Opening Monologue
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We are in Week 2 of our Sermon Series “Heavenward.” I hope you’re ready to be extremely encouraged this week as we dive into the truths about heaven. Be sure to listen to the sermon and read the commentary to get the most out of this series.
The title of this week’s sermon is: “This World is not our Home”. It’s possible, by you just reading that title, extreme joy starts to set into your minds… it is the biblical truth. We are all marching heavenward in Christ Jesus!
In the classic movie, Wizard of Oz, Dorothy navigates through the Land of Oz only to be tormented by the wicked witch of the west. As she travels on the yellow brick road, she finally meets the great wizard… who’s false hopes and promises leave her stranded again… far away from home. It’s not until the good witch of the north convinces her to tap her ruby red slippers together and say- “there is no place like home, there is no place like home. It’s then… she is transported back to her home in Kansas.
The truth is… this world is a lot like the land of Oz… with obstacles, trials and spiritual forces of evil trying to lead us astray. However, Jesus has crucified our sin and reversed the curse… and he has gone into heaven to prepare a place for us. (John 14:1-4)
Colossians 3:1-4: Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Blessings in Christ!
Rev. Brad Standfest
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Key Sermon Text
Phil 3:14 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Phil%203%3A14%20&version=NIV
Phil 3:20-21
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Phil%203%3A20-21&version=NIV
Acts 1:3 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%201%3A3&version=NIV
Revelation 21:5
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2021%3A5&version=NIV
Philippians 3:19-20
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%203%3A19-20&version=NIV
Colossians 3:1-4
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%203%3A1-4%20&version=NIV
1 Corinthians 15: 42-44
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2015%3A%2042-44&version=NIV
Extra Biblical Understanding the “Glorification- Glory” of our Heavenly Bodies:
In the New Testament, the Greek word for “glory” is “doxa” (δόξα). This term carries a rich and multifaceted meaning. It can refer to the splendor, radiance, or majesty associated with God’s presence. It also encompasses the idea of honor, praise, and the manifestation of God’s character and divine nature.
“Doxa” is often used to describe the glory of God as revealed in Jesus Christ and His works. It signifies the weightiness or significance of God’s presence and attributes. For instance, in John 1:14 (NIV), it says, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
Thus, “glory” in the biblical sense encompasses both the visible manifestation of God’s presence and the honor and praise due to Him. It reminds believers of the divine majesty and holiness of God and calls them to reflect His glory in their lives.
GREEK WORDS δόξα- Doxa = Glory
presence ⇔ glorious:the presence of the God of Israel conceived of as his glory. Think about in heaven… the presence of God as a continuous feeling
Glorious: having great beauty and splendor. Think about how we will look in heaven
To be glorious: to be characterized by grandeur… the quality of being Impressive, Magnificent, Majestic, of Awe and Admiration
God’s Eternal Purpose
God is “the Father of glory” (Eph 1:17). Glory begins and ends with him and his plan is to share his glory. “The riches of his glory” (Rom 9:23; Eph 1:18; 3:16; Col 1:27) are displayed in those whom “he prepared beforehand for glory” (Rom 9:23). The mystery-wisdom, revealed in Paul’s gospel preaching, was “predestined before the ages for our glory” (1 Cor 2:7). Election in Christ “before the foundation of the world,” God’s loving predestination, is “to the praise of the glory of his grace” (Eph 1:4–6, 12). The final link in the chain that begins with foreknowledge and predestination is glorification (Rom 8:29–30). (Richard B. Gaffin Jr., “Glory, Glorification,” ed. Gerald F. Hawthorne, Ralph P. Martin, and Daniel G. Reid, Dictionary of Paul and His Letters)
Future Glory. Christ, indwelling the church, is “the hope of glory” (Col 1:27). The glorification of believers awaits its full realization at his return; “when Christ, our life, is manifested, then you also will be manifested with him in glory” (Col 3:4). Then Christ, “the firstfruits” of the resurrection-harvest (1 Cor 15:20, 23), will transform the present, humble body of the believer to be “in conformity with the body of his glory” (Phil 3:20); “raised in glory,” with a “spiritual body” like his (1 Cor 15:43–44), believers, outwardly and bodily now, “will bear the image of the heavenly [Christ]” (1 Cor 15:49). This final, open revelation of “the freedom of the glory of the children of God” (Rom 8:21), will be cosmic in scope, including as well the freedom of the entire, non-image-bearing creation, its release from futility and corruption (Rom 8:19–21).
