Icebreaker

Recap

During this final week of our series we’re answering the question, “What will we do for eternity?” In Revelation chapters 21 and 22 we see what the new heaven and new earth will look like. Revelation 22:3 says there will no longer be any curse and His servants will serve Him. This is a picture of our activity in heaven, which is much more in line with the original intent of the Garden of Eden. This is work that is purposeful and pleasurable for both God and man. Pastor Josh made the argument that the work we will do will be rewarded based on how we live our lives here and now (1 Cor. 3:10-15). Are you living for today or living for eternity?

Scripture Reference

Revelation 21 & 22, 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14: 10-12

Focus Questions

1. What do you think Heaven will be like? Will you recognize people who are there? Will you be floating or able to fly? Will you see Jesus or will He be too far away and the place too crowded? Discuss your ideas then fact check your ideas against what this chapter says.
2. How is Revelation 22:1-6 the same as the garden of Eden? What is important about the differences to the garden of Eden?
3. What do you understand about the New Heaven and the New Earth? What confuses you about these two creations we can look forward to?
4. How has studying Revelation helped grow your understanding of what it means to live as disciples of the Lord? What do you look forward to most about the New Creation?
5. Read 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 together. What should the “foundation” of what we build be? What is going to happen to those who build with inferior materials? How do these verses motivate you to build with the right materials? How can we know what materials are the ones that will pass God’s judgement?
6. Read 2 Corinthians 5:10 and Romans 14:10-12. This is the description of a type of judgement of Christian believers referred to as the Bema Seat of Christ. At the Bema Seat, Jesus Christ will bring to light every good and bad deed each believer has done on earth since he or she became a Christian. Every believer will be rewarded based on his words, deeds, and faithfulness. What is the purpose of this type judgement (hint: it is not to determine salvation) and why is it important for us to understand its purpose now?
7. What hobby or activity do you currently do with pleasure and purpose? Author Ray Steadman observed, “Every moment of eternity will be an adventure of discovery.” What are you most looking forward to discovering in heaven? 
8. How can a heavenly perspective impact our life on earth? What are some things we can do to shift into an eternal mindset?

Send Out Question

John assures us that not only is this picture a picture of heaven, it is a picture of your future home. Think about the time and effort it would take for you to prepare a home for someone else here on earth. What would it mean to you to be entrusted with such a personal undertaking? Think about and list out the various praises and thanks you would like to give God for preparing your future home.