LASTING GLORY: PART 2

WELCOME

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.”– Matthew 6:33

Chasing after your own glory produces temporary happiness and fulfillment. It can also lead to selfishness and pride. But when your hope is in God’s lasting glory, you will seek His Kingdom first and experience true joy and purpose.

WORKOUT

Kingdom First

Our world is made up of two kingdoms—man’s kingdom and God’s Kingdom.

Another way to describe God’s Kingdom is the Body of Christ or the Church. Being a part of this fellowship is one of the best ways to grow in your relationship with Jesus. It will change how you approach your daily life and reset your priorities.

Most importantly, being a part of God’s Kingdom means joining with other believers to reflect His glory for the rest of the world to see.

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:16

The Church is for everyone who believes in Jesus and accepts Him as Savior and Lord. That’s why, as a follower of Christ, one of your responsibilities is to share the Good News of salvation with others and invite them into God’s Kingdom.

• What does it mean to be “the light of the world?”
• What are some specific ways you can share Jesus through your sport?

For His Glory

Everything you do in competition and life should be for God’s glory. This is the proper response to the gift of salvation through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and the gift of eternal life through His resurrection from death.

Doing everything for His glory should show up in your disciplines of prayer (talking to and listening to God), Bible study (reading His Word), and community (fellowship with other believers). As Paul taught the early Christians, we do these things to be prepared to share Christ with others:

So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified. – 1 Corinthians 9:26-27

We also do these things to stay built up and strong in our faith to reflect His glory in our lives.

Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people. – Colossians 3:23

• How often do you make prayer, Bible study, and Christian fellowship a part of your life?
• How do you think consistently doing those things might help you do more for His glory?

WRAP-UP

As you reflect on God’s lasting glory, remember that:

• Kingdom First means being a part of God’s kingdom (the Church) and reflecting His image to the world around you.
  • We encouraged, comforted, and implored each one of you to walk worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. – 1 Thessalonians 2:12
• For His Glory is the motivation behind everything you do—from the field of competition to all areas of your life.
  • For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. – Romans 11:36

As you walk out this journey with Jesus, you will continue to move from chasing your glory to reflecting His glory.

Key Action

In your Huddle or in your quiet time, read 2 Corinthians 4:7-18. Discuss what this passage says about the difference between temporary things on earth and the hope of eternity with Jesus.