Living with an Eternal Perspective in Christ

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound transformation that occurs when one becomes a Christian, drawing parallels between marriage and our relationship with Christ. Just as marriage changes where we call home, becoming a Christian shifts our spiritual home to where Jesus is, seated at the right hand of God. This new life in Christ is hidden, unseen by the world, much like the unseen life of a teacher outside the classroom. Our earthly existence is not the full picture; our true life is hidden with Christ, waiting to be revealed in glory.

We delved into Colossians 3:1-4, where Paul emphasizes the need to set our minds on things above, not on earthly matters. This shift in focus is crucial because our life in Christ is not about becoming a better version of ourselves but about embracing a completely new identity. Our old self has died, and we are now alive in Christ, with a new heart and a new destiny.

The message also highlighted the importance of not peaking in this life. As Christians, our best days are not behind us; they are yet to come. This life is the closest we will come to hell, and our true glory will be revealed when Christ returns. We are encouraged to keep our eyes on the eternal, not the temporary, and to seek heavenly pursuits rather than earthly ones.

Reflecting on personal experiences, I shared how earthly pursuits can sometimes overshadow our spiritual journey. It's easy to become spiritually short-sighted, focusing on temporary gains rather than eternal rewards. We must ask ourselves if we are trying to satisfy heavenly desires with earthly pursuits and realign our focus on the things above.

In conclusion, our life in Christ is secure, hidden with Him, and waiting to be revealed. We are called to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our best life is yet to come. Let us keep our eyes up, seeking the kingdom of God and living in the light of eternity.

Key Takeaways:

1. Transformation in Christ: Becoming a Christian is not about self-improvement but about embracing a new identity in Christ. Our old self has died, and we are now alive in Christ, with a new heart and destiny. This transformation is profound and changes where we call home, shifting our focus from earthly to heavenly matters. [36:37]

2. Hidden Life in Christ: Our true life is hidden with Christ, unseen by the world. This hidden life is secure and waiting to be revealed in glory. It reminds us that our earthly existence is not the full picture, and our true identity is found in Christ. [43:18]

3. Eternal Perspective: As Christians, our best days are not behind us; they are yet to come. This life is the closest we will come to hell, and our true glory will be revealed when Christ returns. We are encouraged to keep our eyes on the eternal, not the temporary. [49:31]

4. Seeking Heavenly Pursuits: We must be cautious not to satisfy heavenly desires with earthly pursuits. Our focus should be on seeking the kingdom of God and living with an eternal perspective, rather than being spiritually short-sighted. [01:01:01]

5. Living in Light of Eternity: Our life in Christ is secure, hidden with Him, and waiting to be revealed. We are called to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our best life is yet to come. Let us keep our eyes up, seeking the kingdom of God and living in the light of eternity. [01:06:10]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [34:15] - Introduction and Personal Story
- [36:37] - New Life in Christ
- [38:02] - Reading Colossians 3:1-4
- [39:40] - Marriage and Spiritual Home
- [41:51] - Our Home in Christ
- [42:41] - Transformation in Christ
- [43:18] - Hidden Life with Christ
- [45:02] - You Haven't Peaked Yet
- [49:31] - Best Life Yet to Come
- [52:52] - Driving Lesson and Spiritual Focus
- [55:27] - Earthly Pursuits vs. Heavenly Desires
- [01:01:01] - Seeking the Kingdom of God
- [01:06:10] - Living in Light of Eternity
- [01:07:28] - Transition to Lord's Supper

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Colossians 3:1-4

---

Observation Questions:

1. What does Paul mean when he says our life is "hidden with Christ in God"? How does this concept relate to the idea of having a life unseen by the world? [43:18]

2. In the sermon, the pastor compares the transformation in Christ to marriage. What are some specific changes mentioned that occur when one becomes a Christian? [41:51]

3. How does the pastor describe the concept of "peaking" in life, and what is the significance of this for Christians? [45:02]

4. What are some examples given in the sermon of earthly pursuits that can overshadow our spiritual journey? [55:27]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the idea of our life being "hidden with Christ" influence a Christian's understanding of their identity and purpose? [43:18]

2. The sermon emphasizes setting our minds on things above. What might this look like in practical terms for a believer's daily life? [52:52]

3. The pastor mentions that our best life is yet to come. How does this perspective affect how Christians view their current struggles and challenges? [49:31]

