Living with Eternity in Mind: A Focus on Afterlife
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we embark on a new series that I've been preparing for several months. This series is crucial because it focuses on what truly matters: the afterlife. Before diving into the message, I want to extend a special invitation to our upcoming marriage retreat in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It's a wonderful opportunity to invest in your marriage, enjoy the beautiful fall scenery, and participate in fun activities and great meals. Chris and Casey have done an excellent job organizing this event, and I hope you can join us.
Let's begin with a prayer. Father, we thank you for your presence and for reminding us of the impact we have on others. As we start this new series, help us recalibrate our lives to focus on what truly matters: the afterlife. We want to glorify you, edify the people, and terrify the enemy. Amen.
I recently read a story about a minister who visited an older man and advised him to think about the hereafter. The man humorously replied that he thinks about it every day, wondering what he's here after whenever he goes to different rooms in his house. This light-hearted story underscores a serious point: we should all think more about what happens after this life. What we believe about the afterlife profoundly impacts how we live now. If we believe there's nothing after this life, we might squander our time. But if we believe in a God who rewards faithfulness, it changes everything.
Life is fleeting, like a mist that vanishes quickly. We often get caught up in trivial matters, but a thousand years from now, will any of it matter? No. What truly matters is eternity. Even though life can be challenging, God's grace unfolds daily. These hard times are insignificant compared to the eternal joy that awaits us. I confess that I've been too focused on the here and now, neglecting thoughts of eternity. I had to repent and refocus my life on what truly matters.
Let's pray for those who, like me, need to recalibrate their focus. Father, help us to think more about eternity and less about the trivial things of this world. Forgive us for getting caught up in things that don't matter in the grand scheme of eternity. Amen.
If you're here today and realize you've been living for yourself, remember that Jesus lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and was resurrected so that we could be saved. If you're uncertain about your eternity, now is the time to make sure. Raise your hand, and let's pray together. Father God, thank you for sending Jesus to die for our sins. Forgive us and fill us with your Spirit. Amen.
Celebrate with me for those who prayed that prayer. If you did, please take the next step and get connected with resources that will help you on your journey.
Now, let's talk about the afterlife. Many people have different beliefs about what happens after we die. Some think it's just lights out, while others believe in reincarnation or that everyone goes to heaven. But what does Jesus say? In Luke 16, Jesus tells the story of the rich man and Lazarus. This is not a parable but a glimpse into the afterlife. The rich man lived in luxury, while Lazarus suffered. When they died, Lazarus was comforted, and the rich man was in torment. This story teaches us that death is inevitable and that our choices in this life determine our eternal destination.
We will all face judgment after death. There are two types of judgment: the Great White Throne Judgment for unbelievers and the Bema Seat Judgment for believers. The Great White Throne Judgment is for those who rejected Jesus, and they will be judged according to their deeds. The Bema Seat Judgment is for believers, where we will be rewarded based on how we lived our lives, our motives, and how we used our resources.
In conclusion, what we believe about eternity determines how we live today. Let's focus on our eternal destiny and make choices that honor God. Join me in this series as we explore what the Bible says about the afterlife and how it should impact our lives now.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of the Afterlife: Our beliefs about the afterlife profoundly impact how we live our lives today. If we believe there is nothing after this life, we might live without purpose. However, if we believe in a God who rewards faithfulness, it changes everything. This belief encourages us to live with purpose and intentionality, knowing that our actions have eternal consequences. [38:06]
2. Life is Fleeting: Life is like a mist that vanishes quickly. We often get caught up in trivial matters, but in the grand scheme of eternity, these things won't matter. Instead, we should focus on what truly matters: our eternal destiny. God's grace unfolds daily, and these hard times are insignificant compared to the eternal joy that awaits us. [01:04:17]
3. Recalibrating Our Focus: Many of us, including myself, have been too focused on the here and now, neglecting thoughts of eternity. We need to recalibrate our lives to focus on what truly matters. This involves repenting for our misplaced priorities and seeking to live in a way that honors God and prepares us for eternity. [01:05:52]
4. Judgment and Rewards: After death, we will face judgment. There are two types of judgment: the Great White Throne Judgment for unbelievers and the Bema Seat Judgment for believers. Believers will be rewarded based on how they lived their lives, their motives, and how they used their resources. This should motivate us to live faithfully and purposefully. [53:38]
5. Eternal Perspective: What we believe about eternity determines how we live today. We should focus on our eternal destiny and make choices that honor God. This involves living with purpose, treating others with kindness, and using our resources wisely. By doing so, we prepare ourselves for the eternal joy that awaits us. [59:37]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[35:52] - Marriage Retreat Invitation
[36:36] - Opening Prayer
[37:19] - Story of the Minister and the Older Man
[38:06] - The Importance of Belief
[38:43] - YouVersion Plan Invitation
[39:50] - Different Beliefs About the Afterlife
[41:52] - The Rich Man and Lazarus
[46:17] - Death is Inevitable
[49:13] - What is Death?
