Class Lesson October 18, 2015

 

Life is tough. God never promised this life would be free from trouble, but He did promise to walk with us every step of the way. With God on our side, we can stand strong.

Building Your Life On God's Promises

Lessons:

1. God's Promise of Faithfulness - God is faithful in every circumstance.
2. God's Promise of Eternal Life - You were created for eternal life in Christ.
3. God's Promise of Provision - For those who choose to live under His care.
4. God's Promise of Answered Prayer - God always answers persistent prayer.
5. God's Promise of Victory - God's goodness and love overcome life's difficulties.
6. God's Promise of a New Home

It's comforting to know that we can build our lives on the promises of God. Think about it - God promises to be faithful to you in every circumstance you face; He promises you eternal life; He promises to provide you everything you need; He promises to answer your prayers; He promises that His goodness and love will overcome all of life's difficulties; and He promises you a new home with Him.

The Promise Of A New Home

The Bible Meets Life

At one time or another, you may have suffered from what doctors call “the distress and functional impairment caused by an actual or anticipated separation from home and attachment objects.” You probably just called it “being homesick.” 

It may have been: 

• the first time you stayed overnight at a friend’s house.

• the first time you went to summer camp.

• the first few weeks at boot camp or the freshman dorm.

When you’re homesick, you don’t miss your actual home. You miss the security, protection, and love your home represents. But have you ever been homesick for a place you’ve never seen?

None of us has an idyllic life. We're pulled down by health issues, disappointing relationships, and problems in a world full of sin and insecurity. Thankfully, this world is not all there is. The closing chapters of the Book of Revelation show us that God provides a permanent home where we will dwell with those in His family. It is a home with no health issues, insecurities, or sin. In Christ, we are promised the perfect home with Him.

What Does The Bible Say?

The Book of Revelation details the consummation of world history, the blessedness that comes to those who have been redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ and the judgment against those who reject His offer of salvation-indeed, His judgment against all sinners, that is, all the wicked. Revelation 21 describes the coming of the new heaven and new earth, the time of the fullness of God's rule and reign.


 

Revelation 21:1-8 (ESV)

 
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.

2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.

4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 

7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.

8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

The Alpha and the Omega (v. 6)—The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Symbolically, they refer to God (and Jesus) being the beginning and the end, a description of His eternal nature and sovereignty, as well as His total and complete preeminence.

The lake that burns with fire and sulfur (v. 8)—This phrase refers to hell, God’s final place of punishment for the unsaved and the fallen angels. 

The second death (v. 8)—This term is synonymous with an eternity in hell after judgment. It is a “death” in that it is a separation from God, and is called the “second” death because it follows physical death.

 
Revelation 21:1-3

 
God has promised His children an eternal home that eclipses even the finest neighborhoods in the most exclusive zip codes. God’s home is perfect because it’s in the presence of God Himself. Revelation 21 paints a beautiful picture of God’s perfect home. And that perfection is made real by the fact that God Himself will live with us in that place for eternity.

Revelation 21 begins with a wonderful picture. The pain we presently experience will no longer be an issue because “the first heaven and the first earth had passed away” (v. 1). In their place will be “a new heaven and a new earth.” They will be “new” not merely in a chronological sense, but in the sense of quality. The new heaven and earth will be far superior to the earth we know now; they will transcend everything we’ve experienced.

John also called the new Jerusalem “the holy city” (v. 2). The place is holy because everyone and everything inside it is holy and righteous. This is the city of God’s redeemed people. Interestingly, living in a city means we will live together—and together we will be in perfect harmony.

What truly makes our future home so wonderful is that, as John declared in verse 3, God Himself will inhabit this city with His children: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them.” God has been among His people in the past, but never like this.

• God dwelt among the Israelites in the tabernacle, and later in the temple: “The glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle” (Ex. 40:34).

• God dwelt among us during Jesus’ earthly life: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).

• God’s presence in our new home will neither be temporary nor only for a select few. We will have an eternal home in God’s eternal presence.

Revelation 21:4-5

Almost every week, I minister to people suffering loss. Parents whose children died far too young as a result of accidents, drownings, or home fires. Young children whose beloved grandfather died after years of chronic pain. Fathers who try to explain to young children why their moms won’t be coming home from the hospital.

How can we find hope in those moments? It’s only through the promises in God’s Word—specifically the promise that we will one day live in the presence of God. When we’re in His presence forever: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore” (v. 4).

• No death. Our new home in heaven will be a place of total victory. John wrote previously that death would be thrown in the lake of fire (see Rev. 20:14). Consequently, “Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Cor. 15:54).

