Glory: Teamනියැදිය

Lasting Glory I

WELCOME

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

When my hope is in God’s lasting glory, I will seek His Kingdom first.

WARM-UP

Team discussion: What does it mean to “Go down in history?” In what way would you like your current team to go down in history?

WORKOUT

ESPN released a 2017 article identifying “The 16 Greatest Teams in Sports History.” The author considered several factors including achieving lasting success. Every team listed had a start and end date and the latest legacy on the list ended 17 years before publication. The New England Patriots (2001-17), San Francisco 49ers (1981-95) and Pittsburgh Steelers (1974-80) were mentioned for winning the most number of Super Bowls: Patriots and San Francisco (5) Steelers (4). In 2024, the record for the most Superbowl titles is tied between the Patriots and the Steelers with 6 wins. Years from now that record will change, teams will rise and fall and new contenders will emerge. Why? Because they are all competing for a perishable crown – that is a crown or glory that will not last.

The glory of God is imperishable. It was here long before us and will continue forever. When the angel, Gabriel, visited Mary with news that she would give birth to the Messiah, he said, “You will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High…and His kingdom will have no end” (Luke 1:31-33).

Q: Imagine a program whose winning record never ended. How would the players and fans of every other team respond to this never-ending winning streak?

Q: How would you feel to be on such a team?

Q: What does it mean to you knowing with Christ you are on the team whose glory never ends?

Jesus was secure in His glory. Therefore, He had nothing to prove to anyone (not Satan, the Jewish leaders and teachers nor Piot). He knew that by going through with the Father’s will to endure the cross and suffer death for us, He would be crowned with glory and honor. (Hebrews 2:9 and 12:2). Jesus prayed, “And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began” (John 17:5).

Reflecting God’s glory will feel like a burden at times. You might even wonder if it’s worth it. It is possible to be so secure in your position with Jesus that you don’t need to make decisions to win the approval of others. You are free to seek God’s kingdom and glory first just like Jesus. Jesus extended to us His lasting glory. It doesn’t fade like the earthly glory attached to a winning season. Jesus prayed during His final hours for His disciples and those who would believe in Him through their message (that’s us): “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world” (John 17:24).

WRAP-UP

Jesus gave us hope worth the wait. Let it encourage you through the resistance that comes when you purpose to live your life for Christ. There is so much more that you can do that brings God glory than things you should steer clear of. Jesus came that you might have a full abundant life. Keeping Him in mind and choosing to honor Him helps ensure that you get to enjoy that life as long as possible. When times get hard, “Consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.”—Romans 8:18

Q. What is encouraging about Christ’s example?

Q. How have you considered living for God's glory (e.g. seeking His kingdom first?)

Q. What resistance have you encountered or anticipate encountering when trying to live for Him?

• Lasting Glory can only be found in a relationship with Him. Trophies, medals, news articles, and monetary gains will all fade away.

So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. – 2 Corinthians 4:18