Sermon Date: Feb. 23 & 24 Sermon Title: Living With The End Of All Things In Mind: Finally Fit Sermon Text: Daniel 7-10
Introduction
“People can at times be unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of being selfish, and possibly even of having ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway. If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway. What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today will often be forgotten. Do well anyway. Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway. In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.” This passage found on Mother Theresa’s wall isn’t meant for someone who lives for today’s pleasures; it speaks to a person who is motivated by eternity. In essence, it’s written for a person who lives everyday like end day.
Discussion
Application
1. What comes to mind when you think of the word eternity? And how often would you say you find yourself thinking of the after-life? 2. As we look at the final chapters of Daniel you may find yourself confused by the mentions of eternity. However, in the midst of this mystery, it’s clear that faithfulness to God is the secret to eternal life in the end. What helps you to remain focused on God in your daily life? 3. Read I John 3:3, John reminds us “everyone that has this hope purifies themselves.” What does being spiritually pure look like to you? And what are some habits you can practice to remain spiritually pure? 4. Reflect on the quote “Live everyday as if it were end day.” What would this look like in your life today? 1. Review Daniel 9:2-4, Daniel tells us that he knew what to expect and how to act based on reading scripture, spending time in prayer, petition, and fasting. When is the last time you spent significant time in prayer and/or fasting? What was the outcome? What can you do personally to be more consistent in those practices? What can you do as a group? 2. What impact can your attitude and view of eternity have on others? 3. What are you currently doing to ensure that you’re “personally, financially, relationally, spiritually, physically and eternally fit?”