Christ’s glorious return will result, for unbelievers, in “eternal destruction,” consisting in separation from him and “the glory of his power” (2 Thess 1:9). It will also be the “day” when, definitively, “he comes to be glorified in his saints” (2 Thess 1:10). To that end the apostle’s prayer for the church is that even now, until then, “the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in him.” (2 Thess 1:12). (Richard B. Gaffin Jr., “Glory, Glorification,” ed. Gerald F. Hawthorne, Ralph P. Martin, and Daniel G. Reid, Dictionary of Paul and His Letters)
We will be Transformed to be like Christ’s glorious body. Phil 3:20-21 *This truth sets the bar/tone for the rest
We will keep our current Identity and Names for a time determined by God…
• Jesus said, “I have flesh & bones” (Lk 24:29)
• Names Recorded in the Lambs Book of Life (Rev. 20:15, 21: 27)
• Moses & Elijah kept names (Mt. 17:1-7/Transfiguration)
• Yes… Physical Fleshly Bodies in a Glorification State
We will have Intelligence & Emotions… Our emotions will be Pure, Completely absent of Sin/Negativity, Fear, Worry, Doubt, etc. (Revelation 6:10, 7:10, & 1 Corinthians 15)
We will have Joy… We will Laugh… Celebrate (Luke 6:21, Rev. 5:13, Rev. 7, Rev. 15:1-4, Rev 19:3)
• We will sing, dance, & rejoice (Rev. 21:3-4, Rev. 22:27)
We will live with God (Rev. 21:3)
• We will have NO physical or emotional pain of any sort& will never again experience sickness, diseases or death (Rev. 21:3, Rev. 22:27)
We will experience Friendship & Fellowship with people from every nation & tribe (Rev. 5:9-10, 7:9, Rev. 21:27)
• Hatred, Deceit, & Segregation Eliminated!!
We will have Supernatural abilities like Christ had (“Transformed”, Spiritual) 1 Cor. 15:44, Phil 3:20-21
• Ability to transport ourselves, Walk through physical structures (John 20:19, Lk 24:30-31 & 35-43, Mk 16:9-14)
• Gravitate/Float (Acts 1:9-11, Mt 28)
• “We shall be like him (Jesus) (1 John 3:2)
• Flying & Cloud jumping are a possibility
We will Eat, Taste, & Smell (Rev. 19:9, Lk 22:29-30, Rev. 22:12-20, Acts 10:41)
• Eat the best Meats & Finest Wines (Isa. 25:6-9)
• Eat & Celebrate in the Wedding “Supper of the Lamb” (Rev 19:6-9)
We will at some point receive a New Name from Jesus & His Name will be on our foreheads (Rev2:17, 3:12, Rev 22:4)
We will receive Rewards for what we have done… (1 Cor. 9:25-27, 1 Thess. 2:19, 2 Tim. 4:8, James 1:12)
We will participate in Country & City Living
• “We may go through the gates into the city” (Rev. 22:14)
• Country- “Humanity is longing for a better country- a heavenly one” (Lk. 19:12, Hebrews 11: 14-16)
• We will inherit a New City “New Jerusalem (Hebrew 13:14, Rev. 21 & 22)
• We will inherit “Paradise” … Paradise means Walled Garden… We shall see the Garden of Eden reappear in Heaven.
We will get Rewards in heaven Bible clearly lists at least five crowns that will be awarded in heaven.
• The first crown is Victor’s Crown. This crown will be awarded for self-discipline (1 Corinthians 9:25-27).
• The second is the Crown of Rejoicing, which will be given to those who have led others to Christ (1 Thessalonians 2:19).
• The third is the Crown of Righteousness, which will be given to those who have a longing for the Lord Jesus — who look for Jesus’ return (2 Timothy 4:8).
• The fourth is the Crown of Life, placed upon those who have endured and triumphed over trial and temptation and persecution, even to the point of martyrdom (James1:12; Revelation 2:10).
