Shifting Focus: The Eternal Hope of Heaven
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to shift our focus from the troubles of this world to the eternal hope of heaven. Life is filled with noise, distractions, and challenges, but heaven offers a place of peace, beauty, and eternal joy. We explored several key aspects of heaven, drawing from various scriptures to paint a vivid picture of what awaits us. Heaven is where we lay our treasures, not just financial but the treasures of life, as stated in Matthew 6:19-21. Our hearts should be set on heavenly treasures, for where our treasure is, there our heart will be also.
We also discussed the importance of entering heaven with the heart of a child, as Jesus taught in Matthew 18:1-3. This means coming to God with humility, equality, and wholehearted belief. Heaven is where Jesus sits today, as described in Mark 16:19, and the only way to get there is through Him, as stated in John 14:6. This narrow path is a blessing because it is simple and paid for by Jesus' sacrifice.
Heaven is a place of rejoicing because our names are written there, as Jesus reminded the 70 disciples in Luke 10:20. It's a beautiful place, adorned with precious stones and pure gold, as described in Revelation 21:10-22. The sheer magnitude and beauty of heaven are beyond our current comprehension, but it is a place where there will be no more hurt, heartache, or pain, as Revelation 21:4 promises.
In this life, we face many trials and tribulations, but focusing on heaven gives us the encouragement to endure. Paul’s life, filled with hardships, serves as a testament to the power of focusing on our eternal home. As he stated in 2 Timothy 4:6-8 and Romans 8:18, the sufferings of this present time are not even worth comparing to the glory that awaits us in heaven.
If you have not accepted Jesus as your Savior, this world is as good as it gets for you. But through faith in Jesus, you can secure a place in heaven, where all the troubles of this world will fade away. Shift your focus to heaven and let it transform your life.
### Key Takeaways
1. Heaven is Where We Lay Our Treasures: Our hearts follow our treasures. If we invest our treasures in earthly things, we will be constantly disappointed. Instead, we should lay our treasures in heaven, where they are secure and eternal. This shift in focus can bring true joy and peace. [27:06]
2. Entering Heaven as a Child: Jesus taught that we must become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven. This means approaching God with humility, equality, and wholehearted belief. Children believe and follow without hesitation, and this is the kind of faith and trust God desires from us. [28:50]
3. Heaven is a Place of Rejoicing: Our names being written in heaven is the ultimate reason for rejoicing. Earthly achievements and powers are fleeting, but the assurance of our place in heaven is eternal. This perspective can transform our daily lives and priorities. [32:36]
4. The Beauty and Magnitude of Heaven: Heaven is described as a place of unimaginable beauty, adorned with precious stones and pure gold. Its vastness and splendor are beyond our current understanding, but it serves as a reminder of the glorious future that awaits us. [36:34]
5. No More Hurt or Heartache: Heaven is a place where God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death, sorrow, or pain. This promise offers immense comfort and hope, especially in the midst of life's trials and tribulations. Focusing on this future can provide the strength to endure present hardships. [47:55]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[21:52] - Introduction and Personal Anecdotes
[23:38] - Addressing Church Struggles
[24:13] - Focusing on the Lord
[25:31] - The Hope of Heaven
[26:08] - Laying Treasures in Heaven
[27:41] - The Heart Follows the Treasure
[28:50] - Entering Heaven as a Child
[30:02] - Believing Like a Child
[31:21] - Jesus Sits in Heaven
[32:36] - Rejoicing in Heaven
[33:54] - The Beauty of Heaven
[36:34] - Description of Heaven's Stones
[39:34] - The Magnitude of Heaven
[42:57] - The Gates of Pearl
[47:55] - No More Hurt or Heartache
[50:44] - Life's Trials and Encouragement
[53:12] - Paul's Perspective on Suffering
[56:02] - Changing Your Focus
[59:15] - Invitation to Accept Christ
[01:02:34] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 6:19-21 (KJV)
2. Matthew 18:1-3 (KJV)
3. Revelation 21:4 (KJV)
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 6:19-21, where should we lay our treasures and why? [26:08]
2. What does Jesus mean when He says we must become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven in Matthew 18:1-3? [28:50]
3. How is heaven described in Revelation 21:4, and what promises are given about the nature of heaven? [47:55]
4. In the sermon, what reasons are given for why focusing on heaven can help us endure life's trials? [50:44]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for our hearts to follow our treasures, as mentioned in Matthew 6:21? How can this principle affect our daily lives? [27:06]
2. How does approaching God with the heart of a child, as described in Matthew 18:1-3, challenge our usual attitudes and behaviors? [28:50]
3. Revelation 21:4 speaks of a place with no more death, sorrow, or pain. How does this promise provide comfort and hope in the face of current hardships? [47:55]
4. The sermon mentions that Paul endured many hardships but kept his focus on heaven. How does Paul's perspective in 2 Timothy 4:6-8 and Romans 8:18 inspire us to maintain our faith during difficult times? [53:12]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on where you are currently laying your treasures. Are they more focused on earthly or heavenly things? What changes can you make to shift your focus towards heavenly treasures? [27:06]
