Living with an Eternal Perspective: Embracing Hope and Purpose
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound concept of living with an eternal perspective, a mindset that transcends the temporal confines of our earthly existence. We began by celebrating the act of baptism, a symbolic expression of faith in Jesus Christ, akin to wearing a wedding ring that signifies a deeper commitment. Baptism, like the ring, does not save but declares a profound truth: the resurrection of Jesus and our hope in Him. This act of faith is a reminder that we are one day closer to eternity, a concept that should fill us with hope and anticipation.
We delved into the idea that our time on earth is finite, yet time itself is also running out. This dual reality calls us to live with urgency and purpose, not in paranoia or passivity, but in active participation in God's eternal plan. The story of Noah served as a powerful illustration of this truth. Noah lived with an awareness of the coming flood, building an ark in faith, despite the world's distractions. Similarly, we are called to build lives that reflect eternal values, understanding that our earthly existence is but a tent compared to the eternal building God has prepared for us.
The Apostle Paul's teachings remind us that our current struggles are light and momentary compared to the eternal glory awaiting us. We are encouraged to fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, for the unseen is eternal. This perspective shifts our focus from the temporary to the everlasting, allowing us to live with confidence and purpose.
Ultimately, the call is to run the race of life with intention and discipline, training ourselves in godliness and living in a way that pleases God. Our earthly life is a preparation for the eternal, and every action, when aligned with God's will, carries eternal significance. We are urged to embrace this truth, to get in the race, and to live fully in the life Christ has given us.
Key Takeaways:
1. Baptism as a Symbol of Faith: Baptism is a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ, much like a wedding ring signifies marriage. It does not save but symbolizes the believer's commitment to Christ and the hope of resurrection. This act reminds us of the eternal life we are promised through Jesus. [15:02]
2. Living with an Eternal Perspective: Our time on earth is limited, but time itself is also running out. This dual reality calls us to live with urgency and purpose, focusing on eternal values rather than temporary distractions. By doing so, we align our lives with God's eternal plan. [33:56]
3. The Story of Noah: Noah's faith in building the ark amidst worldly distractions serves as a model for us. We are called to build lives that reflect eternal values, understanding that our earthly existence is temporary compared to the eternal home God has prepared for us. [43:07]
4. Paul's Teachings on Eternal Glory: Our current struggles are light and momentary compared to the eternal glory awaiting us. By fixing our eyes on the unseen, we shift our focus from the temporary to the everlasting, allowing us to live with confidence and purpose. [55:05]
5. Running the Race of Life: We are called to run the race of life with intention and discipline, training ourselves in godliness. Our earthly life is a preparation for the eternal, and every action, when aligned with God's will, carries eternal significance. [01:10:36]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [15:02] - Baptism and Faith
- [31:12] - One Day Closer
- [32:59] - Eternal Perspective
- [33:56] - Time Running Out
- [35:32] - Overtime and Eternity
- [38:00] - Embracing Eternity
- [39:14] - The Olivet Discourse
- [41:09] - The Days of Noah
- [43:07] - Building the Ark
- [45:25] - Living Purposefully
- [49:39] - Do Not Lose Heart
- [55:05] - Light and Momentary Troubles
- [57:38] - Fixing Our Eyes on the Unseen
- [01:10:36] - Running the Race
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Living with an Eternal Perspective
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 24:36-39 (The Olivet Discourse)
2. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (Paul's Teachings on Eternal Glory)
3. Genesis 6:9-22 (The Story of Noah)
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Observation Questions:
1. How does the act of baptism serve as a public declaration of faith, similar to a wedding ring, according to the sermon? [15:02]
2. What are the two perspectives on time mentioned in the sermon, and how do they differ? [33:56]
3. How does the story of Noah illustrate living with an eternal perspective amidst worldly distractions? [41:09]
4. What does Paul mean when he refers to our current struggles as "light and momentary troubles"? [55:05]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that living with an eternal perspective can redefine our temporal experiences? [36:07]
2. How does the concept of time running out versus our time running out influence the way we live our daily lives? [33:56]
3. What lessons can be drawn from Noah's faith and actions in preparing for the flood, and how can they be applied to our lives today? [43:07]
4. How does Paul's teaching on fixing our eyes on the unseen challenge our current focus and priorities? [57:38]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you are more focused on the temporary rather than the eternal? How can you shift your perspective? [36:07]
2. Consider the urgency of time running out. What steps can you take to live with more purpose and intention in alignment with God's eternal plan? [33:56]
3. How can you actively participate in building a life that reflects eternal values, similar to Noah building the ark? What practical steps can you take this week? [43:07]
4. In what ways can you train yourself in godliness and discipline to run the race of life with intention? Identify one area to focus on this month. [01:10:36]
5. How can you fix your eyes on the unseen and live with confidence and purpose despite current struggles? What specific action can you take to cultivate this mindset? [57:38]
6. Think of a situation where you might be living passively or with paranoia. How can you shift towards active participation in God's purposes for your life? [48:14]
7. Identify one person in your life who might benefit from understanding the eternal perspective. How can you engage them in a meaningful conversation this week? [47:01]
Devotional
Day 1: Baptism as a Declaration of Hope
Baptism is a profound symbol of faith, akin to a wedding ring that signifies a deeper commitment. It does not save but declares a profound truth: the resurrection of Jesus and our hope in Him. This act of faith is a reminder that we are one day closer to eternity, a concept that should fill us with hope and anticipation. Baptism serves as a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ, symbolizing the believer's commitment to Christ and the hope of resurrection. This act reminds us of the eternal life we are promised through Jesus. [15:02]
Romans 6:4 (ESV): "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."