• The fifth is the Crown of Glory, awarded to the faithful shepherds of the people of God and to Christian leaders (1 Peter 5:4).
Dr. David Jeremiah, Heaven (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2015)
Commentary:
Philippians 3:18-20 (Our Citizenship is in Heaven)
3:18 For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears. The reason for Paul’s admonition to follow his example was to turn the believers away from following the bad examples of the false teachers, the Judaizers, and any others who claimed to be believers but refused to live up to Christ’s model of servanthood and self-sacrifice. All of these people satisfied their own desires before even thinking about the needs of others. All of them focused on their own attainments, thus making them enemies of the cross of Christ. Believers cannot count on personal achievement and at the same time accept Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Either Christ’s sacrifice was all-sufficient and we can do nothing more, or Christ’s sacrifice wasn’t enough and we have to keep on trying to obey God’s laws in order to be made acceptable to him. Such attempts to nullify Christ’s sacrifice saddened Paul greatly. Paul had warned the Philippians about false teachings, and he continued to do so with tears.
The “enemies of the cross” were probably Judaizers—those Jewish Christians who were overly zealous for their law. But some scholars think Paul was referring to another false teaching that had surfaced, called “antinomianism.” Those who subscribed to this teaching believed that once their souls had been redeemed by Christ, what they did in their bodies no longer mattered. Thus they threw aside morality and decency, believing that nothing done in the body could stain their already-redeemed souls. Paul may have been combating such teaching in Philippi; however, because there is no mention of two heresies in chapter 4, Paul was most likely targeting the Judaizers.
3:19 Their destiny is destruction. Four characteristics were true of these “enemies of the cross” (3:18). If Judaizers were in view, Paul was explaining that because they refused to accept Christ’s sacrifice on their behalf, they could not be saved. Their only alternative was destruction—eternal separation from God. “You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace” (Galatians 5:4 niv). Any false teachers, whether or not they believed they’d been saved, would find their destiny to be different than they had hoped.
(2) Their god is their stomach, meaning they worshiped those temporal elements that satisfy only physical desires. Focusing on the Judaizers, Paul may have been pointing out their absorption with the various food laws. Attempting to keep the laws of distinction between clean and unclean food occupied all their time, causing them to focus only on their stomachs. If Paul were attacking antinomianism, he was pointing out their gluttony and unrestrained fulfilling of physical desires (Romans 16:18; 1 Corinthians 6:13; Jude 11).
(3) Their glory is in their shame. Several meanings are possible for this phrase. Paul may have meant that these false teachers were heaping praise on themselves instead of on God. They gloried in themselves, when they should have been ashamed so that they could turn to God for salvation. If the Judaizers and their teaching about circumcision was again in mind, Paul may have been referring to them glorying in the fact of their being circumcised. Instead of bringing honor, circumcision would bring shame because they were trusting in it for salvation. If antinomianism was in view, Paul may have been speaking of sensuality and carnality in general (see Hosea 4:7).
(4) Their mind is on earthly things. Paul was referring to the Judaizers’ dependence on credentials, accomplishments, law-keeping, etc., for salvation. If he had been attacking the antinomians, he would stand against their belief that once saved, people could do whatever they desired. Such an attitude will draw people’s focus away from Christ to earthly pleasures. Paul wrote to the believers in Colosse, who faced false teaching, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2 niv).
3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven. While the false teachers had their minds on earthly matters (3:19), believers ought to be yearning for their home. Paul’s speaking of citizenship struck a chord with the Philippians. Philippi was a Roman colony; those who lived in Philippi had their citizenship in far-off Rome, although most of the Philippians had never been there. Roman citizenship was highly prized during Paul’s time. The Christians in Philippi, as proud as they had been of their Roman citizenship (Acts 16:20–21), should have valued even more highly their citizenship in heaven. They lived on earth as a colony of believers who were citizens of another kingdom. They should have thought of themselves as “resident aliens” living temporarily in a foreign country with their home elsewhere. One day they would experience all the special privileges of their heavenly citizenship because they belonged to Christ.
