S.U.C.C.E.S.S: Achieving Eternal Success through God's Word

Introduction

Are you living a life of success or just going through the motions?

Purpose of the sermon: To explore the biblical principles of success and how they can be applied to our daily lives.

In this sermon, we will delve into the meanings of the acronym "S.U.C.C.E.S.S" which stands for Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, Until now you have asked nothing in My name, Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you, Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will do it, Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near, Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. By understanding these principles, we can learn how to live a fulfilling and successful life in the eyes of God.

One modern-day example of people striving for success in a secular manner is through the pursuit of wealth and material possessions. Many individuals work long hours and make sacrifices in their personal lives in order to acquire financial stability and acquire material possessions such as cars, houses, and designer clothing. They believe that having these things will bring them happiness and fulfillment, and they strive to achieve them through their careers, investments, and business ventures.

Stealing or embezzling money to acquire more wealth

Cheating or exploiting others to gain financial advantage

Being dishonest or deceitful in business or financial dealings

Using one's wealth to exploit or oppress others

Being miserly or hoarding wealth at the expense of others

Ignoring one's responsibilities or relationships in pursuit of wealth

Being materialistic and valuing money and possessions above all else

Neglecting one's spiritual well-being in pursuit of wealth

Disregarding the needs of others and only thinking of oneself.

Another example is through the pursuit of fame and recognition. People may strive to become famous actors, musicians, or social media influencers, believing that the adulation and attention they receive will bring them success and validation. They may go to great lengths to be noticed including:

Constantly seeking attention or validation from others

Using others to gain fame or recognition

Lying or exaggerating one's accomplishments or experiences in order to gain fame

Neglecting one's responsibilities or relationships in pursuit of fame

Engaging in unethical or illegal behavior in order to gain fame

Using social media or other forms of self-promotion to constantly seek validation or attention

Belittling or undermining others to make oneself look better

Refusing to give credit or recognition to others who contributed to one's success.

A third example is through the pursuit of power and control. People may strive to climb the corporate ladder, become politicians, or gain influence in their communities in order to have control over others and make decisions that affect the lives of many. They believe that having power and control brings them success and prestige.

Manipulating or deceiving others in order to gain power or control over them

Using threats or intimidation to force others to comply with one's demands

Using one's position of power or authority to exploit or take advantage of others

Refusing to listen to or consider the perspectives or needs of others when making decisions

Using physical or emotional violence to assert control over others

Using lies and deceit to gain power or control over others

Using one's resources or wealth to influence or control the actions of others

Abusing one's power to silence or marginalize those who disagree with them.

Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33)

How can we put God's kingdom first in our lives and align ourselves with His will?

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us to "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness." This means that we should prioritize God's kingdom and His ways above all else. By putting God's kingdom first in our lives, we are putting Him at the center of all we do and aligning ourselves with His will.

When we prioritize God's kingdom and righteousness, we are putting Him first in our lives and putting our trust in Him. This allows us to live a life that is in alignment with His will and purpose. It also allows us to experience peace and fulfillment that the world cannot offer.

One practical way to put God's kingdom first in our lives is by reading and studying the Bible regularly. This will help us to understand God's ways and what it means to live a life that is in alignment with His will. Additionally, we can put God's kingdom first by praying regularly and seeking His guidance in our daily lives. We can also look for opportunities to serve others in the name of Jesus, which will help to reflect the kingdom of God on earth.

Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. Satan offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor if he would bow down and worship him. But Jesus replied, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only' " (Matthew 4:10). This shows that Jesus sought first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, by putting God above all else and refusing Satan's temptations. He followed the principle of Matthew 6:33, which is to put God first in our lives before anything else.

Ultimately, we can put God's kingdom first in our lives by making Him the foundation of all we do and by aligning our hearts and minds with His will.

Until now you have asked nothing in My name (John 16:24)

What are the benefits of praying in Jesus' name?

In John 16:24, Jesus says "Until now you have asked nothing in my name." This is a reminder that when we pray, we should do so in Jesus' name. When we pray in Jesus' name, we are acknowledging that we can only approach God through Jesus and that He is the mediator between God and man.

Praying in Jesus' name is important because it is a way for us to connect with God and to receive the power and authority that comes through Jesus. It is also a way for us to align our will with God's will and to receive the guidance and wisdom that we need to navigate life.

To pray in Jesus' name, we can begin our prayers by saying "In Jesus' name, I pray." This acknowledges Jesus as our mediator and acknowledges that we can only approach God through Him. We can also use the many prayers that Jesus taught us, such as "The Lord's Prayer" and other prayers that Jesus taught us. Additionally, we can seek to understand the power of the name of Jesus, and how it can help us overcome any obstacles or challenges that we face.

