Living with an Eternal Perspective: Embracing God's Kingdom
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound importance of living with an eternal perspective. We began by reflecting on the lyrics of worship songs that call us to submit our hearts to God and allow the Holy Spirit to work within us. This led to a time of repentance and a reminder that our relationship with God is not about judgment but about being called into kingdom living and freedom.
We delved into the significance of humility, as highlighted in 1 Peter 5:5-6, and how pride can escalate conflicts. Humility allows us to live in harmony with others and under God's grace. We also discussed the dangers of being distracted by worldly pursuits, such as the love of money, and how these distractions can lead us away from our true purpose. Ecclesiastes 5:13-20 was cited to emphasize the importance of enjoying our labor as a gift from God rather than being consumed by the pursuit of wealth.
The story of Jim Elliot and his ultimate sacrifice for the gospel served as a powerful illustration of living with an eternal perspective. His life and death, though seemingly tragic, led to the salvation of an entire tribe, showing that our earthly sacrifices can have eternal significance.
We also examined the parable of the rich man and Lazarus from Luke 16:19-31, which underscores the reality of eternal consequences and the importance of living a life that reflects our heavenly calling. This parable reminds us that our actions on earth have eternal ramifications and that we must live with a focus on heaven.
Finally, we were encouraged to keep seeking the things above, as stated in Colossians 3:1-4, and to set our minds on eternal matters rather than earthly distractions. This eternal focus provides an unshakable hope and a foundation for all our decisions and actions. We were reminded that our ultimate reward is a relationship with Jesus, which will last for all eternity.
### Key Takeaways
1. Submission to the Holy Spirit: Allowing the Holy Spirit to work within us requires a heart of submission and repentance. This is not about judgment but about being called into a deeper relationship with God and experiencing true freedom in His kingdom. [44:58]
2. The Power of Humility: Humility is essential for living in harmony with others and under God's grace. Pride can escalate conflicts, but humility allows us to listen, understand, and diffuse tensions. It is a powerful tool for maintaining peace and receiving God's favor. [01:04:50]
3. Eternal Perspective Over Worldly Pursuits: The love of money and other worldly distractions can lead us away from our true purpose. Ecclesiastes teaches us to enjoy our labor as a gift from God rather than being consumed by the pursuit of wealth. This shift in focus brings true joy and fulfillment. [01:13:46]
4. Sacrificial Living for Eternal Impact: The story of Jim Elliot illustrates the profound impact of living with an eternal perspective. His sacrifice led to the salvation of an entire tribe, showing that our earthly sacrifices can have eternal significance. Living for eternity means making decisions that reflect our heavenly calling. [01:22:15]
5. Unshakable Hope in Eternal Promises: Setting our minds on things above provides an unshakable hope and a foundation for all our decisions and actions. Our ultimate reward is a relationship with Jesus, which will last for all eternity. This eternal focus helps us navigate the challenges of this world with a steadfast heart. [01:33:35]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[44:58] - Submission to the Holy Spirit
[47:12] - Repentance and Kingdom Living
[51:41] - Rescued from Darkness
[53:39] - Hope in Resurrection
[01:04:50] - The Power of Humility
[01:06:39] - Valuing His Presence
[01:10:04] - The Love of Money
[01:13:46] - Enjoying Your Labor
[01:17:09] - Submitting to God's Authority
[01:18:26] - Eternal Perspective
[01:22:15] - Jim Elliot's Sacrifice
[01:23:03] - The Rich Man and Lazarus
[01:27:06] - Eternal Consequences
[01:30:03] - Intentionality in Focus
[01:33:35] - Unshakable Hope
[01:37:47] - Living for Eternity
[01:39:29] - Seeking Things Above
[01:43:40] - Revealed in Glory
[01:46:06] - Preparing a Place
[01:51:46] - Worship and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 5:5-6: "You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time."
2. Ecclesiastes 5:13-20: "There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: riches being hoarded by their owner to his hurt. When those riches were lost through a bad investment and he had fathered a son, then there was nothing to support him. As he had come naked from his mother’s womb, so he will return as he came. He will take nothing from the fruit of his labor that he can carry in his hand. This also is a grievous evil—exactly as a man is born, thus will he die. So what is the advantage to him who toils for the wind? Throughout his life he also eats in darkness with great vexation, sickness, and anger. Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one’s labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward. Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God. For he will not often consider the years of his life because God keeps him occupied with the gladness of his heart."
3. Colossians 3:1-4: "Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory."
### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Peter 5:5-6, what are the consequences of pride and the benefits of humility?
