Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction:

Paul’s encouraging words tell us very clearly that we must not get thrown off course by focusing on things we see…here today, gone tomorrow, fleeting…quick to fade.

Paul knew from experience — it is vitally important to keep our focus on things that will last.

Introduction:

When I was a kid, our toys were pretty simple: Matchbox cars, Tonka toys, sticks, rocks, etc.

But once in a while I would get a toy telescope or binoculars.

I also had a Viewmaster - pretty cool.

I never really liked kaleidoscopes - they got boring really fast.

I probably liked the toy binoculars the best, because they let me see things close up (sort of).

Grown up binoculars are awesome!

I like the kind that automatically focus.

Here’s what I know for sure…looking through the wrong end of the binoculars is very disappointing.

Most of you have experienced seasons in your life when things seem out of focus.

For me, there have been times when I get stuck in the moment…and I can’t see clearly what’s up ahead because I am too focused on current problems, frustrations, or challenges.

I guess you could call that myopia (short-sighted).

Most of you have experienced seasons in your life when things seem out of focus.

For me, there have been times when I get stuck in the moment…and I can’t see clearly what’s up ahead because I am too focused on current problems, frustrations, or challenges.

I guess you could call that myopia (short-sighted).

I think it is really important to have a spiritual eye exam once in awhile.

When you look toward the future, what do you see? Can you see anything good, or anything at all? Do you have expectations for certain things to happen over the next year, 5 years, or more?

I think it is really important to have a spiritual eye exam once in awhile.

When you look toward the future, what do you see? Can you see anything good, or anything at all? Do you have expectations for certain things to happen over the next year, 5 years, or more?

It’s possible for us to get so pre-occupied with our struggles, and life at this moment, that we cannot imagine walking with God in a powerful relationship.

Instead, we settle for sort of coasting, or drifting along.

Have you given up on some things God has placed in your heart?

On making a difference for Jesus…becoming a powerful witness of His love?

It’s possible, actually quite common, for people to get so satisfied with smallness, so comfortable with where they are, they really don’t want to think too far ahead.

Paul’s 2nd letter to the church at Corinth revealed something about his perspective — he had God’s perspective.

If not, there would be no way for him endure such a difficult life.

In chapter 4, verses 8-11, he listed some things he suffered because of His bold witness for Jesus: hard pressed on every side; perplexed; persecuted; struck down; always facing the possibility of losing his life for the sake of the Gospel.

Because he had God’s view, the persecution did not crush him, destroy him, or cause him to be in despair.

In fact, the light of Christ shined all the more brightly in the face of these troubles.

Chapter 4 concludes with one of my life verses

PRAYER

Big Idea: God’s Perspective gives you hope and moves you to action

just look at Paul’s life

Interrogatory: Can we have God’s perspective…even just a little bit?

GOD’S PERSPECTIVE CHANGES THE WAY WE PERCEIVE

Exposition

Therefore — Why do “we not lose heart?”

(13-15)

We know beyond a doubt that God, who raised Jesus from the dead, will also raise His people — hope!!

These verses are all about perspective — Paul’s could have this perspective only because of what Jesus did in him.

Our default setting is to have a trouble-focused perspective

God wants us to have His eternal perspective which is full of life and hope

No matter what Paul might face...

He had the end-game in mind

He was using the binoculars correctly

2 cor 4

Treasure: The message of the Gospel

Jars of Clay: Had little value or beauty — a perfect place to hide treasure.

Paul pointed to his own human frailty — demonstrating that the power of the Gospel is from God, not us

…God’s perspective changes the way we perceive

God Renews My Mind

God Renews My Mind

When we surrender our lives to Christ — He forgives, redeems, and transforms us — into a brand new creation

A BRAND NEW PERSPECTIVE

A RENEWED MIND

We no longer fit the image of this world — new perspective — through God’s eyes

…God’s perspective changes the way we perceive

…God’s perspective changes the way we perceive

God Protects My Mind

Application

We all face battles (spiritual, physical, emotional) and run into trouble on a regular basis

Face your battles and victories from God’s perspective

Face your battles and victories from God’s perspective

He is the commander!

His weapons are perfectly designed to serve us well

His Word

His Spirit

His Righteousness

His People

Transitional: Thank you Lord for a renewed mind…thank you for changing our perspective

Transitional: Thank you Lord for a renewed mind…thank you for changing our perspective

GOD’S PERSPECTIVE CHANGES THE WAY WE ACT

exposition

Paul knew he was giving his life for the sake of the Gospel…he would either work himself to death or face martyrdom.

But he wasn’t about to quit…because He had God’s perspective.

He was likely beheaded in Rome during Nero’s reign - mid 60’s AD

He knew he was giving his life for the sake of the Gospel…he would either work himself to death or face martyrdom.

But he wasn’t about to quit…because He had God’s perspective.

He was likely beheaded in Rome during Nero’s reign - mid 60’s AD

What was Paul’s ultimate goal?

The Ultimate Goal: Heaven

Illustration: The cicada is one of God’s miracles, making their annual NOISY appearance in midsummer (usually).

They have a long life-cycle…it can range fro 2-17 years…mostly underground.

While in the ground, the Cicada forms an outer-shell — exoskeleton.

When that shell reaches its end, the Cicada burrows out of the ground, perches on a nearby tree or plant, then sheds it’s outer shell…emerges as a beautiful insect…and flies away.

The outer shell helps the Cicada to form into what it will eventually become.

This crazy, complex, and unpredictable life we live, with all it’s troubles and challenges, prepares us for our true destiny — “an eternal glory that outweighs them all” The glory and blessings of eternity with Jesus make the difficulties of this life…the cost of serving Him faithfully, seem like nothing.

The Immediate Goal: Glorify God

What can we do to glorify God?

Seek to see things through His perspective and live accordingly

Make an impact for His Kindgom

What kind of impact do I want to make?

Lead people to Jesus

Convince them through authenticity

Convince them with your story

Convince them by the power of the Holy Spirit

The only way we can glorify God and make a lasting impact is by having God’s heart…His perspective

Are you totally convinced that after this life is over, every man, woman, and child will face God in eternity?