2. Jesus calls us to have the heart of a child to enter heaven. In what areas of your life do you need to cultivate more humility, equality, and wholehearted belief? [28:50]
3. How can the promise of no more hurt or heartache in heaven (Revelation 21:4) help you cope with a specific trial you are facing right now? [47:55]
4. Paul’s life was filled with hardships, yet he remained focused on his eternal home. What practical steps can you take to keep your focus on heaven during your own struggles? [53:12]
5. The sermon emphasized rejoicing because our names are written in heaven. How can this perspective transform your daily priorities and actions? [32:36]
6. Think about a time when you felt overwhelmed by life's challenges. How might focusing on the beauty and magnitude of heaven, as described in Revelation 21, change your outlook? [36:34]
7. If you have not accepted Jesus as your Savior, consider the sermon’s message that this world is as good as it gets for you. What steps can you take to explore faith in Jesus and secure a place in heaven? [59:15]
Devotional
Day 1: Treasures in Heaven
Our hearts follow our treasures. If we invest our treasures in earthly things, we will be constantly disappointed. Instead, we should lay our treasures in heaven, where they are secure and eternal. This shift in focus can bring true joy and peace. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 6:19-21 that our hearts will be where our treasures are. This means that if we invest our time, energy, and resources in things that are temporary and worldly, we will find ourselves constantly chasing after fleeting satisfaction. However, if we invest in heavenly treasures—such as acts of kindness, love, and faith—we will find lasting joy and peace.
By focusing on heavenly treasures, we align our hearts with God's eternal purposes. This doesn't mean we neglect our earthly responsibilities, but rather that we prioritize what truly matters. When our hearts are set on heaven, we are less likely to be swayed by the distractions and troubles of this world. Instead, we find a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose. [27:06]
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 are some earthly treasures you find yourself investing in? How can you begin to shift your focus to heavenly treasures today?
Day 2: Childlike Faith
Jesus taught that we must become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven. This means approaching God with humility, equality, and wholehearted belief. Children believe and follow without hesitation, and this is the kind of faith and trust God desires from us. In Matthew 18:1-3, Jesus emphasizes the importance of having a childlike heart. This doesn't mean being childish, but rather having a pure, humble, and trusting heart.
Children are naturally dependent and trusting, and they approach life with a sense of wonder and openness. Similarly, we are called to approach God with a heart that is free from pride and self-sufficiency. When we come to God with childlike faith, we acknowledge our need for Him and trust in His goodness and provision. This kind of faith allows us to experience the fullness of God's love and grace. [28:50]
Matthew 18:1-3 (ESV): "At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, 'Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust God like a child? How can you cultivate a more childlike faith in your relationship with Him?
Day 3: Rejoicing in Heaven
Our names being written in heaven is the ultimate reason for rejoicing. Earthly achievements and powers are fleeting, but the assurance of our place in heaven is eternal. This perspective can transform our daily lives and priorities. In Luke 10:20, Jesus reminds His disciples that their true joy should come from knowing their names are written in heaven, not from their earthly accomplishments or authority.
This assurance of our place in heaven gives us a sense of security and purpose that transcends our earthly circumstances. It reminds us that our ultimate identity and worth are found in our relationship with God, not in our achievements or status. When we focus on this eternal perspective, we are able to navigate life's challenges with a sense of peace and joy, knowing that our ultimate home is with God. [32:36]
Luke 10:20 (ESV): "Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."
Reflection: How does knowing your name is written in heaven change your perspective on your current challenges? What can you do today to focus more on this eternal assurance?
Day 4: The Beauty and Magnitude of Heaven
Heaven is described as a place of unimaginable beauty, adorned with precious stones and pure gold. Its vastness and splendor are beyond our current understanding, but it serves as a reminder of the glorious future that awaits us. Revelation 21:10-22 paints a vivid picture of the beauty and majesty of heaven, highlighting its precious stones, pure gold, and the presence of God Himself.
This description of heaven serves as a powerful reminder of the hope and glory that await us. It encourages us to persevere through our current trials, knowing that something far greater is in store for us. The beauty and magnitude of heaven also remind us of God's incredible love and creativity, and they inspire us to live in a way that reflects His glory. [36:34]
Revelation 21:10-11 (ESV): "And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal."
Reflection: How does the description of heaven's beauty and magnitude inspire you in your daily life? What can you do to keep this vision of heaven in your mind and heart?