[52:15] - The Great White Throne Judgment
[53:38] - The Bema Seat Judgment
[56:42] - How We Treat Others
[59:37] - Eternal Perspective
[01:01:07] - Choosing Our Eternal Destination
[01:02:35] - The Rope Illustration
[01:04:17] - Life is Fleeting
[01:05:52] - Recalibrating Our Focus
[01:07:23] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 16:19-31 - The story of the rich man and Lazarus.
2. Hebrews 9:27 - "And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment."
3. 2 Corinthians 5:10 - "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."
#### Observation Questions
1. In the story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), what were the contrasting lives and afterlives of the two men? How did their earthly choices impact their eternal destinies?
2. According to Hebrews 9:27, what is the sequence of events that happens after death? How does this align with the sermon’s message about the inevitability of judgment? [44:47]
3. What does 2 Corinthians 5:10 say about the criteria for judgment at the Bema Seat? How does this passage relate to the sermon’s discussion on rewards for believers? [53:38]
4. The sermon mentioned different beliefs about the afterlife. What are some of these beliefs, and how do they differ from the biblical perspective presented? [39:50]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of the rich man and Lazarus challenge our understanding of wealth and poverty in relation to eternal life? What lessons can we draw about the importance of our actions and attitudes in this life? [41:52]
2. Hebrews 9:27 speaks of an appointed time for death and judgment. How does this understanding influence the way we live our daily lives? What changes might it prompt in our priorities and actions? [47:46]
3. The Bema Seat Judgment in 2 Corinthians 5:10 emphasizes being repaid for what we have done in the body. How should this motivate believers in their daily conduct and use of resources? [53:38]
4. The sermon highlighted the need to recalibrate our focus from the here and now to eternity. What practical steps can we take to shift our focus towards eternal matters? [01:05:52]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current lifestyle. Are there areas where you are too focused on the here and now rather than eternity? What specific changes can you make to recalibrate your focus? [01:05:52]
2. The sermon mentioned the inevitability of death and judgment. How does this reality affect your daily decisions and interactions with others? Are there specific actions you need to take to align more closely with this understanding? [44:47]
3. Consider the story of the rich man and Lazarus. How do you treat those who are less fortunate than you? What practical steps can you take to show compassion and generosity in your community? [41:52]
4. The Bema Seat Judgment involves being rewarded for our deeds and motives. Reflect on your recent actions and motives. Are there areas where you need to seek God’s guidance to ensure your motives align with His will? [53:38]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of living with an eternal perspective. Identify one specific area of your life where you can make a change to reflect this perspective. How will you implement this change in the coming week? [59:37]
6. The pastor shared a personal confession about being too focused on the present. Have you experienced similar struggles? How can you support each other in the group to maintain an eternal focus? [01:05:52]
7. The sermon concluded with a call to action for those uncertain about their eternity. If you are unsure about your eternal destiny, what steps can you take today to seek assurance and grow in your faith? [01:08:55]
Devotional
Day 1: Living with Eternal Purpose
Our beliefs about the afterlife profoundly impact how we live our lives today. If we believe there is nothing after this life, we might live without purpose. However, if we believe in a God who rewards faithfulness, it changes everything. This belief encourages us to live with purpose and intentionality, knowing that our actions have eternal consequences. When we understand that our lives are part of a larger, eternal story, we begin to make choices that reflect our faith and commitment to God.
Living with an eternal perspective means prioritizing what truly matters and letting go of trivial concerns. It means investing in relationships, serving others, and using our resources wisely. By doing so, we align our lives with God's will and prepare ourselves for the eternal joy that awaits us. [38:06]
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 area of your life where you can start living with more eternal purpose today? How can you make a choice that reflects your belief in an eternal reward?
Day 2: The Fleeting Nature of Life
Life is like a mist that vanishes quickly. We often get caught up in trivial matters, but in the grand scheme of eternity, these things won't matter. Instead, we should focus on what truly matters: our eternal destiny. God's grace unfolds daily, and these hard times are insignificant compared to the eternal joy that awaits us. Recognizing the fleeting nature of life helps us to prioritize our time and energy on what has lasting value.
When we understand that our time on earth is limited, we are more likely to invest in things that have eternal significance. This perspective helps us to let go of worries and anxieties about temporary issues and focus on building a legacy that honors God. [01:04:17]
James 4:14 (ESV): "Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes."
Reflection: What are some trivial matters that you have been focusing on lately? How can you shift your focus to what truly matters in the grand scheme of eternity?
