Bible Studies

The Brevity of Life – Living with Eternity in View

by Brother Carlton 
03/10/25
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Key Scriptures:

• Psalm 90:10 – “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.”


• James 4:14 – “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”


• 1 Peter 2:11 – “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.”


• Colossians 3:1-4 – “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”

Introduction: A Fleeting Life

Life moves swiftly. As children, time seems to stretch endlessly, but as we age, the days pass in a blur. The psalmist reminds us that our years are limited—seventy or eighty if God grants us strength—but even then, they are soon cut off, and we "fly away" (Psalm 90:10).

James echoes this truth by likening life to a vapor, a mist that appears briefly before vanishing (James 4:14). We spend our days working, planning, and striving, but ultimately, this life is a temporary journey. As believers, we are not permanent residents of this world. We are pilgrims, just passing through.

The question then arises: How should we live, knowing that life is short?

1. Pilgrims on Earth, Citizens of Heaven

1 Peter 2:11 calls believers “strangers and pilgrims.” A pilgrim is someone traveling toward a destination, not settling permanently. Likewise, Christians are not to be entangled with the temporary but to live with their eyes fixed on the eternal.

Paul reinforces this in Colossians 3:1-4, urging us to set our minds on things above, not on earthly concerns. If we have been raised with Christ, our focus should be on heaven—on Christ, who is seated at the right hand of God.

Application:

• What worldly distractions compete for your attention and pull your focus away from Christ?


• How can you live more intentionally as a pilgrim, not setting your affections on temporary things?

2. Redeeming the Time: Making Life Count

Because life is brief, Scripture calls us to redeem the time (Ephesians 5:16). Wasting time is a sin, for it is a gift from God meant to be used wisely. Many people live as if they have endless days ahead, but the truth is, none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.

Jesus often spoke of being ready for His return. Paul, in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, describes how the faithful will one day be caught up with Christ, entering into eternal life. This should create in us an urgency—not only to live righteously but to share the Gospel while we still have time.

Application:

• Are you making the most of your time, or are you procrastinating on things that matter?


• If you knew today was your last, what would you do differently?

3. Setting Our Affections on Eternal Things

Many spend their lives chasing wealth, success, and comfort. But what is truly lasting? Jesus warned, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth… But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20).

It is not wrong to have possessions, but it is wrong to place our hope and identity in them. True security is found in Christ. Paul calls Him “our life” in Colossians 3:4—our very reason for existence. When we live with eternity in view, we begin to invest in things that truly matter:

• Growing in our relationship with Christ


• Loving and serving others


• Sharing the Gospel


• Building up treasures in heaven

Application:

• What are you currently prioritizing? Do your daily actions reflect a focus on eternal things?


• How can you shift your affections from temporary concerns to lasting treasures?

Conclusion: Living with Eternity in Mind

The hymn Amazing Grace reminds us:

"When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we first begun."

10,000 years will come and go, and eternity will still stretch before us. In light of this, the brevity of our earthly life should inspire us not to waste a single moment.

Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 4:7-8 should be our aim:
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness."

Let us live faithfully, fruitfully, and focused on eternity.

Reflection & Discussion Questions

1. What does the Bible mean when it calls believers “pilgrims and strangers” in this world?


2. How can we balance daily responsibilities while keeping an eternal perspective?


3. What are some practical ways you can "redeem the time" this week?


4. If Jesus were to return today, what would you wish you had done differently?

Key Takeaways:

• Life is short, like a vapor, and we must live with eternity in view.


• As believers, we are pilgrims, not permanent residents of this world.


• We must redeem the time and not waste the limited years God has given us.


• Our affections should be set on things above, not on temporary pleasures.


• Jesus Christ is our true life, and one day we will reign with Him forever.

Brother Carlton ministers the gospel to the Los Angeles area. Formerly a Hollywood actor, SAG member, and property cleanup expert, he now spends most of his time studying the Scriptures and helping small businesses grow more profitably using world-class tactics and strategies. He also offers business coaching and inspirational speaking to help entrepreneurs and individuals achieve greater success. If you're a business owner looking to increase revenue, attract more customers, or need a dynamic speaker for your next event, contact Carlton at [email protected].  Put help in the subject line.