• No mourning. No sin, regrets, or loss will afflict us. 

• No crying. Crying is an outward expression of our grief, which will be no more. 

• No pain. Painful experiences were first mentioned as a consequence of the fall (Gen. 3:16-19). Since our sin will be removed completely, all pain will be gone. 

Jesus spoke from His throne with hope: “Behold, I am making all things new” (v. 5). At the end of His earthly ministry, Jesus said, “I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). Now, in Revelation 21, we see Jesus making this promise an eternal reality. Jesus won’t simply give a makeover to what we currently know. In Christ, we become a new creation (see 2 Cor. 5:17) and we will dwell eternally with Him in His new creation—our eternal home.

Revelation 21:6-8

 
The gift of our eternal home is not automatic, however. Jesus’ offer of life is open to all people, but the only ones who can enter this new heaven and new earth are those who follow Him.

1. “To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.” Water is a symbol for eternal life (see John 7:37). When we come to Jesus to receive the water He gives, to partake of eternal life, He quenches our life-long thirst.
2. “The one who conquers will have this heritage.” We are victorious when we stand strong and remain faithful to Christ. We can’t do this in our own power, but only when we rely on Jesus.

All this is tied to our relationship with Jesus. When we come to Christ, we are adopted into God’s family (see Rom. 8:14-15). We will fully experience all the benefits of that family relationship in our future home, which is heaven.

Unfortunately, Jesus made it clear that not everyone will enjoy those benefits. In verse 8, He listed “the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars” as people who will be excluded from heaven. It’s not the specific sin that matters, however—it’s the choice to remain in sin rather than seeking forgiveness from Jesus.

So, looking for the perfect home? You can find it in Christ and with Christ. I hope you will.

John sought to describe the indescribable, using the limitations of human language. We do well to remember that the reality of heaven will be far greater than what is described. For example, we may be fascinated at the prospects of a heavenly city with streets paved with gold and gates made of pearl. Even so, the reality will be superior. What will make heaven - well, "heavenly" - will be to dwell in the presence of the Lord for all eternity, free from all those things that threatened us in this life. We will live eternally in the victory of faith in the Christ who Himself was the Victor over sin, Satan, death, and the grave.

 

LIVE IT OUT

The reality of heaven has major implications for life on earth. Consider taking one of the following steps this week in response to the promise of a life with Christ forever:

• Remember the promise. Memorize Revelation 21:4 as a constant reminder of God’s eternal promise: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

• Simplify your possessions. Earthly treasures and possessions can distract us from the promise of our eternal home (see Matt. 6:19-20). So take an inventory of your stuff. What can you get rid of or donate in order to maintain an eternal focus?

• Take note of heavenly moments. Our lives on this world are temporary, but we still experience moments of joy, peace, and contentment—moments that reflect and foreshadow life in our heavenly home. Keep an eye out for such moments this week. Consider keeping a journal or recording notes in your phone so that heavenly moments don’t pass unnoticed.

It’s good and natural for followers of Jesus to long for heaven. Spiritual homesickness is a happy symptom of our life in Christ—a life we will enjoy with Him forever.


Our Lesson Today:

Question: What will heaven be like? Who will be there and who won't?

Click Here to Watch

The point:  “A life in Christ means a life with Christ forever.”


I. Our New Home Will Be In God’s Presence
Revelation 21:1-3

1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea no longer existed. 2 I also saw the Holy City, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband. 3 Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: “Look! God’s dwelling is with humanity, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.

How does the promise of heaven encourage you during times of stress that come with living in a world marked by sin?

• It will be something “new” which carries the idea of freshness. The old has passed away.
• Our new home will be in God’s presence. No more homesickness for the security, protection, and love your home represents.

What was the one thing John said would not be part of the new order?

• John noted that this new earth had no sea. Why will there be no sea? We tend to romanticize the sea these days, but to the people of John’s day, it had a certain separation appearance especially for John as he was exiled on Patmos. The sea was also seen as dangerous and often represented turmoil in an individual’s life.

• This new earth will contain nothing evil, sinister or dangerous and nothing will separate the believers’ access, fellowship, or enjoyment of God.

What was John communicating by referring to the Holy City as new Jerusalem?

• Jerusalem was the city of God.
• A city is not just its buildings but the mass of people that make it up. A city represents community, living life together with others and, in this case, with the Lord Himself.
• John said the city was “prepared like a bride adorned for her husband”. The word translated “adorn” means to decorate or ornament. Every groom on his wedding day has looked at his bride as the most beautiful of all women. That is the picture here – a heavenly city of spectacular beauty!

This will be the dwelling place of God. His presence is there forever. He will not leave, move away, or abandon us.

