As Dispensational believers, we recognize Paul's unique apostleship to the Gentiles. I fall into the category of Gentiles. I am from Nigeria NOT Israel.

I belong to the "Body of Christ". I am not an Israelite. *The "Body Of Christ" DID NOT REPLACE "ISRAEL."* These are 2 different, separate, distinct people. WHICH CATEGORY DO YOU BELONG TO?

TOPIC: *TEMPORARY PLEASURE LEADS TO ETERNAL REGRET*

CIC89: *CELEBRITY IN CHRIST EPISODE 89*

"What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" *Mark 8:36*

Beauty fades, Wealth is left behind, Possessions perish, and Earthly plans eventually end.

We should be “Living for Eternity in a Temporary World”

Key Texts: Colossians 3:1–4; 2 Corinthians 4:17–18; 1 Timothy 6:6–10, 17–19 KJV

*Mark 8:36 is true Scripture,* but its immediate context belongs to Christ's earthly ministry to Israel and the Kingdom program.

For doctrine directly addressed to the Body of Christ, we should establish the message primarily from Paul's epistles.

*Paul gives us the same essential warning for this present Dispensation of Grace:*
“While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” — 2 Corinthians 4:18 KJV

The problem is not possessing a house, money, beauty, a career, or material blessings. The problem begins when temporary things possess our hearts.

*YOU CAN REPENT. One of The most beautiful thing about our mind and body is OUR ABILITY TO CHANGE THEM!*

People will remember every sin you committed, every mistake you made, and every shameful thing you did in your past.

But Jesus sees the sinner who has humbled themselves, trusted in His sacrifice on the cross, repented, and turned away from their wicked ways.

Many people are quick to condemn others for their past while refusing to acknowledge that God is willing to forgive those who sincerely repent.

They believe certain people have sinned too much, fallen too far, or lived too wickedly to ever receive God’s mercy.

*But that is not what Jesus taught.*

Jesus said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32).

In Matthew 21:31, Jesus warned the self-righteous religious leaders that  harlots etc would enter the kingdom of God before them.

Why? Because the harlots they despised were responding to God's call to repentance, while they themselves refused to believe and repent.

The very people society looks down upon for their sinful past can humble themselves, repent, and receive forgiveness and salvation through Jesus Christ with the help of his Holy Spirit.

Meanwhile, those who proudly condemn them for their past may be on their way to hell, blinded by their own self-righteousness, while the very people they condemn have been forgiven and saved.

But God’s mercy is not permission to continue living in sin.

Jesus forgave sinners, but He also commanded them to sin no more (John 5:14; 8:11).

And just as God shows mercy to those who repent, we are commanded to show mercy and forgiveness to those who have wronged us.

Jesus said, “If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him” (Luke 17:3).

Notice that Jesus did not command us to pretend that wrongdoing never happened.

He commanded us to rebuke those who sin against us but also to forgive them if they sincerely repent.

Hebrews 8:12 reminds us that God is merciful and will remember our sins no more.

If God is willing to show mercy to those who sincerely repent, who are you to declare that they do not deserve forgiveness?

*Our five alliterated truths of life are:*

1️⃣ PLEASURES are Passing
2️⃣ POSSESSIONS are Perishing
3️⃣ PLANS are Precarious
4️⃣ PRIORITIES must be Pauline
5️⃣ PROFIT must be Permanent

From a  Dispensational perspective, we should make an important doctrinal distinction between *BEFORE RESURRECTION and After THE Cross.*

1️⃣ *PLEASURES ARE PASSING*

What pleases the flesh today cannot satisfy the soul forever.

📖 1 Timothy 5:6; 2 Timothy 3:4; Titus 3:3

Paul never teaches that all enjoyment is sinful. The danger is becoming “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:4).

Temporary pleasure promises satisfaction but can not give permanent spiritual contentment.

*A. PLEASURE is SHORT-LIVED*
📖 1 Timothy 5:6
“But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.”

A person can be physically alive, surrounded by entertainment, possessions and comforts, yet spiritually empty.

*The flesh continually says:*
“Give me more.”
But satisfaction based entirely upon circumstances never lasts.

*B. PLEASURE can become SELF-LOVE*

📖 2 Timothy 3:2–4

*Paul describes men as:*
“lovers of their own selves… lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.”

*There is the real issue: Misplaced affection.*

Pleasure becomes dangerous when personal gratification becomes more important than pleasing Christ.

*C. PLEASURE cannot produce CONTENTMENT*

📖 Philippians 4:11
“for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

Paul's contentment was not dependent upon possessions.
He could abound.
He could suffer need.
Yet Christ remained sufficient.

