Longing for Heaven: Embracing Our Eternal Home
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we are diving into the profound truths found in 1 John chapter 2 and Revelation chapter 21. We began by reflecting on the nature of our interest in heaven, which often fluctuates based on our earthly circumstances. When life is comfortable, our longing for heaven may diminish, but when trials come, our desire for our eternal home intensifies. This is akin to being unexpectedly upgraded to first class on a flight and missing the familiar discomfort of economy class. We must remember that our ultimate destination is far more glorious than anything this world can offer.
In 1 Corinthians, we are reminded of the transformative power of God's Word. As we look into the "glass" or mirror of His Word, we see glimpses of Jesus Christ. Though our vision is imperfect now, one day we will see Him face to face and be fully conformed to His image. This is our glorious future: to be like Christ, free from sin and its consequences, living in perfect harmony with Him and each other.
Our journey towards Christ-likeness begins now. As we grow in our understanding of what Jesus loves and hates, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to become more like Him. This process of sanctification is ongoing, and while we strive to be like Christ, we know that the Spirit will complete this work when we are caught up into His presence.
The hope of heaven should ignite a passion within us to purify ourselves now. Genuine Christians do not view their time on earth as an opportunity to indulge in worldly pleasures but as a time to prepare for their eternal home. The knowledge of our future perfection should motivate us to live holy lives today.
We also explored the doctrine of the Trinity, a foundational yet often misunderstood aspect of our faith. The Trinity teaches that God is one in essence but exists in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This unity in diversity is a mystery that defies human logic but is clearly revealed in Scripture.
In Revelation 21, we are given a breathtaking vision of our future home, the New Jerusalem. This city, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband, reflects the glory of God. It is a place where there will be no more death, sorrow, or pain. The former things will have passed away, and everything will be made new. This is the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, where we will live with Him forever in perfect harmony.
As we conclude, I urge those who have not yet accepted Christ to consider the hope and future that He offers. For those of us who are saved, let us strive to become more like Jesus each day, reflecting His love and holiness to a world in desperate need of Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Fluctuating Interest in Heaven: Our interest in heaven often mirrors our earthly circumstances. When life is comfortable, our longing for heaven may wane, but in times of trial, our desire for our eternal home intensifies. This is a reminder that our ultimate destination is far more glorious than anything this world can offer. [47:53]
2. The Transformative Power of God's Word: As we look into the mirror of God's Word, we see glimpses of Jesus Christ. Though our vision is imperfect now, one day we will see Him face to face and be fully conformed to His image. This future hope should motivate us to strive for Christ-likeness in our daily lives. [01:16:47]
3. The Process of Sanctification: Our journey towards becoming like Christ begins now. As we grow in our understanding of what Jesus loves and hates, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to become more like Him. This ongoing process of sanctification will be completed when we are caught up into His presence. [01:21:50]
4. The Doctrine of the Trinity: The Trinity teaches that God is one in essence but exists in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This unity in diversity is a mystery that defies human logic but is clearly revealed in Scripture. Understanding this helps us appreciate the different roles each person of the Trinity plays in our salvation. [28:53]
5. The Glorious Future of Heaven: Revelation 21 gives us a breathtaking vision of our future home, the New Jerusalem. This city, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband, reflects the glory of God. It is a place where there will be no more death, sorrow, or pain. This vision should inspire us to live holy lives now, in anticipation of our eternal home. [57:29]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [28:53] - The Doctrine of the Trinity
3. [47:53] - Interest in Heaven and Earthly Circumstances
4. [01:16:47] - The Transformative Power of God's Word
5. [01:21:50] - The Process of Sanctification
6. [57:29] - The Glorious Future of Heaven
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 John 2:28-29
2. Revelation 21:1-4
3. 1 Corinthians 13:12
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 John 2:28-29, what are the two possible reactions believers might have when they stand before Jesus Christ? ([01:02:52])
2. In Revelation 21:1-4, what are some of the characteristics of the New Jerusalem described by John? ([57:09])
3. How does 1 Corinthians 13:12 describe our current understanding of Jesus compared to our future understanding? ([01:16:47])
4. What does the sermon suggest about our interest in heaven in relation to our earthly circumstances? ([47:53])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "abide in Him" as mentioned in 1 John 2:28-29, and how does this affect our confidence when Jesus appears? ([01:02:19])
2. How does the vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:1-4 serve as a motivation for believers to live holy lives now? ([57:29])
3. In what ways does 1 Corinthians 13:12 illustrate the transformative power of God's Word in our lives? ([01:16:47])
