Living with Eternal Perspective: Christ at the Center
Summary
In our journey through the book of Romans, we have arrived at a pivotal understanding: Jesus Christ is the focal point of human history, and everything will find its ultimate meaning in relation to Him. As we look to the horizon of our lives, we may see many temporal events and milestones, but we must look further to what truly endures. The transient nature of worldly pursuits echoes the wisdom of Ecclesiastes, reminding us that much of life is like chasing after the wind. While we are grateful for the seasons and times God grants us, we must not lose sight of the eternal.
We are reminded that a day of judgment is set by the counsel and will of God. This day is not a mere possibility but an appointed certainty. Jesus, our Savior, is also the judge who will preside over the final judgment, determining the eternal state of every soul. The ultimate question of life is what we have done with Jesus. Do we know Him as the one who stands on our behalf, who advocates for us before God?
Paul's gospel, the gospel he passionately defends and proclaims, is not his own invention but the full scope of God's revealed truth. It is a gospel that does not shy away from the reality of God's wrath, for it is against the backdrop of this wrath that the beauty of God's grace shines brightest. The good news is that Jesus has taken upon Himself the judgment we deserve, and through His resurrection, we are assured of God's acceptance of His sacrifice.
Our works will be judged, not merely by their outward appearance but by the true condition of our hearts. God, who is impartial, knows the innermost thoughts and secrets of every person. The day will come when all that is hidden will be brought to light. Therefore, we must live with an eternal perspective, investing in what is imperishable and aligning our hearts with the treasure that is Christ.
As we consider the judgment to come, we are compelled to live lives that reflect the glory and honor of Christ. Our works, built upon the foundation of Christ, will be tested by fire. Those deeds that are of true worth will endure, while those that are not will be consumed. Yet, for those in Christ, this judgment does not affect our salvation but rather the rewards we may receive.
In summary, the essence of our message today is to recognize the centrality of Christ in all things. We must know Him, trust in Him, and live for Him, for in doing so, we prepare ourselves for the day when we will stand before Him. Let us, therefore, live with hearts enlarged by the gospel, seeking to make Christ known to all, for this is the work that will last forever.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus Christ is the ultimate judge and the center of our faith. Our understanding of history, our lives, and our eternal destiny hinges on our relationship with Him. As we navigate through life's temporal events, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who provides the only path to eternal life. [49:33]
- The gospel Paul preaches is not a message of convenience or comfort, but one that confronts us with the full reality of God's truth. It is a gospel that reveals both the wrath of God against sin and the surpassing grace offered through Jesus Christ. This gospel demands a response and calls for a life transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. [35:36]
- Our works are a reflection of our hearts, and God's judgment will reveal the true nature of our affections. Whether we have adorned ourselves with self-righteousness or genuine deeds of faith, nothing is hidden from God. It is the inner reality of our hearts that will be exposed before the Judge of judges. [46:38]
- The day of judgment is a sobering reality that should motivate us to live with an eternal perspective. Our actions, investments, and the very orientation of our lives must be evaluated in light of eternity. We are called to build our lives upon the foundation of Christ, knowing that our works will be tested and that our ultimate reward is Jesus Himself. [52:55]
- The urgency of the gospel compels us to share the hope of Christ with everyone. The knowledge that a day of judgment is approaching should enlarge our hearts with a passion for evangelism. We are entrusted with the message of salvation, and it is our privilege and responsibility to ensure that as many as possible hear the good news and come to know the treasure that is Christ. [01:01:25]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Romans 2:14-16
2. Hebrews 9:27
3. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 2:14-16, what is written in the hearts of the Gentiles, and how does it affect their conscience?
2. What does Hebrews 9:27 say about the inevitability of judgment after death?
3. In 1 Corinthians 3:11-15, what materials are mentioned that people might use to build on the foundation of Christ, and what will happen to these materials on the day of judgment?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of the law being written in the hearts of the Gentiles (Romans 2:14-16) relate to the idea of God's impartial judgment? [24:15]
2. What is the significance of Jesus being both Savior and Judge according to the sermon? [29:10]
3. How does the imagery of building with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, and straw in 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 help us understand the quality of our works in light of eternity?
