Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life Series

4. Paul comes to the conclusion, "But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice."

a. Paul rejoiced that whether or not their motives were pure . . . the message about Christ was being preached.

b. Some Christians serve for the wrong reasons. Paul wouldn’t condone, nor does

c. God excuse, their motives, but we should be glad if God uses their message, regardless of their motives.

d. Paul had no concern for his own reputation or success; he had dedicated his life to glorifying God.

e. He understood that God was being glorified even as he sat in chains; thus, Paul could rejoice.

f. Paul had been able to rejoice during his two years in prison, could rejoice that good results could come from preachers with bad motives, and would continue to rejoice no matter how long he would remain in prison or how long he would live (Barton 846-847).

g. We stop letting people with bad motives get to us when we start keeping our eyes on what really matters.

B. What’s Really Important

1. Illustration: When you fully comprehend that there is more to life than just here and now, and you realize that life is just preparation for eternity, you will begin to live differently. You will start living in light of eternity, and that will color how you handle every relationship, task, and circumstance. Suddenly many activities, goals, and even problems that seemed so important will appear trivial, petty, and unworthy of your attention. The closer you live to God, the smaller everything else appears. When you live in the light of eternity, your values change. You use your time and money more wisely. You place a higher premium on relationships and character instead of fame or wealth or achievements or even fun. Your priorities are reordered. Keeping up with trends, fashions, and popular values just doesn’t matter as much anymore (Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life, 37-38).

2. Our priorities fall into place when we keep our eyes on Jesus.

a. Hebrews 12:2 (NLT)

We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

b. It doesn't matter what other people do when we keep our eyes on Jesus.

c. It doesn't matter what other people say when we keep our eyes on Jesus.

d. It doesn't matter what other people think when we keep our eyes on Jesus.

e. Fixing our eyes on Jesus gives us perspective.

f. Fixing our eyes on Jesus gives us priorities.

g. Fixing our eyes on Jesus gives us focus.

h. In the end the only opinion that matters is Jesus' opinion.

Transition: Have you fixed your eyes on Jesus?

Conclusion

1. Paul tells us...

a. God Can Make Something Good Out Of Something

b. Keep Your Eyes On The Priority

2. O soul, are you weary and troubled?

No light in the darkness you see?

There's light for a look at the Savior,