FOCUS ON ETERNITY

WHAT IS ETERNITY?

It is a mistake, to view eternity as simply an unending progression of years. A common New Testament word for “eternal” is aiónios, which carries the idea of quality as well as quantity.

Eternity is not really associated with “years”, as it is independent of time. Eternity functions outside of and beyond time, as well as within time much like God who is not bound by space and time. God is yesterday, today and forever - Ever-present. Our culture is fast and furious. Instant gratification is the norm. But the Bible places great emphasis on living today with eternity in mind. I think we could agree that most people who are successful at what they do work, hard, work smart, and don’t get distracted from their goals. As disciples of Jesus, everything we do should be filtered through the lens of eternity.

Eternal life is something that Christians experience now. Believers don’t have to “wait” for eternal life, because it’s not something that starts when death comes. Rather, it begins the moment a person exercises faith in Christ. It is our current possession. John 3:36 says, “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” Note that the believer “has” (present tense) this life. So beloved, our eternity has begun.

How we live NOW impacts how we will spend our lives forever when we are translated or changed. Having this knowledge, what should our mindset and our life be? How do we keep our focus on things that are above like people who have started living in eternity as it is said in Col 3:1-2- If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

When our focus is on eternity, issues around us dim in comparison and become minute. We learn to see people through the eyes of love and grace and a lot of things that would normally matter, would not.

When our focus is on eternity, we begin to ask ourselves questions like: In my journey of eternity, would this matter? You will see that the decision making process becomes easier and less daunting and unimportant things become what they are – 'unimportant' and you have more peace of mind.

HOW DO WE KEEP OUR FOCUS ON ETERNITY?

1. A Positive Shift of Perspective Philippians 3:4–7 HCSB

Although I once also had confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised the eighth day; of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; regarding the law, a Pharisee; regarding zeal, persecuting the church; regarding the righteousness that is in the law, blameless. But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. “The more you look forward to eternity in heaven the less you’ll need from this one”. This is a reminder that we as Christians need to be focused on things that matter in eternity and not get consumed by the things of this present world that don’t matter in the next life. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal - II Corinthians 4:17-18 NKJV

2. A Shift from “Arrived” to “Pressing on” Philippians 3:13–14 HCSB

Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.

3. A shift Toward Generous Living in a Stingy World Philippians 3:17 HCSB

Join in imitating me, brothers, and observe those who live according to the example you have in us.

4. A shift that Greater Things are Yet to Come.

Live a life full of hope Philippians 3:20 HCSB - But our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

WHY KEEP OUR EYES ON ETERNITY?

1. Helps Avoid Complacency and Spiritual Laziness - 2 THESS 3:11

2. Sustains us through the suffering, pain and challenges in life:

Christ always lived with the thought of the end in mind. In fact, throughout the gospels Christ sought to prepare the disciples for sufferings that were coming through developing this view. Look at what He said: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am (emphasis mine). - John 14:1-3

3. Helps us prioritize purity and fills us with hope in seemingly hopeless situations:

Listen to what the Apostle John says:

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made

known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure (emphasis mine). - 1 John 3:2-3

Those who have a proper view of Christ’s imminent return will naturally pursue a life of purity. This view will deliver believers from the strongholds of sin.

In contrast, for those who are focused on this life, Paul has this to say in Phil 3:19-21 - 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is

their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Living in view of eternity should drastically change our lives.

What does a Christian look like who is living in view of eternity?

1 PETER 4:7-11 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

o In view of eternity, Christians must have a focused prayer, praise and worship life

o In view of eternity, Christians must love other believers deeply

o In view of eternity, Christians must practice hospitality without complaining

o In view of eternity, Christians must use their spiritual gifts to glorify God

Gal 6:8-For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

Hebrews 11:13-14 -These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 1 Pet 2:11 - Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul

Shalom!