4. Reflect on the pastor's story about his personal pursuit of financial independence. How can this serve as a cautionary tale for Christians regarding their own pursuits? [59:08]

---

Application Questions:

1. The sermon suggests that our true home is where Jesus is. How does this change your perspective on your current life situation? Are there specific areas where you need to shift your focus from earthly to heavenly matters? [41:51]

2. Consider the idea of not having peaked yet in your spiritual journey. What steps can you take to ensure that you are continually growing in your faith and not becoming complacent? [45:02]

3. The pastor shared a personal story about earthly pursuits overshadowing spiritual goals. Are there pursuits in your life that might be distracting you from your spiritual growth? How can you realign your priorities? [55:27]

4. How can you actively set your mind on things above in your daily routine? Identify one practical change you can make this week to focus more on eternal matters. [52:52]

5. Reflect on the concept of "homesickness for heaven" mentioned in the sermon. Are there desires or longings in your life that might actually be a deeper yearning for God and His kingdom? How can you address these in a way that aligns with your faith? [01:04:49]

6. The sermon encourages living with an eternal perspective. What are some specific ways you can remind yourself of this perspective during challenging times? [49:31]

7. How can you encourage others in your community to focus on heavenly pursuits rather than earthly ones? Share one way you plan to support someone in their spiritual journey this week. [01:01:01]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

---

Day 1: Embracing a New Identity in Christ
When one becomes a Christian, it is not merely about self-improvement or becoming a better version of oneself. Instead, it is about embracing a completely new identity in Christ. This transformation is profound, as it signifies the death of the old self and the birth of a new life in Christ. This new identity comes with a new heart and a new destiny, shifting our focus from earthly matters to heavenly ones. Just as marriage changes where we call home, becoming a Christian shifts our spiritual home to where Jesus is, seated at the right hand of God. This change is not just a superficial adjustment but a deep, spiritual transformation that redefines who we are and where we belong. [36:37]

Colossians 3:9-10 (ESV): "Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."

Reflection: What aspects of your old self do you find hardest to let go of, and how can you actively embrace your new identity in Christ today?

Day 2: The Hidden Life with Christ
Our true life as Christians is hidden with Christ, unseen by the world. This hidden life is secure and waiting to be revealed in glory. It serves as a reminder that our earthly existence is not the full picture, and our true identity is found in Christ. Much like the unseen life of a teacher outside the classroom, our life in Christ is not always visible to others, but it is real and significant. This hidden life assures us that our spiritual journey is secure and that our true glory will be revealed when Christ returns. It encourages us to live with confidence, knowing that our life in Christ is protected and eternal. [43:18]

1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."

Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself of your hidden life in Christ when you feel unnoticed or undervalued by the world?

Day 3: Anticipating Our Best Days
As Christians, we are encouraged to keep our eyes on the eternal, not the temporary. Our best days are not behind us; they are yet to come. This life is the closest we will come to hell, and our true glory will be revealed when Christ returns. This perspective helps us to live with hope and anticipation, knowing that our current struggles and challenges are temporary. We are called to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on the promises of God and the future glory that awaits us. This mindset shifts our focus from the immediate to the eternal, encouraging us to persevere in faith. [49:31]

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "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: How can you cultivate an eternal perspective in your daily life, especially when faced with challenges or disappointments?

Day 4: Aligning Desires with Heavenly Pursuits
We must be cautious not to satisfy heavenly desires with earthly pursuits. Our focus should be on seeking the kingdom of God and living with an eternal perspective, rather than being spiritually short-sighted. Earthly pursuits can sometimes overshadow our spiritual journey, leading us to focus on temporary gains rather than eternal rewards. It is essential to realign our focus on the things above, ensuring that our desires and actions are in harmony with God's will. This alignment helps us to live a life that is pleasing to God and fulfilling in its purpose. [01:01:01]

Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV): "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. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Reflection: What earthly pursuits are currently taking precedence over your spiritual journey, and how can you shift your focus to align with heavenly desires?

Day 5: Living in the Light of Eternity
Our life in Christ is secure, hidden with Him, and waiting to be revealed. We are called to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our best life is yet to come. This perspective encourages us to keep our eyes up, seeking the kingdom of God and living in the light of eternity. It reminds us that our current life is not the end, but a journey towards a glorious future with Christ. By living in the light of eternity, we can navigate life's challenges with hope and assurance, knowing that our ultimate destination is secure in Christ. [01:06:10]

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: How can you actively live in the light of eternity today, making choices that reflect your eternal hope in Christ?

