"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" -I John 5:4-5 (NASB)
"But He said, 'The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.'" -Luke 18:27 (NASB)
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified." -I Corinthians 9:24-28 (NASB)
"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encombrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." -Hebrews 12:1-2 (NASB)
"The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." -I Corinthians 15:56-57 (NASB)
Introduction:
The Super Bowl, like other prominent sporting events, may give us the chance to cheer for a team and to celebrate winning. We can be happy when our team reaches the highest levels of success. However, we know that the next season will bring challenges and may not end in winning the biggest game of the season. In life, we want to experience victories, too, but we want victories that will last forever!
We can have victories in our lives, but we need to consider the types of victories for which we strive. Our victories can be momentary or they can be eternal. What steps do we take to make sure we have meaningful, lasting victories in God?
Sunday:
We experience obstacles in our lives that may deter us from our goals. If we focus on the goals of this world, we may not feel we are winning! No matter what we have done in our lives, the pressures of this world, or the barriers that seem to exist, we can overcome and be victorious. As we are reminded in 1 John, we need to believe in Jesus Christ and listen to the guidance that God provides!
*What challenges do we face in this world? What concerns do we need to take to God?
*How can we better listen to God's direction in our lives?
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the eternal victory that only You can provide. Help me to rely on You, to have faith and to listen to Your guidance. As I celebrate Your presence and power, help me to celebrate eternal victory with the fellow believers in my life. Through Jesus I pray, amen.
Monday:
When we try to face life on our own, there are many things that seem impossible. Audrey Hepburn is quoted as saying, "Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!" We can be reassured that anything is possible with God. We need to have faith in Him. With faith in God and belief in Jesus Christ as our Savior, we know that what seems impossible is possible!
*What feels like the impossible in life? How can God help with this?
*How can we grow in faith to help us be victorious?
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the eternal victory that only You can provide. Help me to rely on You, to have faith and to listen to Your guidance. As I celebrate Your presence and power, help me to celebrate eternal victory with the fellow believers in my life. Through Jesus I pray, amen.
Tuesday:
There are likely days when we feel like we are running! We are in training and running a race for God. While we are striving for victory, it is not an earthly victory. We know that the rewards of this world are only temporary. Instead, we are working toward a victory that only God can provide: eternal life through Jesus Christ! As we consider "winning" or "victory", is our focus on the here and now or on the forever?
*What does "winning" or "victory" in our lives mean? How do our definitions reflect our goals, priorities, and relationships with God?
*How can we be sure our focus stays on eternal victory with God?
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the eternal victory that only You can provide. Help me to rely on You, to have faith and to listen to Your guidance. As I celebrate Your presence and power, help me to celebrate eternal victory with the fellow believers in my life. Through Jesus I pray, amen.
Wednesday:
Our victory comes through the grace and mercy of God, but we need to be sure we remain committed to Him. Just as we may look to trainers to help with our physical exercise, we need to commit to practices that help us become spiritually stronger. We need to train our bodies and mind by spending time in His Word and in communication with Him. We can find mentors that will help us to grow as members of God's family. As we learn about, learn from, and talk with God, we can be sure our training stays on the right track that leads to eternity with God!
*What can we do to continue "training" for the race we are called to run?
*Who are the people in our lives that can continue to help us grow?
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the eternal victory that only You can provide. Help me to rely on You, to have faith and to listen to Your guidance. As I celebrate Your presence and power, help me to celebrate eternal victory with the fellow believers in my life. Through Jesus I pray, amen.
Thursday:
Some sports may seem like they are "individual" sports. If we see or participate in such sports, it may seem as if it is all on a single person to win or lose. However, even competitors in individual sports rely on a network of coaches and supporters. Team sports also offer opportunities to work together toward a common goal. While each of us need to make a personal commitment to following God, we do have a "team" that supports us. We know that we can find support by talking with God through prayer, but we can also find help through fellowship with other believers, being a member of a church family, and knowing someone that can be a mentor or teacher. It is the cloud of witnesses that have gone before us and our family of believers that can help us to keep our eyes on God and Jesus in order to reach eternal victory!
*Who do we have in our lives that can be our coaches and supporters?
*What can we do to commit our lives to God and continue to train for Him?
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the eternal victory that only You can provide. Help me to rely on You, to have faith and to listen to Your guidance. As I celebrate Your presence and power, help me to celebrate eternal victory with the fellow believers in my life. Through Jesus I pray, amen.
Friday:
Once we accept God's gift of redemption through His Son, we know that we have eternal victory that outlasts this world. We can continue to learn and grow, but we shouldn't keep this victory to ourselves! We should share our victory with others. The victory that we have in Jesus Christ is not limited to a few people. We can help others have eternal victories!
*How can you share your victory with others so they can have eternal victory?
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the eternal victory that only You can provide. Help me to rely on You, to have faith and to listen to Your guidance. As I celebrate Your presence and power, help me to celebrate eternal victory with the fellow believers in my life. Through Jesus I pray, amen.
Saturday:
We have an eternal victory that comes from God. We cannot claim this victory on our own. Because of this, we should always be praising God and giving glory to Him! We need to thank God and allow others to see that He is the one responsible for our victory!
*Take time to give glory and praise to God!
Prayer:
Dear God-
Thank You for the eternal victory that only You can provide. Help me to rely on You, to have faith and to listen to Your guidance. As I celebrate Your presence and power, help me to celebrate eternal victory with the fellow believers in my life. Through Jesus I pray, amen.