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of living with an eternal perspective, and how does this align with the teachings in Hebrews 9:27? [27:01]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily activities and priorities. Are there any "temporal events and milestones" that might be distracting you from focusing on Jesus? How can you shift your focus to what truly endures? [39:52]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing Jesus as our Advocate. How can you deepen your relationship with Him this week? [27:40]
3. Considering that our works will be tested by fire, what specific actions can you take to ensure that your deeds are of true worth and built upon the foundation of Christ? [50:44]
4. The urgency of the gospel compels us to share the hope of Christ with others. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. How can you share the message of salvation with them this week? [01:01:25]
5. The sermon mentions that our works reflect the true condition of our hearts. What steps can you take to align your heart more closely with Christ and ensure that your actions reflect genuine faith? [46:38]
6. How can you cultivate a mindset of repentance and renewal in your daily life, as encouraged by Romans 12:1? What specific changes can you make to your thought patterns or behaviors? [48:05]
7. Reflect on the idea that Jesus is the treasure hidden in the field (Matthew 13:44). What personal sacrifices might you need to make to fully embrace and prioritize this treasure in your life? [49:23]
Devotional
Day 1: Christ, the Center of All
In the grand narrative of existence, Jesus Christ stands as the pivotal figure, the one in whom all history converges and from whom all meaning flows. This understanding is not merely theological but deeply personal, as it shapes the way individuals perceive their place in the world and their ultimate destiny. The transient nature of life's pursuits often distracts, but the enduring truth is that everything is secondary to knowing and being found in Christ. The challenge is to look beyond the temporal, to see through the lens of eternity, and to anchor one's life in the reality of Christ's lordship. [49:33]
Hebrews 12:2 (ESV)
"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 reorient your daily focus to keep Christ at the center of your life and decisions?
Day 2: The Gospel's Uncomfortable Truth
The gospel that Paul preached is a message that does not cater to comfort but confronts with the stark reality of God's holiness and the seriousness of sin. It is a message that reveals the wrath of God against all ungodliness, yet it also showcases the incredible grace made available through Jesus Christ. This duality of divine wrath and grace serves as a powerful reminder that the gospel calls for a response—a transformed life that bears the fruit of the Spirit. Believers are urged to embrace this full gospel, allowing it to mold their character and actions. [35:36]
1 Thessalonians 1:5 (ESV)
"Because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction."
Reflection: In what ways does the reality of God's wrath and grace influence your daily walk with Him?
Day 3: The Heart's True Reflection
The deeds of a person are a mirror reflecting the heart's true condition. The day of judgment will not only assess the outward appearance of one's works but will reveal the innermost motivations and desires. This sobering truth calls for self-examination and authenticity in one's spiritual journey. God's impartiality ensures that every secret will be laid bare, and only what is done in genuine faith and love will withstand His scrutiny. This understanding should inspire a life lived with integrity and a heart aligned with God's will. [46:38]
1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV)
"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'"
Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you need to align your heart's intentions with God's desires?
Day 4: Building for Eternity
The reality of judgment is not meant to instill fear but to motivate believers to live with an eternal perspective. The call is to build one's life upon the solid foundation of Jesus Christ, knowing that every action, every investment, and every aspiration will be tested by fire. This eternal perspective should guide the choices made and the priorities set, ensuring that what is built in this life has lasting value and significance in the kingdom of God. The ultimate reward for a life well-lived is not the accolades of this world but the approval of Christ Himself. [52:55]
1 Corinthians 3:13-14 (ESV)
"Each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward."
Reflection: How can you invest in eternal treasures today, rather than the fleeting pleasures of the world?
Day 5: The Urgency of Evangelism
The impending day of judgment imparts an urgency to the task of evangelism. Believers are entrusted with the precious message of salvation, a treasure that must be shared with all. This knowledge should enlarge the heart with a passion for reaching out to others, for making Christ known. The gospel's urgency is not just for the sake of the lost but also for the joy of seeing lives transformed and destinies altered. The work of evangelism is the work that echoes into eternity, and every believer has a role to play in this divine mission. [01:01:25]
2 Corinthians 4:5 (ESV)
"For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake."
Reflection: Who is one person in your life that you can share the hope of Christ with this week, and what practical step will you take to do so?
Quotes
- "God judges the heart, he knows what kind of golfer you really are. It's not the visible actions of Our Lives alone, it's the inner parts of our life that will become painfully exposed." [46:38](Download)
- "Look to the Horizon, friends. What is coming and what are we really Living For? Are we seeking after what investments are we really making?" [48:05](Download)
- "Jesus is the focal point of human history because everything will find its ultimate meaning in relationship to him." [39:52](Download)
- "A day is coming and what is Paul referring to when he writes 'on the day'? It is appointed, it is set according to the counsel and will of God. This impending day is a day of judgment." [42:09](Download)
- "Our works are going to judge us because the works that we do define the heart that we have." [42:56](Download)
- "God does not show partiality... God looks at the what? The heart." [44:17](Download)
- "Jesus is the treasure that is hidden in the field... he sold it all so he could acquire the field so that he could have the treasure." [49:23](Download)
- "Each one of us builds our works on a foundation of Christ and these Works will be subject to the Judgment of their value to Christ." [52:10](Download)
- "Do we want Christ to truly affect in us a kind of life that makes much of him? Do we live to honor Christ?" [53:41](Download)
- "No matter who you are today, no matter what your foundation may be, all of us will face the Jesus of judgment." [55:12](Download)
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