Living with an Eternal Perspective: Preparing for Heaven
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the profound topic of eternity and our preparation for it. We often get caught up in the busyness of life, rarely pausing to consider our eternal destination. The message emphasized the importance of setting our sights on the realities of heaven, as instructed in Colossians 3. We explored the concept of the new heaven and new earth, a place of unimaginable beauty and joy, free from pain, sorrow, and sin. This new creation will be a tangible, physical place where we will live in resurrected bodies, engaging in meaningful work and relationships.
We also discussed the significance of living with an eternal perspective. Our actions, decisions, and how we use our resources now have eternal consequences. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 was highlighted to illustrate that we are accountable for how we use the gifts and opportunities God has given us. Living for the "dot"—our brief earthly life—versus the "line"—eternity—was a central theme. We were reminded that our current life is just a small part of a much larger eternal story.
The message concluded with a call to action: to live purposefully, to think more about heaven, and to ensure our lives reflect our eternal hope. For those unsure of their eternal destination, an invitation was extended to accept Jesus Christ and secure their place in the new heaven and new earth.
### Key Takeaways
1. Eternal Perspective: We often get so absorbed in our daily lives that we forget to think about eternity. Colossians 3 urges us to set our sights on the realities of heaven, not just earthly success or comfort. This shift in focus helps us live purposefully and prepares us for our eternal home. [41:56]
2. Heaven is a Real Place: Heaven is not an abstract concept but a tangible, physical place where we will live in resurrected bodies. The new heaven and new earth will be free from pain, sorrow, and sin, offering a life of unimaginable beauty and joy. This reality should inspire us to live with hope and anticipation. [43:03]
3. Accountability for Our Gifts: The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 teaches us that we are accountable for how we use the gifts and opportunities God has given us. Living for the "dot"—our brief earthly life—versus the "line"—eternity—has eternal consequences. We must use our resources wisely to store up treasures in heaven. [01:02:03]
4. Living with Purpose: Our current life is just a small part of a much larger eternal story. How we live now determines our rewards in heaven. We should strive to live purposefully, using our time, talents, and resources to glorify God and make a difference in the lives of others. [01:00:18]
5. Invitation to Eternal Life: For those unsure of their eternal destination, the message extended an invitation to accept Jesus Christ. Eternal life is a gift from God, secured through faith in Jesus. This decision not only changes our eternal destiny but also gives us a purpose for living now. [01:12:23]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[35:04] - Introduction and Resources
[36:46] - Prayer and Presence
[38:29] - Thoughts and Eternity
[40:24] - Preparing for Eternity
[41:56] - Colossians 3:1-2
[43:03] - Realities of Heaven
[44:34] - The Dot and the Line
[46:04] - Intermediate Heaven
[48:40] - Revelation 21:1-2
[49:57] - New Heaven and New Earth
[51:12] - No More Pain
[52:55] - Dimensions of the New City
[54:20] - The Greatest City
[55:49] - Nations and Kings
[57:15] - Commerce and Culture
[58:40] - Purpose and Stewardship
[01:00:18] - Living for the Line
[01:02:03] - Parable of the Talents
[01:04:43] - Using Our Gifts
[01:06:42] - Perspective on Resources
[01:08:02] - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
[01:09:27] - Storing Up Treasures
[01:10:49] - True Life
[01:12:23] - Invitation to Eternal Life
[01:14:15] - Prayer for Believers
[01:15:50] - Prayer for Salvation
[01:17:13] - Closing and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Colossians 3:1-2: "Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth."
