Our Joys and Sorrows Are Temporal
Mack Tomlinson teaches that Christians should maintain an eternal perspective, recognizing that both their deepest joys and sorrows are temporary and that their true identity is marked by eternity.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining an eternal perspective in the midst of life's deepest sorrows and highest joys. It encourages believers to not be consumed by bitterness or dependency on temporal experiences but to remember that God reigns over all circumstances and that true joy comes from living for eternity, not just for fleeting moments of happiness.
Full Transcript
Let those who mourn be as though they're not mourning. My wife and I, our first child died after she was born. That could dominate a Christian's life and put you into bitterness and doubting God and being angry.
The deepest sorrows in life can make you bitter. But when you have the deepest sorrows, you're to have a perspective that God reigns. He's over this.
He's with me. This is not going to last. I'm going to have the heart and the perspective that these sorrows are temporal and they're not going to last.
Let those who sorrow ultimately see themselves as they're not ones that are going to be sorrowing for long. That's really what He means. And the reverse is true.
Those who have the highest joys, a baby's born, a new marriage, a phenomenal opportunity, great experiences with the Lord, joy unspeakable, full of glory, deep assurance, God's deeply working in your life. The greatest joys, step back, keep perspective. Don't depend on those joys.
Don't think they're always going to last. Don't get addicted to them. Don't live on experience.
Live for eternity as if you didn't need the joys. Let those who rejoice live as though they're not, as though they don't have to rejoice. Can you walk with God when you have no joy? The Bible's not all about joy.
The Bible's about Jesus Christ. So how do you do with your eternal perspective about your life when you have the deepest sorrows, when you have the deepest joys? Truth unchanged, unchanging. You're marked by eternity, not by the highs and lows of the Christian life or the highs and lows of this earthly life.
Change will come. This excerpt was taken from the full sermon, The Christian is Marked by Eternity, that Mac Tomlinson preached at the 2018 Fellowship Conference New England.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Reality of Deep Sorrows
- Personal testimony of loss and mourning
- The danger of bitterness and doubt
- God’s sovereignty over suffering
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II. The Temporality of Sorrows
- Encouragement to see sorrows as temporary
- God’s presence during trials
- Living with hope beyond current pain
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III. The Temporality of Joys
- Recognizing that joys are also fleeting
- Avoiding dependence on emotional experiences
- Living for eternity regardless of circumstances
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IV. Living Marked by Eternity
- Maintaining perspective through highs and lows
- Focusing on Jesus rather than feelings
- Being defined by eternal truths, not temporal experiences
Key Quotes
“Let those who mourn be as though they're not mourning.” — Mack Tomlinson
“Let those who rejoice live as though they're not, as though they don't have to rejoice.” — Mack Tomlinson
“You're marked by eternity, not by the highs and lows of the Christian life or the highs and lows of this earthly life.” — Mack Tomlinson
Application Points
- When facing deep sorrow, remind yourself that God is sovereign and your pain is temporary.
- Avoid becoming dependent on emotional highs by focusing on your eternal identity in Christ.
- Practice walking with God even during seasons when joy feels absent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Mack Tomlinson emphasize the temporality of joys and sorrows?
He teaches that both joys and sorrows are fleeting and Christians should maintain an eternal perspective that transcends current experiences.
How can Christians avoid bitterness in deep sorrow according to the sermon?
By trusting in God’s sovereignty and remembering that their sorrows will not last forever.
What does it mean to live as though you do not have to rejoice?
It means not depending on emotional highs or experiences but living with a steady faith rooted in eternity.
How does the sermon suggest Christians handle times without joy?
Christians are encouraged to walk with God even when they have no joy, focusing on Jesus rather than their feelings.
What is the ultimate mark of a Christian’s life according to Mack Tomlinson?
Being marked by eternity rather than the temporary highs and lows of life.