Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. The Treasures of Life

a) Everyone has “treasures”

i) In the heart

ii) In life

b) Types of “treasures”

i) Earthly treasures

ii) Eternal treasures

2. Treasures that are worthwhile

a) Things that are eternal

b) That which reflects glory

c) That which are always especially personal and precious

NEVER LOSING HEART

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.

2 Corinthians 4:16

1. Things that cause people to lose heart

a) When the outward man is perishing

b) When the earthly treasures of life no longer bring much joy

2. We can prevent losing heart

a) When we focus on things that really matter

b) When we focus on things that are eternal

c) When we learn how the inward man can be renewed day by day

3. A renewal process

a) The renewal of the mind

b) The renewal of the heart

c) The renewal of the spirit

THE AFFLICTIONS OF LIFE

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,

2 Corinthians 4:17

1. Common light afflictions

a) The aging process

b) Age-related illnesses

2. More challenging afflictions

a) Life-threatening diseases

b) Suffering for our faith

3. Seeing the Eternal weight of glory

a) Each passing year is sobering

b) Each affliction is a reminder

c) We have a glorious eternity

i) With God

ii) Through faith

iii) In Hope

d) This is a Reality

i) It is able to renew us

ii) It is able to refresh us

iii) It is able to transform our life

WHAT WE SHOULD SEEK

While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:18

1. The things we can see

a) They are already there

b) They are in our possession

c) They bring but transient meaning and joy

2. The things we cannot see

a) These are the things we must seek

b) The things that are not seen are eternal

3. The call of the Lord Jesus Christ

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness”   Matthew 6:33

AN EXAMPLE WORTH EMULATING

7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.

8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ

9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;

10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:7-14

1. Counting everything loss for the sake of the Lord Jesus

2. Christ-centred living

3. Commitment to pursue eternal things

CONCLUSION

1. We do not need to ever lose heart

2. We can find renewal through an awakened and revived faith in God