WARM-UP
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 (led by Satan) and God’s Kingdom (led by Jesus).
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 the way you approach your daily life and reset your priorities.
Most importantly, being a part of God’s Kingdom is where you join with other believers to reflect His glory for the rest of the world to see.
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.
Q: What do you think it means to be “the light of the world?”
Q: 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:
We also do these things to stay built up and strong in our faith as a way of reflecting His glory in our lives.
Q: How often do you make prayer, Bible study, and Christian fellowship a part of your life?
Q: How do you think doing those things more consistently 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.
• For His Glory is the motivation behind everything you do—from the field of competition to all areas of your life.
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 is speaking to you about the difference between temporary things on earth and the hope of eternity with Jesus.