Living with an Eternal Perspective: Embracing God's Kingdom
Summary
Living with an eternal perspective transforms how we navigate the challenges and joys of this life. As we grow older, we become acutely aware of the temporal nature of our physical bodies and earthly possessions. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4 that while our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. This renewal is rooted in the eternal perspective that shifts our focus from the visible, transient world to the unseen, eternal realm where God resides. Our afflictions, though they may feel overwhelming, are momentary and light compared to the eternal glory that awaits us.
Living toward eternity requires faith, as it demands that we place our trust in what is unseen. This faith produces a life driven by a higher purpose and intentional living, aligning our priorities with God's kingdom. Just as planning for a wedding involves sacrifices and intentionality for a future day, so does living with an eternal perspective. It allows us to endure present challenges with the joy of knowing the ultimate victory in Christ.
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in this transformation, guiding us to live a life devoted to the cross. By focusing on the cross, we align our desires and ambitions with God's will, allowing Him to purify our hearts and redirect our passions toward eternal purposes. This perspective changes how we view our time, relationships, and talents, encouraging us to invest in what truly matters.
As we live with this eternal mindset, we are reminded of the parable of the mustard seed, where even the smallest acts of faith and sacrifice can yield significant results in God's kingdom. Our lives, when surrendered to God, can have a profound impact on eternity, much like the unseen contributions of Daniel Nash in the revivals led by Charles Finney. Ultimately, living with an eternal perspective is about experiencing deeper fellowship with God now, as we anticipate the fullness of His glory in the life to come.
Key Takeaways:
1. Eternal Perspective and Present Afflictions: Our earthly afflictions, though challenging, are momentary compared to the eternal glory that awaits us. By focusing on the unseen, we find strength and encouragement to endure life's trials, knowing that our ultimate victory comes from heaven. [47:22]
2. Faith and Intentional Living: Living with an eternal perspective requires faith, which produces a life driven by a higher purpose. This faith guides us to prioritize heavenly matters, aligning our time and activities with God's kingdom. [52:40]
3. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit transforms our perspective, guiding us to live a life devoted to the cross. By focusing on the cross, we align our desires with God's will, allowing Him to purify our hearts and redirect our passions toward eternal purposes. [01:03:42]
4. Investing in Eternity: Our talents and sacrifices, though they may seem small, can have a significant impact in God's kingdom. By living with an eternal perspective, we see the value in investing in what truly matters, storing up treasures in heaven. [01:23:14]
5. Experiencing Eternal Life Now: Eternal life begins with knowing God and experiencing deeper fellowship with Him in this life. This relationship sustains us through afflictions and inspires us to keep our focus on the eternal, rather than the temporal. [01:38:34]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [40:23] - Introduction to Living Toward Eternity
- [41:28] - Opening Prayer
- [43:24] - The Reality of Aging and Decay
- [45:44] - Momentary Afflictions and Eternal Glory
- [47:22] - The Unseen Realm and Faith
- [50:13] - Perspective and Life Choices
- [52:40] - Faith and Intentional Living
- [55:05] - The Joy of Eternal Perspective
- [57:11] - Confidence in God's Plan
- [01:00:31] - The Holy Spirit's Role
- [01:03:42] - Devotion to the Cross
- [01:09:40] - Pursuing the Prize of Eternity
- [01:23:14] - Investing in Eternal Treasures
- [01:38:34] - Experiencing Eternal Life Now
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Living with an Eternal Perspective
Bible Reading:
- 2 Corinthians 4:15-18
- Galatians 2:20
- Matthew 13:31-32
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 2 Corinthians 4, what does Paul say about the condition of our outer and inner selves? How does this relate to the concept of renewal? [43:24]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in transforming our perspective towards eternity? [01:00:31]
3. What analogy does the pastor use to explain the importance of intentional living with an eternal perspective? [53:55]
4. In the parable of the mustard seed, what is the significance of small acts of faith according to the sermon? [01:33:12]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does living with an eternal perspective change the way believers view their current afflictions and challenges? [47:22]
2. What does it mean to have a life "devoted to the cross," and how does this devotion impact a believer's desires and ambitions? [01:03:42]
3. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of investing in eternity, and what are some practical examples given? [01:23:14]
4. How does the pastor's story about the 49ers game illustrate the impact of knowing the outcome on our current perspective? [59:17]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a current challenge or affliction in your life. How can adopting an eternal perspective help you navigate this situation differently? [47:22]
2. Consider your daily activities and priorities. What changes can you make to align them more closely with God's kingdom and eternal purposes? [52:40]
3. The sermon emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding us toward an eternal perspective. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to transform your perspective this week? [01:00:31]
4. Think about a small act of faith or sacrifice you can make this week. How might this contribute to God's kingdom, even if it seems insignificant? [01:33:12]
5. Reflect on your current use of time, relationships, and talents. What specific steps can you take to invest these resources in what truly matters for eternity? [01:24:31]
6. How can you cultivate a deeper fellowship with God in your daily life, experiencing eternal life now as described in the sermon? [01:38:34]
7. Identify a person in your life who may not know Jesus. How can you intentionally invest in their life with an eternal perspective in mind? [01:28:17]
Devotional
Day 1: The Eternal Weight of Glory
Living with an eternal perspective allows us to see our earthly afflictions as momentary and light compared to the eternal glory that awaits us. This perspective shifts our focus from the visible, transient world to the unseen, eternal realm where God resides. By focusing on the unseen, we find strength and encouragement to endure life's trials, knowing that our ultimate victory comes from heaven. This understanding helps us to navigate the challenges of life with hope and perseverance, as we are reminded that our current struggles are temporary and will be overshadowed by the eternal joy and glory that God has promised us. [47:22]
"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." (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: What current challenge in your life can you view through the lens of eternity, and how might this perspective change your response to it today?
