraging us to live with purpose and passion for Christ, knowing that our labor is not in vain. [12:23]

"For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." (2 Corinthians 5:1, ESV)

Reflection: How can you honor Christ today in a way that you won't be able to in heaven?


Day 2: Purpose in the Present
Our current life is not just a waiting period for heaven. It is a time to glorify God and bring joy to His heart. We are called to live purposefully, knowing that our actions have eternal significance. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that our earthly life, though temporary and fraught with difficulties, is laden with opportunities to honor Christ. This life is a unique time to pray, believe, show courage, resist sin, and shine as lights in dark places. These are opportunities to lay up treasures in heaven, to build with gold, silver, and precious stones, rather than wood, hay, and stubble. [31:02]

"So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him." (2 Corinthians 5:9, ESV)

Reflection: What specific action can you take today to glorify God and bring joy to His heart?


Day 3: Judgment Seat of Christ
We will all stand before the Judgment seat of Christ, not to be condemned, but to give an account of our lives. This accountability should inspire us to live with intention and purpose, laying up treasures in heaven. The Apostle Paul reminds us that our life in the body is the only time we can demonstrate faith, courage, and love in the face of challenges. This understanding of accountability encourages us to seize the opportunities we have now, knowing that our actions have eternal significance. [14:22]

"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 5:10, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to live more intentionally, knowing you will give an account to Christ?


Day 4: Opportunities in Challenges
The difficulties we face in life are opportunities to honor Jesus. Our earthly struggles are unique chances to demonstrate faith, courage, and love, which will not be possible in the presence of Christ. The Apostle Paul encourages us not to lose heart despite the trials we face. Our earthly bodies, likened to fragile tents, are temporary dwellings. However, God has prepared an eternal home for us, a building not made with hands, in the heavens. This assurance of a future with Christ gives us courage and hope. [32:14]

"So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." (2 Corinthians 4:16, ESV)

Reflection: What current challenge can you view as an opportunity to demonstrate faith and courage for Christ?


Day 5: Eternal Perspective
Understanding the eternal significance of our earthly life encourages us not to lose heart. Our present challenges prepare us for an eternal weight of glory, motivating us to live fully for Christ now. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that our life, even at its most frustrating, is filled with chances to honor Jesus in ways that will not be possible in heaven. This eternal perspective transforms our view of earthly life, encouraging us to live with purpose and passion for Christ, knowing that our labor is not in vain. [36:28]

"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." (2 Corinthians 4:17, ESV)

Reflection: How can you shift your perspective today to see your current struggles as preparation for an eternal glory?

Quotes


The Apostle Paul says and the tent is a fragile structure while we're grateful for it uh it gives us plenty uh of trouble uh canvas sags the ropes freay the uh uh pegs Bend um and the tent which is your body is adequate housing for the time being but it was never intended to be your final home. [00:01:42]

Now today we look at the question of not losing heart from another angle and having got to 2 Corinthians chapter 5 and verse 5 someone might reasonably say, okay so God has something better prepared for me in the future someday I'm going to move out of the tent that's causing me a lot of trouble and Into The Marvelous building prepared by Jesus Christ himself. [00:03:40]

The Christian Life or the life of a Christian is really in two parts and very encouragingly both of them are described as being at home verse six we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord verse 8 we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. [00:07:25]

The Christian has one life lived in two parts and both parts have both an opportunity and a challenge now it is easy to see the challenge that we have now we thought about that last week life in the tent and all the rest of it uh we know the difficulties of that uh you're living in the tent you're walking by faith and not by sight. [00:12:57]

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 now that's not happening now while you're in the body you are not before the Judgment seat of Christ but what the Bible is telling us is that when you are in the presence of Christ that will be your experience then. [00:14:29]

You will not be condemned if you're in Christ, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus Romans 8:1 those who put their trust in him will never be put to shame Romans chap 10 and: 11 whoever believes in him shall not perish but will have everlasting life John chapter 3 and verse 16. [00:15:27]

You will give an account you will not be condemned you will give an account now scripture speaks of this so many times Hebrews 4:13 how everything is uncovered before the eyes of him to whom we must give account Romans 14 in: 12 each of us must give an account of himself to God. [00:16:48]

There are many Christians who have made the same mistake as John they have learned that entrance into heaven does not depend on our works that is true salvation is the gift of God it is by Grace it is through faith it is in Jesus Christ but it is a big mistake to assume from that that your Christian life doesn't count for anything. [00:22:19]

You will not be condemned you will give an account and you may be rewarded the Lord Jesus speaks very very clearly about rewards for faithful service many times uh Matthew 6 I'm thinking about for example where he speaks about praying and giving and uh fasting and after each of his teachings on these subjects he says exactly the same thing your father who sees in secret will reward you. [00:23:59]

Now that is why a proper view of the Christian's life in this world is so important right now right now you have opportunities to honor Jesus Christ and bring joy and pleasure to your savior and to your Lord that are only possible during your life in this world that are only possible here and now that will not be possible for you in heaven. [00:32:14]

All the praying you will ever do you will do while you are in the body you will not need to pray when you're in the presence of Jesus your communication will be direct all the believing you will ever do is the believing that you do while you are in the body you don't need believe leing When Faith is turned into sight. [00:32:39]

Seize the opportunity that you have to honor Jesus in the difficulties you are facing right now, especially where your life is hard it will not be hard in heaven this is the only time you're going to be able to honor him in a circumstance like this and when you do here's what you're doing you're laying gold and silver and precious stones into the building of your life. [00:36:28]

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Transcript
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