2. Matthew 25:14-30: The Parable of the Talents.
3. Revelation 21:1-4: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, 'Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Colossians 3:1-2, what are believers instructed to set their sights on? How does this contrast with earthly concerns? [41:56]
2. In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), what were the different responses of the servants to the talents they were given? What was the master's reaction to each servant's actions? [01:02:03]
3. Revelation 21:1-4 describes the new heaven and new earth. What are some of the key characteristics of this new creation? How does this vision of the future provide hope for believers? [49:57]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does setting our sights on the realities of heaven, as instructed in Colossians 3:1-2, influence our daily decisions and priorities? [41:56]
2. What does the Parable of the Talents teach us about accountability and the use of our gifts and resources? How does this parable relate to the concept of living for the "dot" versus the "line"? [01:02:03]
3. Revelation 21:1-4 paints a picture of a future without pain, sorrow, or death. How does this promise of a new heaven and new earth affect our perspective on current suffering and challenges? [49:57]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life. How often do you think about eternity and the realities of heaven? What practical steps can you take to set your sights more on heavenly things? [41:56]
2. Consider the gifts and opportunities God has given you. Are you using them to their fullest potential, or are there areas where you could be more faithful and proactive? How can you start making changes this week? [01:02:03]
3. The sermon emphasized living purposefully and making decisions with eternal consequences in mind. What is one specific area of your life where you can start living with more intentionality and purpose? [01:00:18]
4. The new heaven and new earth are described as places of unimaginable beauty and joy. How can this vision of the future inspire you to live with hope and anticipation, even in difficult times? [49:57]
5. For those unsure of their eternal destination, the sermon extended an invitation to accept Jesus Christ. If you have already made this decision, how can you share this hope with others? If you haven't, what is holding you back from making this commitment today? [01:12:23]
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of using our resources wisely to store up treasures in heaven. What is one specific way you can use your time, talents, or finances to glorify God and make a difference in the lives of others this week? [01:09:27]
7. Think about the last time you felt overwhelmed by life's challenges. How can the promise of a new heaven and new earth help you find peace and strength in those moments? [49:57]
Devotional
Day 1: Setting Our Sights on Heaven
We often get so absorbed in our daily lives that we forget to think about eternity. Colossians 3 urges us to set our sights on the realities of heaven, not just earthly success or comfort. This shift in focus helps us live purposefully and prepares us for our eternal home. When we prioritize heavenly things, our actions and decisions align more closely with God's will. This eternal perspective can transform our daily lives, giving us a sense of purpose and direction that transcends temporary circumstances.
By focusing on the realities of heaven, we are reminded that our true home is not here on earth but with God in eternity. This understanding can bring comfort and hope, especially during challenging times. It encourages us to live in a way that reflects our eternal destination, making choices that honor God and impact others positively. [41:56]
Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from earthly concerns to heavenly realities today? What practical steps can you take to set your mind on things above?
Day 2: Heaven is a Tangible Reality
Heaven is not an abstract concept but a tangible, physical place where we will live in resurrected bodies. The new heaven and new earth will be free from pain, sorrow, and sin, offering a life of unimaginable beauty and joy. This reality should inspire us to live with hope and anticipation. Understanding that heaven is a real place helps us to grasp the fullness of God's promises and the future He has prepared for us.
This tangible reality of heaven can motivate us to endure present sufferings and challenges, knowing that a glorious future awaits. It also encourages us to share this hope with others, inviting them to experience the joy and peace that come from a relationship with Jesus Christ. [43:03]
Revelation 21:1-2 (ESV): "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband."
Reflection: How does the reality of a tangible heaven change your perspective on current struggles? How can you share this hope with someone who needs encouragement today?
Day 3: Accountability for Our Gifts
The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 teaches us that we are accountable for how we use the gifts and opportunities God has given us. Living for the "dot"—our brief earthly life—versus the "line"—eternity—has eternal consequences. We must use our resources wisely to store up treasures in heaven. This accountability reminds us that our actions have lasting significance and that we are stewards of God's blessings.
By recognizing our responsibility to use our gifts for God's glory, we can make intentional choices that reflect our commitment to Him. This perspective encourages us to invest in things that have eternal value, such as relationships, acts of service, and sharing the gospel. [01:02:03]
Matthew 25:21 (ESV): "His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’"
Reflection: What gifts and opportunities has God entrusted to you? How can you use them today to make an eternal impact?
Day 4: Living with Purpose
Our current life is just a small part of a much larger eternal story. How we live now determines our rewards in heaven. We should strive to live purposefully, using our time, talents, and resources to glorify God and make a difference in the lives of others. This purposeful living aligns our daily actions with God's eternal plan, giving us a sense of fulfillment and direction.
Living with purpose means being intentional about our choices and seeking to honor God in all that we do. It involves prioritizing what truly matters and investing in relationships and activities that have lasting significance. By doing so, we can experience the joy and satisfaction that come from living a life that reflects our eternal hope. [01:00:18]
2 Corinthians 5:10 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to be more intentional about living with purpose? How can you align your daily actions with God's eternal plan?
Day 5: Invitation to Eternal Life
For those unsure of their eternal destination, the message extended an invitation to accept Jesus Christ. Eternal life is a gift from God, secured through faith in Jesus. This decision not only changes our eternal destiny but also gives us a purpose for living now. Accepting this invitation means embracing a relationship with Jesus and allowing Him to transform our lives from the inside out.
