Living With Eternity In View Series

LIVING WITH ETERNITY IN VIEW

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Supporting Texts: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, Matthew 6:19-21, Colossians 3:1-4, Revelation 22:12, Hebrews 9:27

INTRODUCTION:

Many people live their lives focused solely on the here and now, forgetting that eternity is far longer than our short time on earth. The world celebrates temporary achievements, possessions, and pleasures, yet all these will fade away. For the believer, there must be a constant awareness that our lives here are a preparation for eternity.

Living with eternity in view reshapes our priorities, values, and decisions. It helps us invest our time wisely, seek God's purpose earnestly, and hold loosely to the things of this world. When we remember that we are pilgrims and strangers on earth, we become more intentional about our walk with God and more focused on our heavenly reward.

This sermon will challenge us to live each day with our final destination in mind. We will examine how we can live purposefully, faithfully, and righteously—knowing that we shall all appear before the judgment seat of Christ to give account.

1. REMEMBER THAT EARTHLY LIFE IS TEMPORARY

Our time on earth is short compared to eternity, and we must live with that understanding.

a) Life Is Like a Vapour – James 4:14

Earthly life is fleeting; it appears for a moment and then vanishes.

b) We Are Strangers and Pilgrims – Hebrews 11:13–16

Our true home is in heaven; we are just passing through this world.

c) Do Not Love the World – 1 John 2:15–17

The world is passing away, but those who do God's will abide forever.

d) Set Your Mind on Things Above – Colossians 3:1–2

Focus on heavenly realities, not on temporary earthly pursuits.

Biblical Example: Abraham lived in tents and looked forward to a city with foundations, whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:9–10).

2. INVEST IN ETERNAL TREASURES

The way we live now will determine our eternal rewards.

a) Store Up Treasures in Heaven – Matthew 6:19–21

Heavenly investments come from our acts of righteousness, giving, and service to God.

b) Labour That Is Not in Vain – 1 Corinthians 15:58

Serving the Lord faithfully is never wasted; it has eternal rewards.

c) We Shall Reap What We Sow – Galatians 6:7–9

Our actions today will determine our harvest in eternity.

d) God Is a Rewarder – Revelation 22:12

Jesus is coming soon and will reward each one according to their works.

Biblical Example: The poor widow who gave her two mites invested in eternity and was honoured by Jesus (Mark 12:41–44).

3. LIVE A LIFE THAT PLEASES GOD

Eternal focus compels us to walk in obedience, holiness, and service.

a) Fear God and Keep His Commandments – Ecclesiastes 12:13–14

This is the whole duty of man and will be judged by God.

b) Walk Worthy of Your Calling – Ephesians 4:1

Our daily conduct must reflect our heavenly citizenship.

c) Pursue Holiness – Hebrews 12:14

Without holiness, no one will see the Lord in eternity.

d) Be Ready for Christ’s Return – Matthew 24:44

We must live in readiness, for we do not know the hour of His coming.

Biblical Example: Enoch pleased God and was taken up because he walked with God (Genesis 5:24, Hebrews 11:5).

4. LIVE WITH THE JUDGEMENT SEAT IN MIND

Every person will stand before God to give an account.

a) It Is Appointed Once to Die – Hebrews 9:27

After death comes judgment; we must live with accountability.

b) We Shall All Appear Before Christ – 2 Corinthians 5:10

Believers will be judged for rewards, not condemnation.

c) Our Works Will Be Tested by Fire – 1 Corinthians 3:12–15

Only what is built on Christ and done for His glory will last.

d) Speak and Act as Those to Be Judged – James 2:12

We should live with a sense of holy responsibility before God.

Biblical Example: The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14–30) teaches us to use what God gives us with eternity in mind.

CONCLUSION:

Living with eternity in view is not about fear but about faithfulness. It reminds us that our lives count for more than what is seen. Every choice, word, and act carries eternal implications. As pilgrims and stewards, we must not get entangled with the affairs of this world but fix our eyes on Jesus and run our race with endurance.

Let us live intentionally, knowing that eternity is real, heaven is our goal, and God's reward awaits the faithful. May we not waste the short time we have on earth, but rather, may we live in such a way that when we stand before God, we will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, help me to live daily with eternity in view.

2. Father, deliver me from every distraction that blinds me to eternal realities.