We’ve been talking about faith as a journey.  On any journey, the logical question to ask is “Where are we going?” To what ultimate destination are we all heading? With this understanding, it changes your view of life here on earth. This world matters, but it’s not the only thing that matters. We look forward to having all of eternity to live how God created us—no sin, no separation from God. Perfection. But is this just something that we only get to experience after we die? Or is there something more to this Christian life? We will see that the Kingdom of Heaven is not just a future reality, it is something that we begin to live the moment that we give our lives to Jesus.         

 Day 1     1 John 3:1-10     

Reflect: What does John say are the outward signs that a person belongs to God? What is the motivation to remain pure? What keeps a person from growing in purity and perfection?  

Apply:   How does this text point to our ultimate destination? What do you learn about sin? What motivates and helps you to turn away from sin and move towards perfection? 

Pray:     Jesus, thank You for the new life that the Holy Spirit breathed into me when I trusted You as my Savior. I confess that too often my old sin nature causes me to sin, but thanks be to God that the power of that sinful nature has been broken in my life. 

 

Day 2    2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Reflect: What freedom is Paul talking about and how does it impact our journey? What does he say is the process of moving on to perfection, of becoming more and more like Christ?   

Apply:   How is God speaking to you through this text? How have you experienced being transformed into His image? What is God’s role in this process and what is yours? 

Pray:     God, thank You for the freedom and the transformation that comes, not by my inherent wisdom or efforts, but only from the Lord who is the Spirit. Change me into Your likeness, from one degree of glory to another. Make me like Jesus! 

 

Day 3     Philippians 3:17-21 

Reflect: What is the means by which Paul says we move on to spiritual perfection? How does being citizens of heaven change how we live on earth? How does hope inspire? 

Apply:   Who has been your example of what it means to live for Christ? How have you been an example to someone? What kinds of actions show that a person is an enemy of Christ? 

Pray:     Father, how easy it is to fall into the old fleshly ways and become an enemy of the Cross, when through self-righteousness or pride, I try to do things in my own strength, rather than dying to self and living my new life in Christ. Throughout my life, may I glorify Your holy name in my conversation and conduct.

 

Day 4     John 14:1-4 

Reflect: Why do you think Jesus used this imagery? How was Jesus going to “prepare a place” for the disciples? What is the full meaning of this declaration and promise?

Apply:   How does this passage help keep your heart from being troubled? What other truths help encourage you? What comes to mind when you think of the Father’s house? 

Pray:     Jesus, You are with me today, reminding me that You are the one who has power over everything. How wonderful to know, that one day, You will return to take me to live in Your world and be with You forever. May I be found faithful and expectant when You return.

 

Day 5     Revelation 21:1-4

Reflect: What implications are there for us that this present earth will pass away? What will life be like in heaven? What does it mean that God will wipe every tear from our eyes? 

Apply:   How does the promise that Jesus will eternally satisfy our deepest longings give you hope to faithfully follow Jesus now? How can you use this text to bring comfort to someone?  

Pray:     Father, I know You are the One that holds the future. I entrust my life into Your hands, knowing that You are with me in every trial and pain I am facing. Thank You that my eternal future is secure in Christ. Great is Your faithfulness.

 

Put It into Practice! 

Week 4:     The Destination

God wants us to live with an eye fixed on eternity (2 Corinthians 4:18). 

∙ Select a Bible verse about hope to memorize and recall throughout the day.

∙ Focus on storing up treasures in heaven. Ask the Lord to help you determine how.

Share your story of how Jesus changed your life— the truth of the gospel— with others