This invitation to eternal life is a reminder of God's incredible love and grace. It offers hope and assurance that we can spend eternity with Him. For those who have already accepted this gift, it is an encouragement to share the good news with others, inviting them to experience the same hope and joy. [01:12:23]
John 5:24 (ESV): "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life."
Reflection: Have you accepted the invitation to eternal life through Jesus Christ? If so, how can you share this gift with someone who needs to hear about God's love today? If not, what is holding you back from making this decision?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "How I live now in this dot determines how I'll spend eternity forever and ever and ever and ever. Now, if I'm a Christ follower, and we'll talk about that in a minute, but if you're here today and you've decided, you know, I'm just going to run my life with my own standards. I don't need God. I know Jesus came to die on this cross, but I don't need him. I've seen what religion does to a lot of people. And I don't want that. I don't want to be bored and tired and not have fun. Never laugh. Look like I've been baptized in dill pickle juice. No, thanks. I don't want that. I don't want that. And I don't want that either." (41 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The moment that I die, my body begins to deteriorate completely. Whatever they do with me, bury me with worms or burn me up and spread me around or whatever they do. It really has nothing to affect because my soul is now in the presence of the Lord. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. So immediately catch this. This is review. Immediately then, a believer goes to what we call intermediate heaven." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel his pleasure. So you think he'll run in? Of course he will. Some of you try to keep up with him and you'll have to train and work a little harder. You won't be perfect immediately and you won't know everything. You've got all the, how can you know everything about God or everything about creation in just like that?" (26 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I don't want to come to the end of my life and have regerts. You seen that tattoo should say no regrets. And it says no regerts. I don't want it to come to eternity and realize for too late, I've been living for the dot, not for the line. Maybe the Lord is saying that today. Maybe we should gain a clear perspective because you see, if I understand, if I understand that living in this dot life may be tough." (56 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So here's my question today. Only two more questions. The first one, I really believed and lived as though heaven is real, what needs to change in my life today? And one final question, you sure if you were to die today that you would go to heaven? Here's what the scripture says. And this is what God has testified. He has given us eternal life and this life is in his son. Whoever has a son has life. Whoever does not have God, son does not have life." (45 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "But I wonder how many of us talk about that we are going to spend eternity with the Lord, but how little we really prepare for that. How very little we even think about that. Then the Lord reminded me of this scripture this morning. I just got to share it with you. Colossians chapter three. If you have your Bible, go ahead and turn with me there because I think it's really pretty good. Colossians chapter three, uh, beginning at verse one, it says, since you have been raised to new life with Christ, how many of you have been raised with new life in Christ? You're raised with new life in Christ. Set your sights on the realities of heaven." (38 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So heaven is a real place. It's not a ethereal thinking about something, but no, it's a real place. Look at your neighbor and say, it's a real place. And I want to go there, right? We've been looking at this, this whole several weeks on Hebrews nine and 27. You probably can quote it now, but read it with me. It is appointed for men to die once. And after this judgment, after this judgment. So we talked about using this, this rope. We said the white on this rope stands for eternity past." (37 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, look, God's home is now where, where, and God is saying, Hey, you don't have to try to get to heaven. I'm going to bring heaven down to earth, which I always planned. He wanted to walk with Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. He wanted them and he gave them assignments. He gave them jobs. And before the curse, they loved their jobs. They loved what they were doing. Then sin came along and brought curse to that. Ever since then, everybody's been praying for a weekend, but I promise you on the new heaven, the new earth, you won't be praying for a new weekend because you don't need a new weekend because you're going to be in the best life you've ever lived in the joy and all that God created for you to be." (41 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So when we think about that, we think of commerce, art, culture, music, people operating in their gifts, building without sin, building without a comparison. One builder doesn't get beside the another and say, hey, look at the monster I just built. And the next person says, yeah, but you're one story short. You ever met somebody like that? Say, hey, we went to a great restaurant and we ate. Oh, I went to a great, great restaurant and ate last night. Who cares? Who cares what you did? Why are we always comparing? Why are we always trying to one up? But in this new heaven, this new earth, there's no one-ing up." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Matthew 24, I believe it is, 25, Jesus tells this story and he says, let me tell you a story. I'm like the man who goes into a far country and the man had three bags of gold and silver and he gave the first one, five bags of gold. He gave the second one, two bags of gold. He gave the third one, one bag of gold. You see, you're not held accountable for somebody else's giftings. You're held accountable for your own. Has he called you somewhere? Has he called you to do something? And you've just got settled in comfort zone." (37 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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