This is the time of year, between Christmas and the New Year, when we start thinking about making resolutions. We often consider starting a new hobby, becoming more organized, or achieving a new personal or professional goal. The truth is, these things may be beneficial, but they will not lead us to have lives filled with purpose and meaning. At the end of the day, if we want our lives to be filled with purpose and meaning, we have to start by living with the end in mind, making the most out of every moment that we are given in this life here on earth.
Who is someone you have seen model what it looks like to live with the end in mind, making the most out of every moment they have here on earth to have an impact for Christ?
1. What holds people back from living with the end in mind?
2. Read Psalm 39:4-7. Read Psalm 39:4-7. What does this passage of Scripture teach us about time?
Psalm 39:4-7
“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered— how fleeting my life is. 5 You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” 6 We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. 7 And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.
3. Read Psalm 90:10-12. Why does understanding that life is short and limited lead to wisdom?
Psalm 90:10-12
Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty. But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble; soon they disappear, and we fly away. 11 Who can comprehend the power of your anger? Your wrath is as awesome as the fear you deserve. 12 Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.
4. Read Ephesians 5:15-20. Compare the way those who live wisely versus those who live foolishly according to this passage of Scripture.
Ephesians 5:15-20
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1. When it comes to making the most of every moment you are given, what is going well and what needs improvement?
2. What does it look like in our world today to choose wisely how you decide to live your life and leverage your life for the kingdom of God?
3, What is one change you can implement in your life to live with eternity in mind, making the most of this life you have been given?
As a group, commit to memorizing Psalm 90:12. Let this verse encourage you all to focus on making the most of your life and live for the things that are eternal, God and His kingdom. Throughout this week, pray this prayer from Psalm 90:12 every day. Ask God to teach each one of you to “realize the brevity of life” so that you “will grow in wisdom.”
If we want to make an impact with our lives for God and His kingdom and make the most of our lives here on earth, we have to think differently from the rest of the world. We have to have a different value system than the world's. For the next few moments, we will examine the teachings of Jesus from one of His most famous sermons, which He delivered while on earth. This will help us understand how Christ followers are called to think and what they are called to value most, which is upside-down from the world's value system.
The first teaching of Jesus from His sermon in Matthew 6 that we will look at today is His teaching about the things of this world. As tempting and alluring as some of these things may be, Jesus provides the perspective that they will not last. As a result, they are not worth pursuing while we live in this world.
1. Read Matthew 6:19.
Matthew 6:19
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal.
2. Summarize Jesus’ teaching about treasures on earth in this passage of Scripture.
3. How have you seen the teaching in this passage of Scripture to be true in your own life?
4. Based on what Jesus taught about the things of this earth, what will happen to anyone who spends their time storing up treasures on earth?
Unlike the things here on this earth that are fading away, the things of heaven, of God's kingdom, will last forever. They will never fade away. We will never lose them. As a result, we can have complete confidence that what we do and how we live on this earth matters.
1. Read Matthew 6:20-21.
Matthew 6:20-21
Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
3. What are the eternal things we can invest our lives in while living here on this earth?
4. Based on Jesus’ teaching in this passage of Scripture, what does what we invest our lives in reveal about us and why?
Because this world and the things of this world are temporary, Jesus taught that living for these earthly things is futile. There is a better way than living our lives for the things here on earth that will not last, and that is seeking God’s eternal kingdom over everything else. This, my friends, is how we live lives of meaning and significance.
1. Read Matthew 6:33.
Matthew 6:33
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
2. In your own words, explain Jesus’ command in this passage of Scripture?
3. What is the result of seeking God’s kingdom above all else?
4. What does it look like for you today to seek the Kingdom of God above all else, based on the gifts that God has given you and your life circumstances?
After you have read from the portions of Jesus' sermon found in Matthew 6 that you read today, reflect. Discuss what you learned with your group by answering the questions below.
1. What is something in this world that is temporary that you have been chasing after?
2. How has God gifted you, and how can you use that gift to make the most of your life to make an impact for eternity?
3. What is one step you can take this week to use the gifts God has given you to make the most of your life?
©2025 Sagebrush Church