And it is from there that we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus returned to heaven in a cloud after his resurrection. “This same Jesus … will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11 niv). Thus believers are expecting the Savior to return from heaven to earth at his second coming. Paul had absolutely no doubt about Christ’s return—although neither he nor anyone else knew or knows when that will happen. But believers are expecting and awaiting his return, when he will “appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him” (Hebrews 9:28 nrsv).
CITIZENS OF HEAVEN
Citizens of a Roman colony were expected to promote the interests of Rome and maintain the dignity of the city. In the same way, citizens of heaven ought to promote heaven’s interests on earth and lead lives worthy of heavenly citizenship. Too many Christians have failed to transfer their citizenship to heaven. They still seek earthly pleasures and treasures instead of heavenly ones. Paul told the Colossians to set their hearts on the things above, where Christ is (Colossians 3:1–4). Where are your loyalties placed?
(Barton, Bruce B., and Philip Wesley Comfort. 1995. Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. Life Application Bible Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.)
Colossians 3:1-4 (Setting our hearts & minds on heaven)
3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Paul did not want to leave his readers with merely a negative dimension to their faith—for example, “Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world” (2:20 niv)—so he turned their focus to the positive. They had died, but they had also been raised. The Greek words in the phrase since … you have been raised with Christ express certainty. There was no doubt in Paul’s mind of the sincerity of the Colossians’ faith. Once dead in their sins, they had been raised from death, just as Christ had been raised from the dead by God’s power (3:3–4 will explain this). They had received new life from God through the power of the Holy Spirit. They did not need to struggle and work to attain that life, as the false teachers were trying to tell them; they already had new life! What remained was to work out its implications in daily life. Because they had been raised, they had a clear responsibility to Christ, who had raised them.
In the Bible, the “heart” is the center of one’s being. Jesus had told his followers, “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:20–21 niv). Paul explained that their hearts should be set … on things above. The Greek word for “set” (zeteo) means to seek something out with a desire to possess it. Their hearts should be seeking after what is above (in the spiritual, eternal world) in contrast to what is below (in the earthly, transitory world). Paul contrasted the desirable “things” with the basic principles of the universe (2:20) and the human commands and teachings (2:22–23). They were to get their direction from Christ, not from the ascetic principles discussed in 2:8–23.
The other religious teachers stressed “heavenly things” also, but Paul was appealing to the highest power of all, the exalted Christ. The believers must take their focus off the world and turn it to Christ, who is seated at the right hand of God. Jesus had told his accusers that “from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God” (Luke 22:69 niv). Even David saw the coming Messiah and his position: “The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’ ” (Psalm 110:1 niv). Christ’s seat at God’s right hand reveals his power, authority, and position as both judge and advocate.
Because the believers had been raised with Christ, they were participating with Christ in the spiritual realm to which he had been exalted. Indeed, Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6 niv). The Colossian believers already had experienced this exaltation; they needed to set their hearts and treasures there so that they would live out their lives on earth as citizens of heaven.
3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Setting their “hearts on things above” (3:1) meant “striving” to put heaven’s priorities into daily practice. Setting their minds on things above meant “concentrating” on the eternal rather than the temporal, letting their thoughts dwell in the realm of Christ. They were to focus on the Lord Jesus. Thoughts can influence actions, so if the believers would place their thoughts above and not on the earth, their actions would please God. The ascetics stressed the body; Paul stressed commitment of the whole person, not mindless bodily discipline. Not on things on the earth refers to the legalistic rituals, the false methods used to achieve holiness, and even to the basic principles of the world described in chapter 2.
FROM DEATH TO LIFE
The Bible uses many illustrations to teach what happens when we choose to let Jesus be Lord of our lives. The following are some of the most vivid pictures:
Because Christ died for us, we have been crucified with him. (Romans 6:2–13; 7:4–6, 2 Corinthians 5:14, Galatians 2:20; 5:24; 6:14, Colossians 2:20; 3:3–5, 1 Peter 2:24)
Our old, rebellious nature died with Christ. (Romans 6:6; 7:4–6, Colossians 3:9–10)
Christ’s resurrection guarantees our new life now and eternal life with him later. (Romans 6:4, 11, Colossians 2:12–13; 3:1, 3)
This process is depicted in baptism (Colossians 2:12), based on our faith in Christ: (1) the old sinful nature dies (crucified), (2) we are ready to receive a new life (buried), and (3) Christ gives us new life (resurrected).