Reflection: Consider your own baptism or the concept of baptism. How does it remind you of the hope and commitment you have in Christ? How can you live out this commitment today?
Day 2: Urgency in Eternal Living
Our time on earth is limited, but time itself is also running out. This dual reality calls us to live with urgency and purpose, focusing on eternal values rather than temporary distractions. By doing so, we align our lives with God's eternal plan. Living with an eternal perspective means understanding that our earthly existence is temporary and that we should focus on what truly matters. This mindset encourages us to live with purpose and urgency, aligning our actions with God's eternal plan. [33:56]
2 Corinthians 4:18 (ESV): "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 is one temporary distraction in your life that you can set aside today to focus on something of eternal value?
Day 3: Building with Eternal Values
Noah's faith in building the ark amidst worldly distractions serves as a model for us. We are called to build lives that reflect eternal values, understanding that our earthly existence is temporary compared to the eternal home God has prepared for us. Noah's story illustrates the importance of living with an awareness of God's eternal plan. Despite the distractions of the world, Noah built an ark in faith, demonstrating a commitment to eternal values. We are similarly called to build lives that reflect these values, recognizing the temporary nature of our earthly existence. [43:07]
Hebrews 11:7 (ESV): "By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith."
Reflection: What is one way you can begin to build your life with eternal values today, even amidst distractions?
Day 4: Embracing Eternal Glory
Our current struggles are light and momentary compared to the eternal glory awaiting us. By fixing our eyes on the unseen, we shift our focus from the temporary to the everlasting, allowing us to live with confidence and purpose. The Apostle Paul's teachings remind us that our struggles are temporary and that we should focus on the eternal glory that awaits us. This perspective helps us live with confidence and purpose, knowing that our current challenges are insignificant compared to the everlasting joy we will experience. [55:05]
2 Corinthians 4:17 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison."
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from a current struggle to the eternal glory that awaits you? What practical steps can you take today to embrace this perspective?
Day 5: Running the Race with Purpose
We are called to run the race of life with intention and discipline, training ourselves in godliness. Our earthly life is a preparation for the eternal, and every action, when aligned with God's will, carries eternal significance. Living with an eternal perspective means running the race of life with purpose and discipline. Our earthly life is a preparation for the eternal, and every action, when aligned with God's will, carries eternal significance. We are urged to embrace this truth and live fully in the life Christ has given us. [01:10:36]
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (ESV): "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can exercise more discipline and intention to align with God's eternal purpose? How can you start today?
Quotes
1) "One Day Closer is a concept that the Bible would love for us to live in and under. Not in a paranoia, not in a hapless activity that is really leading to nothing. But this mindset that says, every day, that it ends and a new one begins. We're one day closer to Christ returning. We're one day closer to eternity. We're one day closer to perfection. And we've been waiting nearly, well, from the time that John wrote Revelation, 1934 years, I pointed out to you last week. So you know we're, I mean, we're certainly closer now than when we first believed. And the concept produces hope." [31:12] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Is there a difference between your time running out and time running out? And do you contemplate one of those or both of those? My time is running out or time is running out. Now they're both equally true and they're both dynamically different. And we understand as human beings that our time, whatever God has ordained for the number of days for you and I to be here on this earth, it's always running out. But we also have to understand that time itself is running out. That there's a, a grander perspective that we can live according to." [32:59] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "It is imperative that you do the necessary before your time runs out because you know in your mind time is running out and they're two completely different things. Last night it was a great example. Some folks think I don't like Ole Miss for some reason. They keep becoming my my example or I'm connected to him. Not at all. I'm not an Ole Miss fan. I'm a Western Kentucky University fan and always will be. But being in the top ten, they're on TV a lot right now. But they were playing LSU last night. And the funny thing about college football, if you are tied when the time runs out, you go into what? Overtime. But in overtime, there's no time. Have you ever thought about that?" [35:32] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "As followers, we run to the finish line knowing when we finish our race, it ain't finished. And if we could somehow obtain, an eternal perspective, it really has the capacity to redefine the temporal experiences of life. Where you don't have to live paranoid, you don't get to live passive. You don't live every day like, oh my God, my time's running out. Of course it is. But so too is time. And don't make it about so much your time running out. Make it about time is running out. And when you grasp the difference in that concept, as you'll see today, in several different texts we use, it literally will not change your life. It'll redefine it." [36:07] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "What you have to do is use the time you have now to secure what will happen when there is no time. Worrying about and wasting another single second. Worrying about the end of time is wasting time. Like you're literally wasting your brain on something Jesus said in the flesh. I don't know. No one knows. Not the angels. Only the Father. Okay. And what happens is I'll show you in a second. You get distracted. Okay. And you don't literally get busy living your life and doing what God created you to do." [40:40] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "And so what he was able to do was to look beyond the temporal, connect himself to the eternal. Just like we're trying to do now, something that has never really been seen nor experienced yet. But one day, we're going to see it and we're going to experience it. And what God's called you and me to do while we're waiting for, as it was in the days of Noah, so it shall be at the second coming of the Son of Man. A lot of people are just going to be doing life. They're going to be marrying and giving away in marriage and all of that happening because they're focusing predominantly on, if not exclusively on, the time that they have." [43:07] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "And if you have life and you don't live, it's hard to believe you're alive. Christ did not come to make bad people good. He came to make dead people alive. Do you have life? Father, we love you and thank you for the power of your word. It's so overwhelmingly encouraging. It pours into us what we need to know. And if we can allow through the spirit in our life this information to travel from our head and into our hearts. And we use wisdom to apply it. That's where understanding comes from. Yes, my time is running out. But the truth of the matter is time is running out. And when it does, praise God almighty. I know where I will be." [01:19:30] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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