2. In Ecclesiastes 5:13-20, what does Solomon identify as the grievous evil related to wealth?
3. What does Colossians 3:1-4 instruct believers to focus on, and why is this important for their spiritual life?
4. How did Jim Elliot's life and sacrifice illustrate the concept of living with an eternal perspective? [01:22:15]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does humility, as described in 1 Peter 5:5-6, help in resolving conflicts and living harmoniously with others? [01:04:50]
2. What does Ecclesiastes 5:13-20 suggest about the true source of joy and fulfillment in our labor and wealth?
3. How can setting our minds on things above, as instructed in Colossians 3:1-4, provide an unshakable hope in our daily lives? [01:33:35]
4. Reflecting on the story of Jim Elliot, what does it mean to make decisions that reflect our heavenly calling? [01:22:15]
### Application Questions
1. In what areas of your life do you need to submit more to the Holy Spirit's guidance? How can you practice repentance and submission this week? [44:58]
2. Think of a recent conflict you had. How could humility have changed the outcome of that situation? What steps can you take to clothe yourself with humility in future interactions? [01:04:50]
3. Are there any worldly pursuits, such as the love of money, that are distracting you from your true purpose? How can you shift your focus to enjoy your labor as a gift from God? [01:13:46]
4. Jim Elliot's story shows the impact of sacrificial living. Is there a sacrifice you feel called to make for the sake of the gospel? How can you take a step towards that this week? [01:22:15]
5. How can you set your mind on things above in practical ways? Identify one specific action you can take this week to focus more on eternal matters rather than earthly distractions. [01:33:35]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence deeply. How can you cultivate that sense of connection with Jesus in your daily life, knowing that your ultimate reward is a relationship with Him? [01:33:35]
7. How can you remind yourself daily of the eternal perspective? What practices or habits can you incorporate into your routine to keep your focus on heaven? [01:30:03]
Devotional
### Day 1: Submission to the Holy Spirit
Allowing the Holy Spirit to work within us requires a heart of submission and repentance. This is not about judgment but about being called into a deeper relationship with God and experiencing true freedom in His kingdom. When we submit to the Holy Spirit, we open ourselves to transformation and growth. This submission is a daily act of surrender, where we acknowledge our need for God's guidance and allow Him to shape our hearts and minds.
The process of submission involves repentance, turning away from our sins, and seeking God's forgiveness. It is through this act of repentance that we experience the freedom and joy of living in God's kingdom. By submitting to the Holy Spirit, we are not only aligning ourselves with God's will but also inviting His presence into our lives to lead and direct us in all that we do. [44:58]
Ephesians 4:30-32 (ESV): "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to submit more fully to the Holy Spirit? How can you take a step towards repentance and surrender today?
### Day 2: The Power of Humility
Humility is essential for living in harmony with others and under God's grace. Pride can escalate conflicts, but humility allows us to listen, understand, and diffuse tensions. It is a powerful tool for maintaining peace and receiving God's favor. When we humble ourselves, we acknowledge our limitations and our need for God's help. This attitude of humility opens the door for God's grace to flow into our lives and relationships.
Living with humility means putting others before ourselves and seeking to serve rather than be served. It involves recognizing that we are not the center of the universe and that our worth comes from God, not from our achievements or status. By embracing humility, we create an environment where love and understanding can flourish, and where God's presence can be felt more deeply. [01:04:50]
James 4:6-7 (ESV): "But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Reflection: Think of a recent conflict or tension in your life. How can you approach it with humility and seek to understand the other person's perspective?
### Day 3: Eternal Perspective Over Worldly Pursuits
The love of money and other worldly distractions can lead us away from our true purpose. Ecclesiastes teaches us to enjoy our labor as a gift from God rather than being consumed by the pursuit of wealth. This shift in focus brings true joy and fulfillment. When we prioritize eternal matters over worldly pursuits, we align ourselves with God's purpose for our lives and find contentment in His provision.
Worldly pursuits, such as the accumulation of wealth and material possessions, can easily become idols that distract us from our relationship with God. By keeping an eternal perspective, we recognize that our true treasure is in heaven and that our earthly efforts should be directed towards serving God and others. This perspective helps us to find joy in our work and to see it as a means of glorifying God rather than merely a way to accumulate wealth. [01:13:46]
1 Timothy 6:9-10 (ESV): "But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs."
Reflection: Reflect on your current pursuits and priorities. Are there any worldly distractions that are taking your focus away from God? How can you realign your priorities to reflect an eternal perspective?
### Day 4: Sacrificial Living for Eternal Impact
The story of Jim Elliot illustrates the profound impact of living with an eternal perspective. His sacrifice led to the salvation of an entire tribe, showing that our earthly sacrifices can have eternal significance. Living for eternity means making decisions that reflect our heavenly calling. When we live sacrificially, we demonstrate our commitment to God's kingdom and our willingness to put His purposes above our own comfort and desires.
Sacrificial living involves making choices that may not always make sense from a worldly perspective but are aligned with God's will. It means being willing to give up our time, resources, and even our lives for the sake of the gospel. By doing so, we can have a lasting impact on the lives of others and contribute to the advancement of God's kingdom. [01:22:15]
Matthew 16:24-25 (ESV): "Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.'"