But on what “things” were they to set their minds? Paul had explained this in another letter: “Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8 nrsv; see also Colossians 3:12).
They were not to live as ascetics in some mystical, visionary realm; rather, Paul was saying that, by setting their hearts and minds above, their lives on this earth would be pleasing to God and would help accomplish Christ’s work.
3:3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. The Greek aorist tense in the phrase, for you died connotes that we died when Christ died. It happened at a point in history. In Christ’s death, all believers died (2:20). Then, like a seed buried in the earth, believers’ real lives are hidden from the world, just as Christ’s glory is hidden, only to be revealed when he returns (3:3–4). The spiritual lives of believers are hidden inner lives that are in union with Christ who has brought them to be with him in God. Their new life is a mystery, a secret.
Paul often wrote about how believers already possess the life of Christ, having died and risen with him, yet do not fully possess the perfection and eternal body they will have upon Christ’s return. In the meantime, they are “not yet.” That their lives are “hidden” means they are concealed and safe, hidden from public view. Just as Christ’s glory was real but hidden until the Mount of Transfiguration, so we have a glory that is hidden and will be revealed when Christ returns. This is not only a future hope; it is an accomplished fact. Believers’ salvation is sure, so they are to live each day for Christ and in expectation of his promises.
3:4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Christ himself gives to believers new, divine life. He is the source, power, and goal of all Christian growth. This life is “hidden” (3:3), and though believers are safe and raised with him, their full potential is yet to be revealed. One day, when Christ appears in his glory, believers will also appear with him in glory. The divine life of Christ will be revealed fully and will glorify us (reveal our true potential as children of God). This verse tells further why we should orient ourselves to heaven, not to earth. Our true glory will come from heaven. Earthly glory is transitory and illusory; only heaven’s glory will last. We will be transformed at Christ’s coming. Creation itself “waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God,” and we “groan inwardly while we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies” (Romans 8:19, 23 niv). Yet we have the promise that “those whom he justified he also glorified” (Romans 8:30 nrsv). The apostle John wrote, “We know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2 niv). This time of glorification will be at Christ’s second coming, described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17.
Christians look forward to the new heaven and new earth that God has promised, and they wait for God’s new order that will free the world of sin, sickness, and evil. “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20 niv). In the meantime, they go with Christ into the world, where they heal people’s bodies and souls and fight the evil effects of sin. Christ gives us power to live for him now, and he gives us hope for the future—he will return. In the rest of this chapter Paul explains how Christians should act now in order to be prepared for Christ’s return.
(Barton, Bruce B., and Philip Wesley Comfort. 1995. Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. Life Application Bible Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.)
1 Corinthians 15:42-45
15:40–41 There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another. The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor. Furthermore, the heavenly bodies (the sun, moon, and stars) differ greatly from earthly bodies. Each kind of body has its own kind of substance created and controlled by God. Each is appropriate to its sphere of existence, and each has its own kind of splendor or radiance. God made many different types of bodies; certainly he can arrange and govern the existence of the resurrection body.
15:42–44 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. God’s creation power will continue as dead bodies are resurrected and transformed into new bodies. Paul’s continued use of the term “is sown” shows that he still has the seed from 15:36–37 in mind. Like a seed that is sown and then grows into a glorious new plant, so it will be with the resurrection of the dead. Believers’ present physical bodies will be different from their resurrection bodies.
First, physical bodies are perishable, but raised bodies will be imperishable. Every human’s physical body is going to “perish” (die). Death eventually takes everyone. Those raised with Christ, however, will have bodies that will never die. These eternal bodies will live forever.
Physical bodies are sown in dishonor but raised in glory. A dead body, by its very nature, has nothing honorable about it. But the raised body will have a “glory” that far surpasses the beauty of a flower (as compared to its seed). It will not be a raised corpse like what one might see in horror movies; it will be a remade body, far more glorious than the physical body had ever been.
Physical bodies are sown in weakness but raised in power. While the Greeks might have honored those with perfectly trained, muscular bodies, when death strikes, every body is rendered completely weak and powerless. But the raised body will be raised by the power of God himself and will have power given to it by God.
