CENTRAL THOUGHT
Those who live for God in this life will spend their eternity with Him.
TEXT: HEB.11:8-16; 12:18-29.
INTRODUCTION:
In the first part of this study, we learned that eternity means time without end. Therefore, those things that are eternal last beyond our sojourn here on earth. We also note that every believer must live with eternity in view. In this concluding part, we shall focus on how a believer can live with eternity in view on a daily basis and the blessings that accrue to such a believer.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
- To know how living with eternity in view can influence the lifestyles of the believer.
- Identify some of the relevant “ingredients” required for living with eternity in view.
- Appreciate the blessings in living with eternity in view.
BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1) HOW WILL LIVING WITH ETERNITY IN VIEW INFLUENCE OUR LIFESTYLE AS BELIEVERS?
Living with eternity in view must certainly affect our lifestyle positively. The pattern of our life should portray that of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who is our perfect example (1 Pet.2:21). This should influence us in the following areas:
i. Personal discipline (1 Cor.9:24-27; Eph.4:29; Phil.4:11-13)
One of the qualities that must be manifest in the life of a believer living with eternity in view is personal discipline. We must learn to bring our bodies daily under subjection and not to yield to the desires of the flesh but allow the spirit of God to control our lives continually. We should guard our utterances, so we do not allow any evil communication to proceed out of our mouths. Only those things that are good to use of edifying, capable of ministering grace unto the hearers should be spoken by our lips.
ii. Interpersonal relationship (Eph. 4:25-32; Heb.12:14; Rom.12:16-18; 14:19). In our daily interactions with others, we must be examples of the believers in word, in conversation, in love, in faith, in purity (1 Tim 4:12). We are expected to be truthful, honest and exhibit self-control even when offended. We are also enjoined to live at peace with all men, not repaying evil with evil. We should be seen as peacemakers. Envy and bitterness should not be mentioned among us at all, rather we should show love to all those around us by assisting them as much as it lies within our powers. This will attract them to the love of God and thus draw them to the saving knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
iii. Attitude towards material things: (Phil.4:5, Luke 12:15, 1 Tim 6:6-8).
Our attitude towards the things of this world should be such that we do not pursue them to the detriment of our goal of spending eternity with God. We have been warned that if riches increase that we should not set our hearts on them (Ps 62:10b).
Secondly, we should show moderation in all things bearing in mind that Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world and it is certain that we can carry nothing out of it. A life of contentment will help to get us focused on Jesus Christ who is our source. He is able to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory (Phil.4:19).
QUESTION 2) IDENTIFY SOME BASIC REQUIREMENTS NECESSARY FOR LIVING WITH ETERNITY IN VIEW?
For every believer living with eternity in view, certain basic requirements relevant to achieving this goal are expected to be made manifest in his life. Some of them are discussed below:
a. Holiness (Heb.12:14; 1 Pet. 1:13-16).
Our God is a holy God and he cannot behold evil (Hab.1:13). As pilgrims on our journey to eternity, we must live our lives in holiness unto the Lord all the days of our lives. It is very important to note that without holiness no one shall see the Lord. God has commanded us to be holy even as He is holy. As obedient children therefore we should live in holiness in order to please Him.
b. The word of God (Jos.1:8; Ps.119:9-12; 105)
For us to progress in our Christian race, we must feed on the word of God regularly and do this conscientiously. This will definitely keep us far away from evil and help us know God in a better way, walking before Him acceptably. The word of God should be our standard and must be applied in all situations of our lives. Hiding the word of God in our hearts will enable us not to sin against God. Daily study and meditation on God’s word will make us prosper and have good success in all our endeavors. The word will act as both a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Thus, we will never grope in darkness.
c. The baptism of the Holy Spirit (Jn.14:26; 16:13-14)
We need the Holy Spirit to teach us all things we ought to know and He also brings to our remembrance all that we have been taught. He will lead us into all truth and make the mind of God known to us. No believer living with eternity in view can go far without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We need the Holy Spirit of God to counsel us, help and lead us on a moment-by-moment basis if we must make it to the end.
d. Prayer (Lk.18:1; 1Thess. 5:17-18)
Prayer is a communication with God, and through prayer we draw divine strength from Him. Men ought to always pray and not to faint. It has been said that a prayerless Christian is a powerless Christian. We should therefore pray without ceasing. Through prayers we cast our cares and burdens on God while we receive in return the enabling power to carry on our life’s journey. Thus, prayer is very essential in the life of any believer living with eternity in view.
e. Fellowship (Prov.27:17; Heb.10:25)
Fellowship with other believers of the same faith will help to keep us on track to our eternal destination. The scripture says that iron sharpens iron. Our fellowship with the brethren is a means of encouragement to one another to live lives pleasing to God. This coming together and sharing, affords the believer the opportunity to strengthen each other’s faith and benefit from other’s testimonies as they move along bearing in mind that the days are evil.
f. Evangelism (1 Cor.9:16-23)
Christ has committed unto us the word of reconciliation (2 Cor.5:19). He left us with the great commission to go and make disciples of nations (Matt 28:19 NIV) and to go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation (Mk.16:15 NIV). We must endeavor to spread the good news of the kingdom to all and sundry, thereby leading them to the saving knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. By so doing, when they receive the good news, they also will be partakers with us of the kingdom. They will also learn to live with eternity in view.
QUESTION 3) WHAT ARE THE BLESSINGS IN LIVING WITH ETERNITY IN VIEW?
Numerous blessings abound to the believer living with eternity in view. A few of them are discussed below:
i. Peace of mind (Isa.26:3).
For those living with eternity in view, the peace of God is ever present in their lives. God will keep them in perfect peace because their minds are stayed on Him. They will not be afraid of any terror or fiery darts of the enemy. They are rest assured that God is in charge of all that concerns them.
ii. Divine protection (Ps. 105:14-15; 121:4-8).
God is jealous over His own people. Believers will enjoy divine protection as they pass through life’s journey. God shields them away from any danger that may come across their way. His seal of ownership is upon them.
iii. Fullness of joy (Ps.16:11)
Fullness of joy is one of the blessings of God to believers living with eternity in view. We enjoy this blessing as we continually dwell in God’s presence. This joy which emanates from His presence also serves as strength to the believer (Neh.8:10).
iv. Eternity with God.
Many rewards await the believer who makes it into eternity with God. Some of these rewards include a crown of righteousness (2 Tim.4:7-8), a crown of life (James 1:12; Rev.2:10) and a crown of glory (1 Pet.5:4). The biggest and ultimate blessing is that the believer will spend eternity with God.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:
As genuine believers, our true and eternal home is in heaven. We are strangers and pilgrims here on earth. We must strive daily to live to the glory of God. Our lives should be epistles written and read of all men. Our lives should be a pointer to others that eternity with God is the ultimate. God has called us to be partakers if only we are willing and obedient.
MEMORY VERSE:
HEBREWS 12:28-29
“Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire”.
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Mon: Effect of living with eternity in view. 1 Cor.9:24-27; Eph.4:29; Phil.4:11-13.
Tue: Effect of living with eternity in view. Eph.4:25-32; Rom.12:16-18.
Wed: Effect of living with eternity in view. Phil.4:5; Luke.12:15; 1 Tim.6:6-8.
Thu: Requirements in living with eternity in view. Heb.12:14; 1 Pet.1:13-16.
Fri: Requirements in living with eternity in view. Ps.119:9-12, 105; John.16:13-14; 1 Thes.5:17-18.
Sat: Blessings in living with eternity in view. Is. 26:3; 2 Tim. 4:7-8; Rev. 2:10; 1 Pet.5:4.