𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗗𝗢 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗗𝗘𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗘 𝗦𝗨𝗖𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦?

HOW DO YOU DEFINE TRUE SUCCESS?

Earthly Success vs. Spiritual Success
Key Pauline Text: 2 Corinthians 4:18 (KJV)
Right Division Anchor: 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

INTRODUCTION

The world defines success by what is seen—money, status, comfort, applause.
But God defines success by what is eternal—faithfulness, obedience, and glory to Christ.

When believers fail to rightly divide Scripture, they chase earthly measures instead of heavenly rewards. Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles, teaches us that true success is not measured by now—but by eternity.

Today we will examine NINE TRUTHS that separate EARTHLY SUCCESS from SPIRITUAL SUCCESS.

PERSPECTIVE — Temporal vs. Eternal
2 Corinthians 4:18

A. Seen Things – Money, titles, possessions
B. Short-Lived Glory – Fades quickly
C. Unseen Things – Eternal value
Insight:
True success looks beyond time into eternity.

PRIORITY — Wealth vs. Worth
1 Timothy 6:6–7

A. Material Gain – Temporary riches
B. Contentment – Great spiritual gain
C. Eternal Worth – Christ above all
Pauline Truth:
You can gain the world and still lose eternal reward.

PURPOSE — Career vs. Calling
Philippians 3:13–14

A. Earthly Ambition – Climbing ladders
B. Heavenly Calling – Pressing toward Christ
C. Divine Prize – High calling of God
Dispensational Focus:
Our calling is upward, not outward.

PRAISE — Applause vs. Approval
Galatians 1:10

A. People-Pleasers – Seek popularity
B. God-Pleasers – Seek approval
C. Servant Mindset – Christ before crowds
Pauline Standard:
You cannot serve Christ and chase applause.

PEACE — Comfort vs. Christ
Philippians 4:11–13

A. Earthly Security – Based on circumstances
B. Inner Strength – Content in all things
C. Christ Sufficiency – Strength through Him
Reality:
True peace is not comfort—it is Christ.

PERSEVERANCE — Ease vs. Endurance
2 Timothy 2:3

A. Avoiding Suffering – Worldly mindset
B. Enduring Hardship – Soldier of Christ
C. Eternal Honor – Faithful endurance
Pauline Doctrine:
Suffering with Christ is not failure—it is fellowship.

PROFIT — Achievement vs. Account
1 Corinthians 3:13–15

A. Earthly Achievements – Burn away
B. Tested Works – Fire reveals truth
C. Eternal Reward – Loss or gain
Right Division:
Success is measured at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

POSITION — Self-Glory vs. God’s Glory
1 Corinthians 10:31

A. Self-Exaltation – Fleshly pride
B. God-Centered Living – Glory to God
C. Christ Magnified – In all things
Pauline Focus:
Life is not about being seen, but making Christ seen.

PERMANENCE — Looking Good vs. Being Faithful
2 Timothy 4:7–8

A. Image Maintenance – Outward success
B. Finished Course – Faith kept
C. Crown Awaiting – Righteous reward
Conclusion:
True success is finishing faithful, not finishing famous.

CONCLUSION

Earthly success may impress men—but spiritual success pleases God.
“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
— Mark 8:36 (KJV)
Paul lived poor, suffered much, and died imprisoned—yet he was eternally successful.

CALL TO ACTION

Shift your focus to eternity
Renew your mind through Paul’s epistles
Serve Christ faithfully, not fame
Run the race with endurance
Live for the crown, not the crowd

FINAL THOUGHTS

Earthly success fades
Eternal success remains
Wealth is temporary
Faithfulness is forever
Approval of God matters most
Suffering refines believers
Rewards await the faithful
Christ is our prize
TRUE SUCCESS = PLEASING GOD

How do YOU define success?