Every physical body is sown a natural body but raised a spiritual body. The “natural” body (soma psuchikon) is suited to life in the present world; however, such a body is not fit for the world to come. That future world, where Christ will reign in his kingdom, will require a “spiritual” body (soma pneumatikon). Paul did not mean that this will be “spiritual” as opposed to physical or material, for that would contradict all that Paul has just written about resurrected bodies. Believers will not become “spirits.” Instead, “spiritual” refers to a body that suits a new, spiritual life, just as our present bodies (Greek psuchikon) suit our lives as “souls” (psuche).
Each believer will no longer have a natural body, like Adam, designed to live on this earth; instead, each will have a spiritual body, like Christ had after his resurrection (15:48–49).
15:45 The Scriptures tell us, “The first man, Adam, became a living person.” But the last Adam—that is, Christ—is a life-giving Spirit. Paul quoted the Scriptures to point out the difference between these two kinds of bodies. Genesis 2:7 speaks of the first man, Adam, becoming a living person. Adam was made from the dust of the ground and given the breath of life from God. Every human being since that time shares the same characteristics. However, the last Adam—that is, Christ—is a life-giving Spirit. Just as Adam was the first of the human race, so Christ is the first of those who will be raised from the dead to eternal life. Because Christ rose from the dead, he is “a life-giving spirit” who entered into a new form of existence. He is the source of spiritual life that will result in believers’ resurrection. Christ’s new glorified human body now suits his new, glorified, spiritual life—just as Adam’s human body was suitable to his natural life. When believers are resurrected, God will give them transformed, eternal bodies suited to eternal life.
(Barton, Bruce B., and Grant R. Osborne. 1999. 1 & 2 Corinthians. Life Application Bible Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House.)
Resources: Rev. Brad Standfest, Barton, Bruce B., and Grant R. Osborne. 1999. 1 & 2 Corinthians. Life Application Bible Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, Barton, Bruce B., and Grant R. Osborne. 1999. 1 & 2 Corinthians. Life Application Bible Commentary, Barton, Bruce B., and Philip Wesley Comfort. 1995. Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. Life Application Bible Commentary, Richard B. Gaffin Jr., “Glory, Glorification,” ed. Gerald F. Hawthorne, Ralph P. Martin, and Daniel G. Reid, Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, Logos Bible Program Walter A. Elwell and Philip Wesley Comfort
Sermon Notes:
We have a Ton of exciting things to get into today so Let’s Pray
Friends… There is No Place like Home… And Praise be to God
The Scripture says… I press on toward the goal to win the prize which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:14
The Average Life expectancy is 74 years old… So, if we are Blessed, we may see 85-90 years…
If you’re a Climate Activist… I got some Bad News for you…
I don’t care how many Windmills, Electric cars or Paper Straws you make… This world is going to be wiped out… And there is NOTHING Anyone can do to stop it
This is a Hard Saying… But it’s 100% Biblically Accurate…
This World is Fading Away… It’s Fastly Decaying as it was Designed to do after Sin cursed it to Death…
Here’s the Good News… Jesus says, “I am making EVERYTHING new.” Revelation 21:5
A New Heaven… A New Earth… And a New You…
We are going to talk about the New You Today
The Bible tells us NOT to be Fixated on this world…
Did you know after the Resurrection of Christ he talked to his followers about Heaven?
Acts 1:3 After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive.He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.
The New Testament is saturated with multiple passages telling us to fix our minds Heavenward
Their (Peoples) minds are on earthly things… But our Citizenship is in Heaven… Philippians 3:19b-20a (Working Visa)
Set your hearts on things above where Christ is… Set your minds on things above… Colossians 3:1-4
When we think about Heaven, it should bring us Great Joy
News Flash: We are getting GLORIFIED Bodies
Let’s Read 1 Corinthians 15: 42-44
Are you ready to get Even More Excited?
What does the Term “Glorified (glory)” body actually mean?
Glorified Body Means: We will have the Fullness of the Presence of God in us
Glorified Body Means: We will have Great Beauty & Splendor
Glorified Body Means: We will be Marked by Grandeur= the quality of being Impressive, Magnificent, Majestic, of Awe and Admiration
Theologian Alcorn Comments on Glorification: I quote:
“Our Glorified bodies will not need any cosmetic touch ups. We will be free of the curse of sin, redeemed and restored to the original beauty & purpose that goes back to the Garden of Eden. If we were to see Adam & Eve as they were in Eden, they would likely have taken our breath away. (Excerpts Alcorn, Heaven 289)
What are the Attributes & Characteristics of our Glorified Bodies going to be like?