Day 5: No More Hurt or Heartache
Heaven is a place where God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death, sorrow, or pain. This promise offers immense comfort and hope, especially in the midst of life's trials and tribulations. Revelation 21:4 assures us that in heaven, all the pain and suffering of this world will be no more.
This promise of no more hurt or heartache gives us the strength to endure our current struggles. It reminds us that our suffering is temporary and that a future of eternal joy and peace awaits us. By focusing on this promise, we can find comfort and hope, knowing that God is with us and that He has a glorious future planned for us. [47:55]
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: What current pain or heartache are you experiencing? How can the promise of no more hurt or heartache in heaven give you hope and strength today?
Quotes
1. "Can we put all things aside that are happening in the church, that are happening in the world, all fears aside, all struggles aside, can we just try to focus on the Lord this morning? Because really and truly, He is what gets us through everything. And I'm not talking about just in church. I'm talking about in life. And this morning I'm going to be talking about heaven. And I want to focus our attention towards heaven. Because ultimately, that's where we're headed, guys. That's where we're headed." [24:13] (28 seconds)
2. "One of the reasons that we get so focused on things as earth, and I told the guys in here that were praying this morning, I said, this message is for me. God speaks to me and says, He says, boy, you need this, and I promise you I do need this, but I hope that it's a blessing to you as well. But one of the things that the reasons that we get so messed up by things that happen in this earth is because we focus on this earth as where we put our treasures." [27:06] (29 seconds)
3. "Heaven is a place that we lay our treasures. And the Bible teaches us that for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. If your treasure is in your finances, that's where your heart's going to be. If your treasure's in your health, that's where your heart's going to be. If your treasure's in your workplace, that's where your heart's going to be. If your treasure's in any of those things, they are going to let you down. They're going to discourage you. They're going to rob you of joy, because I can promise you this, it's never, going to be exactly the way that you want it to be." [27:41] (33 seconds)
4. "Heaven is also a place that we enter as a child. So Matthew 18 verse 1 through 3 says at the same time came the disciples unto Jesus saying who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven and Jesus called a little child unto him and sat him in the midst of them and said verily I say unto you except ye be converted and become as little children ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." [28:50] (23 seconds)
5. "Heaven is also a place where Jesus sits today. Mark 16 19 says so then after the Lord had spoken unto him he he was received up into heaven and he sat in the right hand of God so it's a place where Jesus sits today if you want to see Jesus guess where you got to go to heaven if you want to get to heaven guess how you got to get there through Jesus John 14 6 Jesus says on the way the truth of the life no man comes to the father but by me." [31:21] (27 seconds)
6. "Heaven is a place to rejoice because your name is written there in Luke chapter 17 or Luke chapter 10 verses 20 and I'm not going to read all of us 17 through 20 this is whenever Jesus is sending the 70 out and he's sending them out two by two to the world and to to share the gospel and whenever they come back they're they're rejoicing because he had also given them some powers as as as things came up to them and people people fought against them and uh animals maybe they got bit by a snake or whatever they were all okay everything was okay because Jesus gave them the power over those things." [32:36] (33 seconds)
7. "It's a place of no more hurt and no more heartache. Revelation 21, verse 4 says this, And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying. Neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away. I'll tell you what, as magnificent as heaven's going to be, as big as it's going to be, as beautiful it's going to be, as amazing it's going to be, if that right there doesn't make you want to go to heaven, something's wrong." [47:55] (39 seconds)
8. "Why don't we need to focus on heaven? I'll tell you why. Because life is tough, and you need encouragement. Is that a true statement? Life is tough, and you need encouragement. 2 Corinthians 11, 23 through 27 says, Are they ministers of Christ? I speak as a fool. I am more. In laborers, more abundant. In stripes above measure. In prisons, more frequent. In deaths, oft of the Jews. Five times I received I forty stripes, save one. Thrice I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Thrice I suffered shipwreck. A night and a day I've been in the deep." [50:44] (37 seconds)
9. "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared for the glory which shall be revealed in us if you ever wonder where Paul was from it's he was from the south you can tell right there because he says for I reckon we're gonna wrap up with this verse for I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us if you took the sufferings of this present time put them on a balance put the sufferings and all the hurts and heartaches and tears and everything over here and you put the goodness of heaven the goodness of God and the goodness of how good it's going to be when we get to heaven over here we know what's going to happen." [57:37] (65 seconds)
10. "If you're a child of God this morning if you've accepted Jesus your Savior I want to encourage you with this where's your focal point if it's on this world man it's gonna be nothing but discouragement despair but man when we put it on heaven put it on where we're going to change everything it'll change everything I want to ask those of you here today that I don't know where everybody is spiritually I don't know who's accepted Jesus as their Savior who has not but if you're here this morning you've never accepted Christ as your Savior I'll tell you something this is as good as it gets for you broken death loss suffering heartache I don't have anything else to offer you." [59:15] (57 seconds)
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