Reflection: Consider a recent decision or action. How can you make choices that reflect a sacrificial commitment to God's kingdom? What is one specific way you can live sacrificially this week?
### Day 5: Unshakable Hope in Eternal Promises
Setting our minds on things above provides an unshakable hope and a foundation for all our decisions and actions. Our ultimate reward is a relationship with Jesus, which will last for all eternity. This eternal focus helps us navigate the challenges of this world with a steadfast heart. When we keep our eyes on the eternal promises of God, we are able to endure hardships and remain faithful in our walk with Him.
An eternal perspective reminds us that our current struggles are temporary and that our true home is in heaven. This hope gives us the strength to persevere and to live in a way that honors God. By focusing on our relationship with Jesus and the promises of eternity, we can find peace and joy even in the midst of difficult circumstances. [01:33:35]
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: What challenges are you currently facing? How can you shift your focus to the eternal promises of God and find hope in your relationship with Jesus?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "He rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved son. What a difference between rulers! The way King Jesus rules my life is so gentle, is so amazing, is so loving, so trustworthy. And I'm so thankful that the body of Jesus and the blood of Jesus rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved son. Aren't you glad?" [51:41](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Some people live to be happy on earth. Some people live and make decisions for their lives on earth. Others live and make decisions for their lives in heaven. For all of eternity. There's a very big difference of how you make decisions if you're living for earth or if you're living for eternity. Huge, huge difference, right?" [01:06:39](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The only thing that truly matters is whether a person will accept the God who loves them or not. The only thing that is eternal is when you bring someone, you lead them into a relationship with God. That's the only thing that you can do on earth that's really eternal, right? And I believe it's wise. It's wise to continually have the reality of heaven in your thoughts. To always remind yourself of eternity." [01:07:34](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You live for yourself or you live for God. And a lot of times when you live for God, he totally blesses you anyway, right? So last week, that message was just, it was something that I was thinking about. It's kind of like my, almost like a life message. But when I started preaching it, I realized there's something like, I haven't been living up to that. There was something in the way. And I couldn't figure it out. I just knew that God was speaking to me, even while I was preaching, right?" [01:09:20](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Do I love God's presence because it makes me feel happy on earth? Am I still trying to make earth palatable? Because that's not our goal. I love God's presence. I absolutely love and worship. He just fills me. He, you know, he talks to me. I just, we're just, there's this love, you know, exchange. But the foundation is that I'm going to be with him for all of eternity. That's the, that's, that's where I launch all of my decisions and all of my, my direction." [01:32:21](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I felt like the words of that song where you go I go you pray I pray I felt like the words were hitting people like wow there are areas in my life I have not been doing that and we just need to repent this morning and get back on track with God. Go ahead and do that in your own words right now between you and God. Holy Spirit, we thank you for putting your finger on an area that is not submitted to you and it's not out of a judgment, it's out of you wooing us and calling us into relationship, calling us into kingdom living and freedom." [44:58](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I was so focused on the things of the world. And I remember when I was at Biola, I was at school and we had a chapel and this just totally rocked my life. There is a woman, her name was Elizabeth Elliot. And she came to one of the chapels and she spoke. And I was so rocked. And then I began to look into her story more. And she was the wife of Jim Elliot, famous missionary to Ecuador. And this was in the 50s, 60s. Anyway, I bought his book. It's one of my favorite all-time books. The name of it is Shadow of the Almighty. And Shadow of the Almighty is Jim Elliot's. It's a biography about Jim Elliot, but they use a lot of his journals, journal entries. And it just rocked me." [01:18:26](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When we focus on heaven, there are certain things that the Bible says about heaven. And I want to, I want to repeat what we learned on Wednesday night. Rick has been going over the foundations class on Wednesday nights, and he's going, he's going over a book by Derek Prince. Derek Prince is awesome. Old school teacher. He's not alive anymore, but he's just amazing. And I just, I loved his points that he had to share about this passage. So we're going to turn to Luke chapter 16, verses 19 through 31. And it's the rich man and Lazarus. You guys remember this story?" [01:23:03](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. Glory. See these realities, they fade away when we get busy, right? But we have to remind ourselves, I will be revealed with Christ in glory. Wow. Is it about this earth? Is it about this life? It really isn't. It really isn't." [01:43:40](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "He said that he went to prepare a place for you. What does that mean? Well, if you understand Jewish tradition in those days, this is what, this is what happened. So, um, a, a man and a woman will get betrothed. So they'll, they'll get engaged, right? And after they get engaged, what happens? The fiance will leave her for about a year. What is he doing? He goes to his father's house and he adds on to that house. And when he's finished adding on a place where they could live, he goes back to get her. So Jesus said, I'm leaving. Prepare a place. I'll come back to get you. That's a bridegroom. That's bridegroom language coming back for his bride." [01:46:06](Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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