We will be Transformed to be like Christ’s glorious body. Phil 3:20-21 *This truth sets the bar/tone for the rest.
We will keep our current Identity and Names for a time determined by God…
• Jesus said, “I have flesh & bones” (Lk 24:29)
• Names Recorded in the Lambs Book of Life (Rev. 20:15, 21: 27)
• Moses & Elijah kept names (Mt. 17:1-7/Transfiguration)
• Yes… Physical Fleshly Bodies in a Glorification State
We will have Intelligence & Emotions… Our emotions will be Pure, Completely absent of Sin/Negativity, Fear, Worry, Doubt, etc.… (Revelation 6:10, 7:10, & 1 Corinthians 15)
We will have Joy… We will Laugh… Celebrate (Luke 6:21, Rev. 5:13, Rev. 7, Rev. 15:1-4, Rev 19:3)
• We will sing, dance, & rejoice (Rev. 21:3-4, Rev. 22:27)
We will live with God (Rev. 21:3)
• We will have NO physical or emotional pain of any sort& will never again experience sickness, diseases or death (Rev. 21:3, Rev. 22:27)
We will experience Friendship & Fellowship with people from every nation & tribe (Rev. 5:9-10, 7:9, Rev. 21:27)
• Hatred, Deceit, & Segregation Eliminated!!
We will have Supernatural abilities like Christ had (“Transformed”, Spiritual) 1 Cor. 15:44, Phil 3:20-21
• Ability to transport ourselves, Walk through physical structures (John 20:19, Lk 24:30-31 & 35-43, Mk 16:9-14)
• Gravitate/Float (Acts 1:9-11, Mt 28)
• “We shall be like him (Jesus) (1 John 3:2)
• Flying & Cloud jumping are a possibility
We will Eat, Taste, & Smell (Rev. 19:9, Lk 22:29-30, Rev. 22:12-20, Acts 10:41)
• Eat the best Meats & Finest Wines (Isa. 25:6-9)
• Eat & Celebrate in the Wedding “Supper of the Lamb” (Rev 19:6-9)
We will at some point receive a New Name from Jesus & His Name will be on our foreheads (Rev2:17, 3:12, Rev 22:4)
We will receive Rewards for what we have done… (1 Cor. 9:25-27, 1 Thess. 2:19, 2 Tim. 4:8, James 1:12)
We will participate in Country & City Living
• “We may go through the gates into the city” (Rev. 22:14)
• Country- “Humanity is longing for a better country- a heavenly one” (Lk. 19:12, Hebrews 11: 14-16)
• We will inherit a New City “New Jerusalem (Hebrew 13:14, Rev. 21 & 22)
• We will inherit “Paradise”… Paradise means Walled Garden… We shall see the Garden of Eden reappear in Heaven.
Devotional Questions
Read Colossians 3:1-4
• Heart and Mind Alignment: How can you actively set your heart and mind on “things above” in your daily life, ensuring that your focus aligns with the eternal rather than the temporary?
• Identity in Christ: Reflect on the concept of your life being “hidden with Christ in God.” How does understanding your identity in Christ impact the way you live & think heavenward?
Read 1 Corinthians 15: 40-44
• Resurrection Hope:
“So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable;” (1 Corinthians 15:42)
How does the hope of resurrection impact your view on life and death? In what ways does this hope encourage you in times of difficulty or loss?
• Transformation and Renewal/ Glorification:
“It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.” (1 Corinthians 15:44)
Review up in the APP the word “glory”. You will find it at the Top and in the Sermon & Sermon Notes. Understanding the Biblical reality of our heavenly bodies; does this give you a sense of joy?
• Eternal Perspective:
How can you cultivate an eternal perspective in your daily life, focusing on what is eternal rather than what is temporary?
Read Philippians 3:19-20
• Where is our real citizenship located?
Read Revelation 21:5
• What is the Lord making new?