4. How does the sermon explain the fluctuating interest in heaven based on our earthly experiences? ([47:53])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current life circumstances. How do they influence your longing for heaven? Are there specific trials or comforts that affect your desire for your eternal home? ([47:53])
2. Considering 1 John 2:28-29, what steps can you take to ensure you will stand confidently before Jesus when He appears? ([01:02:19])
3. Revelation 21:1-4 describes a place with no more death, sorrow, or pain. How can this vision of heaven inspire you to live a life that reflects God's glory today? ([57:29])
4. The sermon mentions the process of sanctification and becoming more like Christ. What specific areas of your life do you feel the Holy Spirit is prompting you to change to be more like Jesus? ([01:21:50])
5. How can understanding the doctrine of the Trinity deepen your appreciation for the different roles each person of the Trinity plays in your salvation? ([28:53])
6. The sermon suggests that the closer we get to heaven, the less we are interested in worldly things. What are some "dry old straw" aspects of your life that you need to let go of to focus more on your glorious future? ([52:19])
7. How can you actively purify yourself now in anticipation of your future perfection in heaven? What practical steps can you take this week to live a holier life? ([01:19:12])
Devotional
Day 1: The Fluctuating Interest in Heaven
Our interest in heaven often mirrors our earthly circumstances. When life is comfortable, our longing for heaven may wane, but in times of trial, our desire for our eternal home intensifies. This is a reminder that our ultimate destination is far more glorious than anything this world can offer. Just as being unexpectedly upgraded to first class on a flight can make us miss the familiar discomfort of economy class, we must remember that our ultimate destination is far more glorious than anything this world can offer. This perspective helps us to keep our eyes fixed on the eternal, rather than getting too comfortable with the temporary pleasures and pains of this world. [47:53]
Hebrews 13:14 (ESV): "For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come."
Reflection: Think about a recent trial or challenge you faced. How did it affect your longing for heaven? How can you keep an eternal perspective even when life is comfortable?
Day 2: The Transformative Power of God's Word
As we look into the mirror of God's Word, we see glimpses of Jesus Christ. Though our vision is imperfect now, one day we will see Him face to face and be fully conformed to His image. This future hope should motivate us to strive for Christ-likeness in our daily lives. The transformative power of God's Word is like a mirror that reflects Jesus Christ, showing us who we are and who we are becoming. This process of transformation is ongoing, and while we strive to be like Christ, we know that the Spirit will complete this work when we are caught up into His presence. [01:16:47]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: How often do you look into the "mirror" of God's Word? What steps can you take to make this a daily habit and allow it to transform you?
Day 3: The Process of Sanctification
Our journey towards becoming like Christ begins now. As we grow in our understanding of what Jesus loves and hates, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to become more like Him. This ongoing process of sanctification will be completed when we are caught up into His presence. Sanctification is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of becoming more like Christ. As we grow in our understanding of what Jesus loves and hates, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to align our lives with His will. This process will be completed when we are finally in His presence, but it begins here and now. [01:21:50]
Philippians 1:6 (ESV): "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel the Holy Spirit is prompting you to change? How can you cooperate with Him in this process of sanctification today?
Day 4: The Doctrine of the Trinity
The Trinity teaches that God is one in essence but exists in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This unity in diversity is a mystery that defies human logic but is clearly revealed in Scripture. Understanding this helps us appreciate the different roles each person of the Trinity plays in our salvation. The Trinity is a foundational yet often misunderstood aspect of our faith. It teaches us that God is one in essence but exists in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This unity in diversity is a mystery that defies human logic but is clearly revealed in Scripture. Understanding this helps us appreciate the different roles each person of the Trinity plays in our salvation. [28:53]
Matthew 28:19 (ESV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: How does understanding the Trinity deepen your appreciation for God's work in your life? What role does each person of the Trinity play in your daily walk with God?
Day 5: The Glorious Future of Heaven
Revelation 21 gives us a breathtaking vision of our future home, the New Jerusalem. This city, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband, reflects the glory of God. It is a place where there will be no more death, sorrow, or pain. This vision should inspire us to live holy lives now, in anticipation of our eternal home. The New Jerusalem is a place where there will be no more death, sorrow, or pain. The former things will have passed away, and everything will be made new. This vision should inspire us to live holy lives now, in anticipation of our eternal home. [57:29]
Revelation 21:4 (ESV): "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."