When the disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you" (Luke 17:6). Here, Jesus was teaching the disciples that if they had faith and believed in God, they could ask for anything in His name and it will be done for them. This is an example of John 16:24 in practice, as the disciples were asking in Jesus' name and Jesus was confirming that their request would be granted.

When we pray in Jesus' name, we are acknowledging our reliance on Him and the power of His name. It's an act of faith, trust and obedience to God, that helps us to receive guidance, wisdom and strength from God to navigate our daily lives.

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7)

How can we trust in God's care and cast our worries and cares on Him?

In 1 Peter 5:7, we are told to "cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." This verse reminds us that we can give our worries and cares to God, knowing that He cares for us and will take care of us.

When we cast our anxieties on God, we are putting our trust in Him and recognizing that He is in control. This allows us to release our worries and to experience peace and rest in Him. It also helps us to focus on the present moment and to not let our anxieties consume us.

To cast our anxieties on God, we can pray and give them to Him. We can also take time to meditate on His word and remind ourselves of His promises. Additionally, we can practice mindfulness and focus on the present moment, rather than getting caught up in worries about the future. We can also find support in our community, talking to a trusted friend, family member or a counselor, that can help us process our worries and to find a way to put them in God's hands.

When Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Philippi. They were beaten and thrown into the inner prison, but instead of being anxious or worried, they prayed and sang hymns to God (Acts 16:25). They cast all their anxieties on God, trusting that He would take care of them and their situation. This is an example of 1 Peter 5:7 in practice, as they were casting their anxieties on God and not carrying them on their own. And as a result, an earthquake occurred and their chains were unfastened, and the jailer and his household were converted to Christianity (Acts 16:26-34).

When we cast our anxieties on God, we are recognizing that He is in control and that He cares for us. It is a way for us to release our worries and to experience peace and rest in Him. It's an act of faith and trust in God, that helps us to navigate the challenges of life with a calm and peaceful heart.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will do it (Psalms 37:5)

How can we trust God to guide and direct our paths by committing our ways to Him?

In Psalm 37:5, we are told to "commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and He will do it." This verse reminds us that when we commit our ways to the Lord, we are putting our trust in Him and allowing Him to guide and direct our paths.

When we commit our ways to the Lord, we are recognizing that He is sovereign and that He is the one who ultimately directs our paths. This allows us to experience His peace and to have confidence that He is working everything out for our good. It also helps us to focus on His will, rather than our own desires.

To commit our ways to the Lord, we can pray and ask Him to guide and direct our paths. We can also take time to study and meditate on His word, to gain understanding of His will. Additionally, we can seek wise counsel from trusted friends, family members, or spiritual leaders and look for confirmation in the circumstances and in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We can also commit our daily decisions to Him, letting Him lead us in our personal, professional and spiritual life.

King Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 32 Hezekiah put his trust in the Lord when he faced an army threatening his kingdom. He prayed to God, committed his way to Him, and God acted on his behalf, delivering Hezekiah and his people from the enemy.

Committing our ways to the Lord is an act of faith and trust in Him, it helps us to experience His peace and guidance in our lives. It reminds us that He is the one who ultimately directs our paths and that He is working everything out for our good. We can trust Him and have confidence that He will do it.

Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13)

What are the differences between the wide path and the narrow path in life, and why is it important to choose the narrow path?

In Matthew 7:13, Jesus reminds us that "the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction." This verse emphasizes that there are two paths in life- one that is easy and wide, and one that is narrow and difficult. The narrow path is the way of righteousness and salvation, while the wide path is the way of destruction.

Choosing the narrow path is choosing to follow Jesus and to live a life of righteousness. It's a decision that leads to eternal life and salvation, rather than eternal destruction. It's a commitment to follow Jesus and to live a life that is pleasing to Him, rather than to follow our own desires and the ways of the world.

To choose the narrow path, we must first accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. From there, we can grow in our relationship with Him through daily prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. We can also make conscious decisions to follow Jesus and to live a life that is pleasing to Him, rather than following our own desires and the ways of the world. We can also seek guidance and accountability from trusted friends, family members, or spiritual leaders.

The story of King Saul in 1 Samuel 15 is a great example of Matthew 7:13 in practice. Saul was given a clear command from God to completely destroy the Amalekites. Instead, he chose to enter by the wide gate, disobeying God’s command and sparing some of the Amalekites. As a result, he and his kingdom were severely punished by God.

Choosing the narrow path is a decision to follow Jesus and to live a life of righteousness. It's a commitment to follow Jesus and to live a life that is pleasing to Him, rather than to follow our own desires and the ways of the world. It's a choice that leads to eternal life and salvation, rather than eternal destruction. We must make a conscious effort to enter through the narrow gate and to stay on the path of righteousness.

Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near (Isaiah 55:6)

Why is it important to seek God while He is near and call upon Him?

In Isaiah 55:6, the prophet Isaiah encourages the people to seek the Lord while He may be found and to call upon Him while He is near. This verse reminds us of the importance of seeking God while we still have the opportunity, as there may come a time when it is too late. It also suggests that God is near and accessible to those who seek Him.

Seeking the Lord while we still have the opportunity is important because it allows us to grow in our relationship with Him and to deepen our understanding of His character and will for our lives. It also allows us to experience the peace, joy, and fulfillment that comes from living in close relationship with God. Furthermore, it is a chance to repent and turn away from our sins and to be forgiven, and to receive His blessings.

To seek the Lord effectively, we must first make sure that we have a personal relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ. From there, we can grow in our relationship with Him through daily prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. We can also make conscious decisions to spend time with Him in silence and in nature. Additionally, we can surround ourselves with other believers who will encourage and support us in our faith and seek guidance and accountability from spiritual leaders. Furthermore, we can put ourselves in opportunities where we are exposed to God's word and his presence such as church services, Bible studies, and other spiritual events.

The story of King Josiah in 2 Chronicles 34, when Josiah became king he sought the Lord and called upon Him while He was near. As a result, Josiah was blessed with a great revival in the kingdom and a renewed relationship with the Lord.

Seeking the Lord while He may be found is important because it allows us to grow in our relationship with Him and to deepen our understanding of His character and will for our lives. It also allows us to experience the peace, joy, and fulfillment that comes from living in close relationship with God. Additionally, it's a chance to repent and turn away from our sins and to be forgiven, and to receive His blessings. It is important to make a conscious effort to seek the Lord in all aspects of our lives and to make the most of the opportunity while He is near.

Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery (Galatians 5:1)

In Galatians 5:1, Paul encourages us to "stand firm" and not to let ourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. This verse reminds us that as believers, we have been set free from the bondage of sin through faith in Jesus Christ. However, we must actively choose to stand firm in our faith and to resist the temptation to return to our old ways of living.

By standing firm in our faith, we are choosing to live a life of freedom in Christ rather than returning to the bondage of sin. It also helps us to grow in our relationship with Jesus and to become more like Him. It also helps us to resist temptations and trials that come our way and to be steadfast in our faith.

To stand firm in our faith, we must first make sure that our foundation is built on Jesus Christ. From there, we can grow in our relationship with Him through daily prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. We can also make conscious decisions to resist temptations and to choose righteousness over sin. Additionally, we can surround ourselves with other believers who will encourage and support us in our faith and seek guidance and accountability from spiritual leaders.

In the early church in Acts 5 the religious leaders tried to put the apostles back under the yoke of slavery by forbidding them to preach the gospel, the apostles refused to submit and stood firm in their freedom in Christ. This is a great example of trusting in the freedom that Christ has won for us and standing firm in that freedom.

Standing firm in our faith is a decision to live a life of freedom in Christ rather than returning to the bondage of sin. It's a commitment to grow in our relationship with Jesus and to become more like Him. It's also a choice to resist temptations and trials that come our way and to be steadfast in our faith. We must make a conscious effort to stand firm in our faith and not to let ourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Conclusion

In this sermon, we have discussed the importance of seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, as well as the importance of casting all our anxieties on Him because He cares for us. We have also discussed the importance of committing our way to the Lord, and of entering through the narrow gate. Additionally, we have talked about the importance of seeking the Lord while He may be found and calling upon Him while He is near, and standing firm in our faith. All of these points are essential in achieving eternal success, as outlined in the title of this sermon "S.U.C.C.E.S.S: Achieving Eternal Success through God's Word"

As we conclude this sermon, let us remember that the path to true fulfillment and satisfaction is found in seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Let us commit ourselves to putting God first in our lives, trust in Him to guide us and provide for us and follow the direction that God has provided in this sermon. Let us take this message to heart, and actively strive to implement these principles in our daily lives.

Let us pray: Dear Lord, we thank you for the opportunity to hear your word today and for the guidance and encouragement that it provides in our journey towards eternal success. We have learned through this sermon "S.U.C.C.E.S.S: Achieving Eternal Success through God's Word" that the path to true fulfillment and satisfaction is found in seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, casting all our anxieties on Him, committing our ways to the Lord, entering through the narrow gate, seeking the Lord while He may be found and calling upon Him while He is near and standing firm in our faith. We ask for your continued presence in our lives, and for the strength and courage to follow your will and direction in achieving eternal success. Bless us as we leave this place and may your peace, love and grace be with us always. Amen.