*PREACHING TRUTH:*
PLEASURE IS A TERRIBLE MASTER BECAUSE IT ALWAYS PROMISES MORE THAN IT CAN DELIVER.

2️⃣ *POSSESSIONS ARE PERISHING*

Everything we accumulate eventually changes ownership.

📖 1 Timothy 6:7
“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”

This single verse destroys the illusion that material wealth provides permanent security.

_You entered this world owning nothing._
_You will leave this world carrying nothing._

*A. POSSESSIONS are TEMPORARY*

📖 2 Corinthians 4:18
“the things which are seen are temporal…”

_Your house is temporal._
_Your vehicle is temporal._
_Your money is temporal._
_Your clothes are temporal._

Even your physical body in its present condition is temporal.

*B. PROSPERITY is UNCERTAIN*

📖 1 Timothy 6:17

*Paul warns:*
“nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God…”

*Notice the word “uncertain.”*

_Money can disappear._
_Businesses can fail._
_Properties deteriorate._
_Economies change._

But God remains faithful.

*C. POSSESSIONS must never become our PASSION*

📖 1 Timothy 6:10
“For the love of money is the root of all evil…”

Paul did not say money itself is the root of all evil.
*The issue is “the love of money.”*

The sin is not necessarily having wealth.
The danger is when wealth has you.

*PREACHING TRUTH:*
YOU MAY OWN MANY THINGS TODAY, BUT ONE DAY EVERYTHING YOU OWN WILL BELONG TO SOMEBODY ELSE.

3️⃣ *PLANS ARE PRECARIOUS*

Earthly ambitions can not guarantee tomorrow.

📖 Philippians 3:18–20

The world encourages us to build everything around the present life.

*But Paul reminds believers:*
“For our conversation is in heaven…”

Our ultimate destiny is heavenly.

*A. PLANS can become EARTH-BOUND*

📖 Philippians 3:19
Paul describes some:
“who mind earthly things.”

There is nothing wrong with planning for a home, career, education, family, or future. The problem is living as though earth is all there is.

*B. PLANS must remain CHRIST-CENTERED*

📖 Colossians 3:1–2
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Our earthly plans should be subordinate to heavenly priorities.

*Ask:*
Will this help me serve Christ?
Will this strengthen my testimony?
Will this advance the Gospel?

*C. PLANS can not prevent DEATH*

📖 1 Corinthians 15:22
“For as in Adam all die…”

No amount of success can cancel humanity's mortality.

The richest and poorest eventually face the same reality.
But for the saved believer, death does not mean eternal regret or condemnation.

📖 Romans 8:1
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus…”

That distinction is essential.

*PREACHING TRUTH:*
PLAN FOR TOMORROW—BUT NEVER LIVE AS THOUGH TOMORROW ON EARTH IS GUARANTEED.

4️⃣ *PRIORITIES MUST BE PAULINE*

Right division changes what we value.

📖 Colossians 3:1–4; 2 Timothy 2:15

As Dispensational believers, we recognize Paul's unique apostleship to the Gentiles.

📖 Romans 11:13
Therefore our priorities for this Dispensation of Grace should be shaped by the doctrine Christ revealed through Paul.

*A. PRIORITIZE THINGS ABOVE*

📖 Colossians 3:2
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Your heart follows what you value.
The believer should therefore deliberately cultivate affection for eternal things.

*B. PRIORITIZE SOUND DOCTRINE*

📖 2 Timothy 2:15
“rightly dividing the word of truth.”

*Success is not merely having money.*

Success is understanding God's Word rightly and allowing sound doctrine to work in you.
📖 1 Thessalonians 2:13

*C. PRIORITIZE CHRIST'S GOSPEL*

📖 1 Corinthians 15:1–4

Our greatest responsibility is not building a material empire.

*It is proclaiming that:*

Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day.

_Buildings eventually fall._
_Cars rust._
_Money changes hands._

But the Gospel concerns eternal salvation.

*PREACHING TRUTH:*
DO NOT SPEND YOUR WHOLE LIFE BUILDING WHAT DEATH WILL FORCE YOU TO LEAVE BEHIND.

5️⃣ *PROFIT MUST BE PERMANENT*

Invest your life in what survives this present world.

📖 1 Corinthians 3:8–15; 2 Corinthians 5:10

Salvation and reward must be distinguished. We are not saved by our works.
📖 Ephesians 2:8–9
But after salvation, our service for Christ matters and will be evaluated.