Reflection: How does the vision of the New Jerusalem affect your daily life and choices? What changes can you make today to live in anticipation of your eternal home?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The closer we get to heaven, the less we're interested in the things of this world. The closer we get to catching the aroma of the glorious future in front of us, the less the things of this world like sports and Hollywood and entertainment and money and cars and houses mean to us. It's like dry old straw, and I don't want to eat it anymore because I can catch the aroma of the glorious future that's out in front of us." [52:19]
2. "All of my righteousnesses were as a pile of filthy rags. Doesn't say all of my sin was as a pile of filthy rags. It says all of my righteousnesses. The best I can offer God, the best I can do in life, the hardest I can try to be a good boy. Pile up all of my good works. All of my righteousness, God, what do you think? And God looks down, He's not talking about the mountain of my sin, He's talking about the little pile of the very best I can do. God, what do you think? And God looks down and He scrunches up His nose when the odor comes into His nostrils and He says, 'All of your righteousness is as a pile of filthy rags.'" [01:09:46]
3. "In all of your sinfulness, the fact that He died for you shouts from heaven, 'I love you.' And to love means loving the unlovable, and I was unlovable. To forgive is to forgive the unlovable, and I was unforgivable. To pardon is to pardon the unpardonable, and I was unpardonable. But for the love of God that loved me and died for me." [01:12:08]
4. "When I got saved, God placed His seed, the Holy Spirit, inside my body, and I became a son of God. I have the DNA of God within me. And because I have the DNA of God within me, it is natural for me to act like God. It is natural for me to be like God. It is natural for me to reflect God's characteristics because His DNA is in me." [01:06:51]
5. "The amazing thing is the fact that He died for you. He saw me about to absorb the judgment of God for my sin, and Jesus, as the judgment of God was beginning to be poured out on Mike Elstock, Jesus jumped in between and the judgment of God, and Jesus caught and embraced and bore all of the judgment of God that I deserved because He loves me that much." [01:12:36]
### Quotes for Members
1. "As you learn what Jesus loves and you fall in love with what Jesus loves, and as you learn what Jesus hates and you begin to hate what Jesus hates, when you understand why Jesus treated people the way He did and then you begin to treat people the way Jesus treated people, you are empowered by the Spirit of God to become like Jesus Christ now." [01:21:50]
2. "When I look into the word of God, you know what I see? I see an image of Jesus Christ. I say, 'Why did He do that?' And it's like holding that piece of polished metal and getting the light just right because I can't see perfectly. And I, 'Why did He do that? That's what Jesus is like.' And when I see Him, I become like Him. But I'm not like Him. But the glass, the polished metal, and even though the glass is perfect, my ability to see is not perfect. And so I can't see Jesus perfectly yet. I look into the mirror of His word and I get little images, little facets of the marvelous person of Jesus Christ." [01:16:47]
3. "The genuine Christian doesn't learn about the glory of heaven and say, 'Well, I'm stuck here on earth for another 20 years. I'm just going to have at it and enjoy life. I'm just going to drink it up, live it up, party it up. I'm just going to enjoy life on earth.' No genuine Christian thinks like that. This verse says if you have the hope within you that at the rapture you're going to become like Him when you see Him in His perfections, that ignites a passion within you to work on purifying yourself now while you're still alive, still on earth." [01:19:39]
4. "The Trinity does not mean that God is one person who reveals Himself in three different ways. Theologians would call that Sibelianism. And that's a heretical belief. A heretical belief on the doctrine of the person of God. But here's a diagram that shows us the Trinity in a unique way. If you look at the three corners of the triangle, you see the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And you notice the black connecting lines that the Father is not the Holy Spirit. The Son is not the Holy Spirit. The Son is not God. And yet the interlinking red lines show that the Father is God. The Son is God. And the Holy Spirit is God. They're three different persons. But they are one God." [32:18]
5. "Heaven is going to be indescribably glorious, but it's already begun in your life as you strive to be like Jesus Christ. Father, I thank you for your word. What an inspiration your word is to me and how I live my life. Lord, I understand the purpose of your first coming was to destroy sin in my life, and the hope of the second coming is that I'll step up into your presence already like Jesus Christ to the degree that I can master that in a sinful world." [01:23:27]
6. "The closer we get to heaven, the less we're interested in the things of this world. The closer we get to catching the aroma of the glorious future in front of us, the less the things of this world like sports and Hollywood and entertainment and money and cars and houses mean to us. It's like dry old straw, and I don't want to eat it anymore because I can catch the aroma of the glorious future that's out in front of us." [52:19]
7. "The hope of being like the Lord Jesus arouses the determination to be pure like Him. And this belief brings into play the will of the Christian to carry that resolve out in action. Thus, in dependence upon the Holy Spirit, the saint puts sin out of his life and keeps it out of his life. Your glorious future starts now as you strive to live a holy life as you identify every vestige of un-Christ likeness." [01:21:10]
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