Richard Owen Roberts emphasizes that true faith is demonstrated by living in light of the eternal kingdom of God rather than the passing, temporal world. This sermon delves into the contrast between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light, the temporal nature of the earthly kingdom versus the eternal kingdom of God. It emphasizes how true faith shifts one's focus towards the eternal, enabling them to resist the passing temptations of the world and actively obey God. Many who claim faith are actually more influenced by the present world than the eternal kingdom of Jesus Christ, highlighting the importance of having the right focus on unseen and hoped-for things.
Full Transcript
of God, the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light, the kingdom that is temporal and passing, and the kingdom that is eternal and will not ever fade away, the kingdom of death, the kingdom of life. When a person has true faith, the kingdom of God becomes more consequential to them than the kingdom of this world. Their decisions are are radically affected by the kingdom of life.
They are able to resist the kingdom of darkness. They will not waste their life giving themselves over to that which is passing. They focus upon that which is eternal.
A vast percentage of those who think they have faith do not have these facts in focus. The way they live every day proves that they are much more affected by the here and the now than they are by the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Every one of us owes it to our own soul to be sure that we have the facts in focus, that the things that we can taste and touch and smell and hear are not nearly as consequential as the things that are unseen and hoped for.
F. Facts in focus. A. Active obedience. You see in much of the church today, faith is not active but passive.
There are multitudes who honestly think they're Christians because they accept the fact that there is a God. They accept the fact that God has an only begotten Son, that this only begotten Son came to earth and performed mighty miracles and taught as no man ever taught. They are sure that the Son of God was crucified, buried, and that he rose again.
They are absolute in their mind that Christ reigns forever and ever and ever. Multitudes last Sunday were rejoicing in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Sermon Outline
I. The Two Kingdoms
Kingdom of darkness vs. kingdom of light
Temporal and passing vs. eternal and unchanging
Kingdom of death vs. kingdom of life
II. Faith’s True Focus
Faith prioritizes the eternal over the temporal
Many profess faith but live for the passing age
The importance of having facts in focus
III. Active Obedience
Faith must be active, not passive
Belief in Christ’s resurrection and reign
Living in obedience as evidence of true faith
Key Quotes
“When a person has true faith, the kingdom of God becomes more consequential to them than the kingdom of this world.” — Richard Owen Roberts
“They focus upon that which is eternal.” — Richard Owen Roberts
“Faith is not active but passive in much of the church today.” — Richard Owen Roberts
Application Points
Evaluate your daily decisions to ensure they reflect a focus on the eternal kingdom rather than temporary worldly concerns.
Cultivate active obedience as a demonstration of genuine faith in Christ.
Regularly remind yourself of the spiritual realities beyond what is seen and experienced in the present world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to live for the passing age?
Living for the passing age means focusing on temporary, worldly things rather than the eternal kingdom of God.
How can one know if their faith is genuine?
Genuine faith is evidenced by active obedience and prioritizing the eternal kingdom over worldly concerns.
Why is the kingdom of God more consequential than the world?
Because the kingdom of God is eternal and unchanging, while the world is temporary and fading.
What is meant by 'facts in focus' in faith?
'Facts in focus' refers to understanding and living according to the spiritual realities of God's kingdom rather than just earthly experiences.
(Clip) Living For the Passing Age
Richard Owen Roberts
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