• It is the dwelling place of the redeemed of the Lord. It is where our true citizenship lies.
• God and people will live together. The Bride of Christ, believers, will see the Father face to face. We will no longer be hindered by the barrier between Heaven and earth, for we shall reside in the eternal house of God.

II. Our New Home Will Be Perfect
Revelation 21:4-5

4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will no longer exist; grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer, because the previous things have passed away.” 5 Then the One seated on the throne said, “Look! I am making everything new.” He also said, “Write, because these words are faithful and true.”

What is the most beautiful element of heaven for you? Why?


This heavenly city where God Himself dwells will be vastly different from what believers had known on earth. Why?

• Our devotion on earth to the Lord had resulted in trials, tribulations, rejections, persecutions, and even death. Hallelujah! No more! The entire Book of Revelation was written to encourage the believers. It says that a better day is coming; one unlike anything we have ever known.
• No tears, death, grief, crying, or pain will exist. God will wipe away the memory of those things.
• Our new home will be perfect.

Many people have questions and misconceptions about eternal life. How would you respond to one of the following statements?

• “There’s no place in heaven for a person like me.”

• “All roads lead to heaven.”

• “This life is all there is and all we can hope for.”

What questions would you like to have answered when you get to heaven?

Questions about Heaven
Click Here to See




What are some experiences on earth that help you trust in the hope of heaven?

1. Sin. Heaven is without sin or the consequences of sin. You won’t have to worry about someone lying to you or taking advantage of you. No one will gossip. No one will steal. There will be no “bad neighborhoods” to walk through in Heaven. Safety and security will prevail.

2. Relationships. All relationships will be trustworthy. No awkward interpersonal relationships in Heaven. Each person will be perfect. Any imperfection or flaw in our character or personality will be completely gone in Heaven.

3. Death. No more death means no more goodbyes. Heaven and its inhabitants are eternal. Time won’t matter and we will no longer be constrained by the limits of time. It is life lasting forever and ever.

Jesus spoke from His throne with hope: “Look! I am making everything new” (v. 5). At the end of His earthly ministry, Jesus said, “I am going away to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). Now, here in Revelation 21, we see Jesus making this promise an eternal reality. Jesus won’t simply give a makeover to what we currently know. In Christ, we become a new creation (see 2 Cor. 5:17) and we will dwell eternally with Him in His new creation—our eternal home.



III. Our New Home Is Based On Our Relationship With Christ
Revelation 21:6-8

6 And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give water as a gift to the thirsty from the spring of life. 7 The victor will inherit these things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son. 8 But the cowards, unbelievers, vile, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars—their share will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”


What are the essential truths that verses 1-8 communicate about heaven?

• All this is tied to our relationship with Jesus. Our new home is based on our relationship with Christ.
• When we come to Christ, we are adopted into God’s family and we will fully experience all the benefits of that family relationship in our future home, which is heaven.

Unfortunately, Jesus made it clear that not everyone will enjoy those benefits. Who is not included?

• In verse 8, He listed “cowards, unbelievers, vile, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars” as people who will be excluded from heaven. It’s not the specific sin that matters, however—it’s the choice to remain in sin rather than seeking forgiveness from Jesus. Without Him, we are lost.
• Heaven is reserved for believers only. If your name isn’t written in the Book of Life, there is no way in. Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 ESV)
• The unbelievers will not be admitted to Heaven, but will go to the place prepared for the devil and his angels. Described as a lake of burning sulfur, there will be no escape for all eternity. Those who are placed there have no hope.

How will the truths expressed in this passage impact your life this week?

• We often think of heaven and eternal life in terms of the distant future. But how will the truth of heaven impact your lives in the next few days?

Conclusion/Application – The language that John uses to describe the things he sees in the Revelation are often confusing and sound incredible. But he was using language from 2000 years ago to describe what only God and angels have seen. We may not understand every word, but we can believe that it is true. If you are in Christ Jesus, your eternal home is Heaven. To prepare for eternity you can:

• Believe that Jesus is the Son of God and ask Him to save you. Put your trust completely in Him.

• Realize that for the saved person, eternity has already started. Strive to build your relationship with Jesus through prayer and the reading of His Word.

• Forsake the things of this world laying up for yourself treasure in Heaven. Make a conscious effort each day to give up an attitude of materialism.

 

 

 What will heaven be like?

Click Here to Watch

Prayer of Commitment: Thank You, Father, that because of Christ I can live now in anticipation of that time of living in the blessed place You have prepared for the redeemed. Amen.


Hope to see you this Sunday!


In His Love,


David & Susan