OUR HOME IS HEAVEN NOT EARTH
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)
What the Bible says - Examples - Our proper response - Perspectives on earthly wealth - Old Testament only
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS (click on the underlined verses to read them)
Heaven belongs to the Lord. The earth has been given to man. Ps 115:16
The world is under the influence of Satan. 1 Jn 5:19
Jesus said His Kingdom is not of this world. Jn 18:36
Like Jesus, we are not of this world. Jn 17:14-17
Jesus will come to receive us so that we will be with Him. John 14:1-6
We will have an eternal heavenly body, and we will be present with the Lord. 2 Cor 5:1-11
For our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for the new body Jesus will give us. Phil 3:20-4:1
Currently, however, we are strangers, pilgrims, aliens and sojourners on earth. 1 Pet 1:1, 2:11-12, Hebrews 11:13-16
And friendship with the world is hatred toward God. James 4:4 (Remember, we are still to love all our neighbors around the world. See note.)
Because we do not belong to the world, the world will hate us. Jn 15:18-19
Christ will deliver us from the present evil age. Gal 1:3-5
Death (leaving this earth) cannot separate us from God’s eternal love (which will continue in heaven). Rom 8:35-39
We are children of God, heirs with Christ. Therefore, the sufferings of this present earth are not worthy to be compared with the future glory (in our real home). Rom 8:15-26
There will come a time when we should forget the things in this earthly life. Is 43:17-19
Jesus was in agony at times on earth, yet His desire was to do His Heavenly Father's will. Luke 22:41-44
He knew that His Kingdom was not of this world. Jn 18:36
Paul said to die and be with Christ is much better than living on earth (but staying meant fruitful labor for Christ). Phil 1:21-24
Abraham was waiting for his heavenly home. Heb 11:8-10
Moses chose to suffer affliction rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin. He was looking toward his future reward. Heb 11:24-27
God's people confessed that they were only strangers on earth; and they desired a better, heavenly country. Hebrews 11:13-16
David desired nothing on earth except God. Ps 73:25
All the responses below are meaningless if we do demonstrate true love for our neighbor. 1 Co 13:1-3 See Love
We should set our minds on heaven not on earth. Colossians 3:1-4
We should set our hearts on pilgrimage. Ps 84:6-7
We should live as strangers on earth in reverent fear. 1 Pet 1:17
We should seek the city that is to come (the eternal city). Heb 13:12-14
Because we are pilgrims on earth, we should be separate from the world and not be yoked to unbelievers. 2 Cor 6:14-17
We should not be conformed to this world. Rom 12:2
We should not love the world or the things in the world. 1 Jn 2:15-17 (Remember, we are still to love every person in the world. See note.)
We should not lose heart while fixing our eyes on eternal things and knowing that the troubles we have are only momentary. 2 Cor 4:16-18
We are a new creation, therefore we should look at others from a heavenly perspective. 2 Cor 5:14-18
Since our citizenship is in heaven - we should eagerly await Jesus. Phil 3:18-21 (A nonbeliever’s mind is set on earthly things. Phil 3:18-21)
We should groan, earnestly desiring to have our heavenly bodies and be present with Christ. Until then, we should make our aim to please Him (not ourselves). 2 Cor 5:1-11
We should hate this life and serve Christ - then we will be where Christ is (heaven). Jn 12:23-26
PROPER ATTITUDE TOWARD EARTHLY WEALTH
We should not put our trust in earthly wealth, but in God who provides eternal wealth. 1 Tim 6:17-19
Earthly possessions are like trash compared to gaining Christ and the power of His resurrection. Phil 3:7-11
We should not glory about our earthly gifts, but rather that we understand and know God (who is in heaven). Jer 9:23-24
We brought nothing into the world, and we will take nothing out. Instead of wealth, we should pursue eternal life. 1 Tim 6:6-12
Worldly goods cannot save us. Ps 33:16-17
In the end, those who trust in themselves will perish with their wealth. Ps 49:5-15
God chooses the poor of this world, not the rich. James 2:5
Heaven belongs to the Lord. The earth the has been given to man. Ps 115:16-18
Those whose hearts are set on pilgrimage are blessed. Ps 84:1-7
We should not glory about our earthly gifts, but that we understand and know God (who is in heaven). Jer 9:23-24
In the end, those who trust in themselves will perish with their wealth. Ps 49:5-15
Worldly goods cannot save us. Ps 33:16-17
Earth has nothing we should desire except God. Ps 73:25
There will come a time when we should forget the things in this earthly life. Is 43:17-19
NEW TESTAMENT PERSPECTIVE ON OLD TESTAMENT CEREMONIES
Our High Priest is in heaven, and the Old Testament priests served only a "shadow" of the true heavenly things. Hebrews 8:1-6
Earthly ceremonies are only a shadow of what is to come. Col 2:16-17
John MacArthur helps us understand what James and John meant when they say, "friendship with the world is enmity with God" and "we should not love the world." In The MacArthur Study Bible, referring to "world," it says:
This is not a reference to the physical, material world but the invisible spiritual system of evil dominated by Satan and all that it offers in opposition to God, His Word, and His people.
In referring to "friendship," it says:
Appearing only here [in James 4:4] in the New Testament, the Greek word describes love in the sense of a strong emotional attachment. Those with a deep and intimate longing for the things of the world give evidence that they are not redeemed.