Day 2: Faith as a Compass for Intentional Living
Living with an eternal perspective requires faith, which produces a life driven by a higher purpose. This faith guides us to prioritize heavenly matters, aligning our time and activities with God's kingdom. Just as planning for a significant event involves sacrifices and intentionality for a future day, so does living with an eternal perspective. It allows us to endure present challenges with the joy of knowing the ultimate victory in Christ. By focusing on what is unseen, we are encouraged to live intentionally, making choices that reflect our commitment to God's eternal kingdom. [52:40]
"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:13, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you can intentionally align your actions with your faith in God's eternal promises today?
Day 3: The Holy Spirit's Transformative Guidance
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in transforming our perspective, guiding us to live a life devoted to the cross. By focusing on the cross, we align our desires and ambitions with God's will, allowing Him to purify our hearts and redirect our passions toward eternal purposes. This transformation changes how we view our time, relationships, and talents, encouraging us to invest in what truly matters. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a life that reflects God's love and grace, helping us to prioritize eternal values over temporary desires. [01:03:42]
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." (John 14:26, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide your decisions and priorities today, ensuring they align with God's eternal purposes?
Day 4: Investing in What Truly Matters
Our talents and sacrifices, though they may seem small, can have a significant impact in God's kingdom. By living with an eternal perspective, we see the value in investing in what truly matters, storing up treasures in heaven. This perspective encourages us to use our gifts and resources for God's glory, knowing that even the smallest acts of faith and sacrifice can yield significant results in His kingdom. Our lives, when surrendered to God, can have a profound impact on eternity, much like the unseen contributions of faithful servants in the past. [01:23:14]
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matthew 6:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical way you can invest your time, talents, or resources in something that has eternal significance today?
Day 5: Experiencing Eternal Life Now
Eternal life begins with knowing God and experiencing deeper fellowship with Him in this life. This relationship sustains us through afflictions and inspires us to keep our focus on the eternal, rather than the temporal. By cultivating a deeper relationship with God, we experience the joy and peace that come from living in His presence, even amidst life's challenges. This eternal mindset allows us to live with hope and purpose, as we anticipate the fullness of His glory in the life to come. [01:38:34]
"And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." (John 17:3, ESV)
Reflection: How can you deepen your relationship with God today, experiencing the eternal life He offers in the present moment?
Quotes
"The Holy Spirit comes to do a new work in our lives, to give us a Christ-centered eternal perspective. Now, Ecclesiastes 3:11 says that God has placed eternity in the heart of every man. It means that within our heart, we live with the awareness and the capacity to know that there is an eternity." [01:03:42] (37 seconds)
"See, what we suffer and sacrifice here, in the moment, is nothing compared to the investment of heaven and eternity. So the Holy Spirit asks us, what are you willing to give up for the glory of eternity? Realizing that the more that we sacrifice, the more that we give, we're storing up treasures in heaven." [01:23:14] (34 seconds)
"See, when we redeem the time, that word redeem means to buy back. See, when we redeem the time, we're buying back the time that God has given it. We're filling it with purpose. We're reprioritizing our time towards things that truly matter." [01:27:04] (27 seconds)
"See, history will remember Charles Finney. But heaven remembers the work of Daniel Nash. And remembers the impact of a man who surrendered his life, his time, his talent, and his heart for people for the glory of the kingdom of God." [01:30:07] (22 seconds)
"God will begin to align our hearts for His purpose and His will in us. Paul describes this surrender. In Galatians chapter 2, verse 20. Amen. Thank God it's not us that lives, but Jesus that lives in us." [01:07:20] (49 seconds)
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