1. Looking Beyond the Moment

2. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 “Therefore, we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 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.”

3. Definition of Looking Beyond The Moment Doing something that would be less fun, but more productive, something that would require some effort, something we may not want to do, nevertheless, we do it because it benefits us in the long run.

4. Examples of Looking Beyond the Moment Studying for a test tomorrow, instead of going to a big party. Weightlifting: Focusing more on the results that will benefit, instead of focusing on the strain. Lying: You realize you will deal with some consequences if you tell the truth, but you realize that lies only make a situation worse. Focusing more on trying to satisfy God, than ourselves.

5. Living For the Moment Looking squarely at a particular time, but not looking any further. Focusing more on satisfying yourself at the moment, not worrying about consequences.

6. Living For the Moment Skipping Education Lying Verbal Abuse Revenge Drugs, Alcohol Sex before marriage All these sinful acts can be satisfying… for a moment.

7. Remember David? 2 Samuel 11: 2-5, 14-17, 26-27) David was human like we are. True, he was not perfect, and he was tempted by the sight of Bathsheba. That does not mean it was impossible for him to walk away, and to not let the sight of her lead him to adultery! If he had that, he would have to endure a difficult temptation, but it would’ve saved him from punishment. (2 Samuel 12:9-14)

8. Why most are “living for the moment” Not thinking about consequences, ignoring them. Searching for the wrong things in life, being too involved in earthly pleasures! (Matthew 16: 24-27) Impatience. Not thinking about death, ignoring the fact that it happens to everyone…and that it can occur at anytime.

9. How do we look beyond the moment? Always consider consequences when making a choice. Face the facts squarely, don’t ignore anything that could happen. Think before you act. (Luke 14:28) Accept the fact that we’re not going to live here forever! (James 4:14) Put God above everything else in your life. (Matthew 19:20)

10. Why should we look beyond the moment? Whether you are a child of God or not, you will never have a life without problems.( 2 Corinthians 4:8-9) If we look beyond the moment, it will lead us to a fulfilling life. It will require some hard work, but when our work is over, and we earn our reward, we will look back with no regrets. There comes a point when temporary pleasures no longer make us happy, and then the consequences take its toll. (Numbers 32:23) We must be ready for the second coming of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 25:10)