*A. SALVATION is FREE*

📖 Romans 3:24
“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

_You can not purchase salvation._
_You can not earn eternal life._
_You can not work your way into Christ._

Believe the Gospel of Christ.
📖 1 Corinthians 15:1–4

*B. SERVICE will be TESTED*

📖 1 Corinthians 3:13

“the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.”

At the Judgment Seat of Christ, the issue for the saved believer is not whether Christ's blood was sufficient to save him.

The issue is the quality of his service.
Was my life spent for Christ—or merely for myself?

*C. REWARD can be ETERNAL*

📖 1 Corinthians 3:14
“If any man's work abide… he shall receive a reward.”

*Here is the contrast:*

Temporary wealth—or eternal reward.
Earthly applause—or Christ's approval.
Temporal possessions—or lasting spiritual fruit.

*PREACHING TRUTH:*
SALVATION IS NOT YOUR REWARD FOR SERVING CHRIST—SALVATION IS GOD'S FREE GIFT. BUT THE SAVED BELIEVER SHOULD LIVE FOR CHRIST BECAUSE HIS LABOUR IS NOT IN VAIN.
📖 1 Corinthians 15:58

*IMPORTANT DISPENSATIONAL DISTINCTION*

The title “Temporary Pleasure Leads to Eternal Regret” needs qualification.

It should not be understood to mean that a saved member of the Body of Christ can enjoy Worldly Material things, die, and then lose eternal salvation.
Absolutely not.

*The believer is:*
*Justified* — Romans 5:1
*Reconciled* — Romans 5:10–11
*Sealed* — Ephesians 1:13–14
*Complete in Christ* — Colossians 2:10
*Secure in Christ* — Romans 8:38–39

*A saved believer may suffer loss of reward for a wasted Christian life, but:*
📖 1 Corinthians 3:15
“he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved…”

*Therefore:*
ETERNAL LIFE IS A GIFT; ETERNAL REWARD CONCERNS FAITHFUL SERVICE.
That distinction protects the Gospel of Grace.

*CALL TO ACTION*

*1. REASSESS YOUR TREASURES*

📖 Colossians 3:1–2

*Ask yourself:*
What am I actually living for?

*2. REORDER YOUR PRIORITIES*

📖 Ephesians 5:15–16

“redeeming the time…”
Do not merely count your money. Make your time count.

*3. REMEMBER YOUR DESTINY*

📖 Philippians 3:20–21

This present earthly body and present earthly life are not the believer's final condition.

Live with eternity in view.

*CONCLUSION*

Beauty fades.
Cars depreciate.
Houses deteriorate.
Bank accounts change.
Careers end.
Human applause disappears.

*And eventually we leave every earthly possession behind.
But this does not mean Christians must despise every material blessing.*

📖 *1 Timothy 6:17 says God:*
“giveth us richly all things to enjoy.”

The issue is not whether you possess earthly things.

*The issue is:
WHERE IS YOUR CONFIDENCE, AFFECTION, AND PURPOSE?*

Enjoy God's blessings with gratitude—but never worship the blessing instead of the Blesser.

*Use temporal things for eternal purposes.*

*Use your home for ministry.*

*Use your money for grace giving NOT Tithes.*

*Use your time to serve Christ.*

*Use your voice to proclaim the Gospel.*

*Use your life for what will matter at the Judgment Seat of Christ.*

FINAL THOUGHTS — *THE FIVE P's*

1️⃣ *PLEASURES ARE PASSING* — Don't live merely for gratification.
📖 2 Timothy 3:4

2️⃣ *POSSESSIONS ARE PERISHING* — You can not carry them out.
📖 1 Timothy 6:7

3️⃣ *PLANS ARE PRECARIOUS* — Earth is not our ultimate destiny.
📖 Philippians 3:19–20

4️⃣ *PRIORITIES MUST BE PAULINE* — Set your affection on things above.
📖 Colossians 3:1–2

5️⃣ *PROFIT MUST BE PERMANENT* — Labour for what matters eternally.
📖 1 Corinthians 3:13–15; 15:58

*FINAL PREACHING STATEMENT*

_“DON'T TRADE ETERNAL PURPOSE FOR TEMPORARY PLEASURE._

_DON'T BUILD YOUR WHOLE LIFE AROUND THINGS YOU CANNOT TAKE WITH YOU._

*BELIEVE THE GOSPEL, KNOW WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST, REDEEM THE TIME, SERVE THE LORD, AND INVEST YOUR LIFE IN WHAT WILL MATTER FOR ETERNITY!”*

_TEMPORARY THINGS WILL PASS BUT CHRIST REMAINS.
SO LIVE TODAY WITH ETERNITY IN VIEW._

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