Day 3: Recalibrating Our Focus
Many of us have been too focused on the here and now, neglecting thoughts of eternity. We need to recalibrate our lives to focus on what truly matters. This involves repenting for our misplaced priorities and seeking to live in a way that honors God and prepares us for eternity. Recalibrating our focus means making a conscious effort to align our daily actions with our eternal goals.
This process of recalibration requires self-reflection and a willingness to change. It may involve setting new priorities, making different choices, and seeking God's guidance in all aspects of our lives. By doing so, we can ensure that we are living in a way that reflects our faith and prepares us for the eternal joy that awaits us. [01:05:52]
Colossians 3:2 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to recalibrate your focus? What steps can you take today to align your priorities with your eternal goals?
Day 4: Judgment and Rewards
After death, we will face judgment. There are two types of judgment: the Great White Throne Judgment for unbelievers and the Bema Seat Judgment for believers. Believers will be rewarded based on how they lived their lives, their motives, and how they used their resources. This should motivate us to live faithfully and purposefully, knowing that our actions have eternal consequences.
Understanding the reality of judgment and rewards helps us to live with a sense of accountability and purpose. It reminds us that our choices matter and that we will be held responsible for how we lived our lives. This perspective encourages us to live in a way that honors God and prepares us for the eternal rewards that await us. [53:38]
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: How does the knowledge of future judgment and rewards impact your daily choices? What changes can you make to ensure that you are living in a way that honors God?
Day 5: Eternal Perspective
What we believe about eternity determines how we live today. We should focus on our eternal destiny and make choices that honor God. This involves living with purpose, treating others with kindness, and using our resources wisely. By doing so, we prepare ourselves for the eternal joy that awaits us. An eternal perspective helps us to see beyond our current circumstances and focus on what truly matters.
Living with an eternal perspective means making choices that reflect our faith and commitment to God. It means prioritizing relationships, serving others, and using our resources to further God's kingdom. By doing so, we can ensure that we are living in a way that honors God and prepares us for the eternal joy that awaits us. [59:37]
Matthew 6:19-20 (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."
Reflection: How can you start living with an eternal perspective today? What specific actions can you take to ensure that your choices reflect your belief in an eternal destiny?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "What you believe determines how you will live. If you believe that there is nothing after this, then you're going to squander your life and live with no purpose. But if you believe there is, really a God that's given you an assignment, and one of these days he's going to reward you for your faithfulness, then it changes how we live now." [38:06]
2. "Life is a mist. I mean, you, you know that you, you have that mist in your bathroom spray or whatever. You spray it into the air and it disappears, right? Where did that go? Paul said, that's how life is. What I do with this part right here determines what's going to happen in eternity." [01:04:17]
3. "Even though on the outside, it often looks like things are falling apart. On the inside where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration he has prepared for us. There's far more than meets the eye. The things we see now, see now are gone tomorrow, but the things we can't see last forever and ever and ever and ever and ever." [01:05:52]
4. "So when we die, there's a judgment after that. There's a judgment and there's two different judgments. There's a judgment of those that have are unbelievers that have never received Jesus into their life. And so in revelation chapter 20 verses 11 through 13, if you want to look at those, they're not on the screen, but they're in your Bible. If you brought your Bible and that's a good thing, revelation 20, 11 through 13." [52:15]
### Quotes for Members
1. "What we believe about eternity determines how we live today. So in this series, I'm praying that it's a wake-up call for all of us to think more about our eternal destiny. Cause number two, I noticed this in this story, we can choose our eternal destination. Uh, Abraham said, you had a choice in life and you chose to go the other way." [59:37]
2. "We're rewarded according to our motives. So it's not enough that I just, came to church. It's not enough that I just did this or whatever, but he says, I'm going to look not just at the deed, but I'm going to look at your motives. Why did you do that?" [56:42]
3. "So Paul pulls in that same thing to us as believers. And he says that we're going to be treated. Not for our sins, because your sins have already been washed in the blood of Jesus, right? If you're a believer, God, when he looks at you, he sees you through the blood of Jesus. Man, I'm thankful for that." [55:16]
4. "So today I'd like you to turn with me to Luke chapter 16. I'm going to read a very lengthy passage. If you got your Bible, follow along with us. Now you may have a Bible that says the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. This was not a parable. When Jesus teaches a parable, he sets it up that, that this is a story. But look what he says here in the very first 19 verse. Jesus said, And he's saying, this is not a parable, but I'm going to try to give you a glimpse of what happens after this." [41:52]
5. "So in essence, when you die, you see what you see here, this six foot four frame is not me. This is a tent. This is a dwelling place. But my soul, my real existence lives inside of this tent. That's why Paul says that we take down the tent and we move on into the glory of God." [50:48]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?