Quotes

1. "It's also true of Christians that you, me as a Christian, we have another life besides the one that is visible to others. We have another life that is another life that's visible, invisible to those around us. Another life besides the life that we live and that others know about. I'm going to invite you to turn in your pew Bible or in your phone or in a Bible you brought to Colossians chapter 3. We've been preaching through the book of Colossians where Paul, the Apostle Paul, who writes about Jesus, he met Jesus and he describes Jesus in really magnificent terms in that first chapter. He's the visible image of the invisible and eternal God." [36:05] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "When you get married, when a person gets married, several things change. A lot of things change. My wife's last name, that changed. Our bank accounts changed. We merged bank accounts. Our tax status changed. I really like that one. For me, the one I didn't so much like, I didn't know about this until I got married, was the, you know, like this is the mattress. I thought, you know, it's 50-50. Right? You would think, one of you, one of me, 50-50. I ended up with like 15%. To this day, still. I mean, I'm like annexed on this little peninsula of my mattress. And I've never regained that, regained the rest of that mattress. So that changed for me as well." [39:40] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "If you're a Christian, this world is not your home anymore. The Bible says this. Your home is wherever Jesus is. And right now, he's seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven, and that is your home. Just look at verses 1 and 3. In verse 3, Paul says, In verse 1, he says, Sometimes we use different language. People, not even Christians, use different language to try to describe. To try to describe a change, you know, in our life. I turned over a new leaf. Or, I'm trying to be a better version of myself. The Bible doesn't use that language because the Bible doesn't, that's not actually what's fundamentally happened." [41:51] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "What hidden with Christ means is that you have a life that is not observable by those around you. It's hidden. It can't be seen. Your life that is, and it's the same life that will be, has not yet appeared, and it currently exists with Christ. Unseen by those around you that you interact with and people who think they know you, that think they know your life. But just think about Miss Lewis, my first grade teacher. Think about any time you've seen a teacher for the first time in the grocery store, and you realize this person has a whole other life that was completely unseen to me until I just now got this small glimpse." [43:18] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The good news, though, for you, if you're a Christian, is you haven't peeked yet. You haven't peeked yet. If you've seen the movie Napoleon Dynamite, you know. You're already thinking about him. Uncle Rico, right? Uncle Rico is typical. He's a guy who peeked in high school. Athletically, his best days were behind him. And I'm gonna show you here just a picture for a moment. Pastor Nate is in Southeast Asia, so I feel compelled to correct a common belief that you might have, the way he presents himself. Oftentimes, you go on his Facebook page, you'll see pictures of himself sweating, like he just worked out. Like, I'm off on the side of the camera spraying him with water. He didn't really lift or anything, right? But he presents this belief, this persona, that he's at the peak of physical fitness." [46:09] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Your best life is yet to come. There was a book out like 10, 20 years ago now. They're having like the 20th anniversary resale of this book by a prosperity preacher. Remember, it was called Your Best Life Now. It was like number one on the self-help section. It was all about how, if you follow this guy's seven principles, you can have your best life now. All about the here and the now. And honestly, the title of that book and that message is very true. Your best life is, now, if you don't know Christ. Your best life is now. If you don't know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then this present life is the closest you will come to heaven. It only gets worse after this." [49:31] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "In driving, we need to look at where we're going. It's gonna help us in the here and now, in the present. In verses one and two, it says this, if then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, this has happened in your life, then this is what it looks like. If then, so seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. In other words, as if God is saying to us in his word, paraphrase, Christian, get your eyes up. Don't look at what's in front of you, look at what's coming, where you are." [53:30] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "When we become a Christian, not only does it change where we call home, because home is now where Jesus is, but it also changes what we pursue. It changes what we seek. And yet so often, I, case example number one, but so often we may live in this present world like it is our home, seeking earthly things. And when we do that, we are living spiritually short-sighted. Some of you know what that is, because you are short-sighted. You can only see things clearly that are right in front of you, but far away you can't see them. And that's how we live as Christians, spiritually short-sighted when we pursue earthly things, when our life is found hidden with Christ, waiting to be revealed." [01:01:33] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?