Devo for Back to School Kickoff (2023)
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Introduction:
Thank you for coming
I love events like this
Other Christians
Reminder: “Bigger than us”
Bigger than us = the Kingdom of God
Recently read through Hebrews; found new favorite verse
Living in light of Kingdom
NextGen needs to hear this
Living in light of things we shouldn’t
Building the Kingdom this school year
Don’t let it slip away
Let’s dive in
Body:
Hebrews 12:28 (NLT)
28 Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.
First, receiving a Kingdom
That’s awesome!
But what is the Kingdom?
Kingdom = Jesus’ reign over all believers everywhere (and for all of time)
Kingdom = big concept that the Bible is ultimately about
So we’re receiving it, and its unshakeable
It will never cease to exist
As students, temptation to focus on what doesn’t last
Popularity
Fitting in
Being the best student/athlete, etc
Kingdom = eternal
This is why its important to live for the Kingdom
The Big Idea: Live in light of the Kingdom of God
The Question: How do I live in light of the Kingdom? (2 Ways)
Thankfulness
First step
Thankfulness = big deal
Romans 1:21 (NLT)
21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused.
Root of sin = lack of thankfulness
So makes sense
Thankful for what?
The kingdom is unshakeable
Eternal purpose
Getting to live for something bigger than us
Getting real: Thankfulness = hard
Life is hard
Hard to be thankful when life is hard
Life is harder for teens today
New struggles
New temptations
Social media
How thankful when world looks like this?
Bc not what Kingdom looks like
World is passing way
Kingdom is forever
Living for Kingdom = actually be thankful
For the Gospel
God created us to be with Him
Our sins separate us from God
Sins cannot be removed by good deeds
Paying the price for sin, Jesus died and rose again
Everyone who trust in Him alone has eternal life
Life with Jesus starts now and lasts forever.
Focus on this last one:
Think Kingdom, think future
But look back at verse:
Hebrews 12:28 (NLT)
28 Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.
Not “we will receive”
“We are receiving”
Part of Kingdom now
In full later
Already/Not Yet
Make thanking God for the Gospel and His Kingdom a priority
The Question: How do I live in light of the Kingdom? (2 Ways)
Thankfulness
Worship
28 Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe.
Deep dive into worship next week
What is worship?
37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment.
Worship = loving God first
Worship = big deal
Romans 1:21 (NLT)
21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused.
Not loving God = sin root
Loving God = Kingdom living
Growing your love for God
Thinking and praying about the Gospel/Kingdom regularly
2 things we worship with
Fear
Awe
Reminder: God destroying people who looked at Him in the OT
God is mighty
Worshiping Him knowing we don’t deserve His mercy and grace
Humility
Practical application: youth worship
Kingdom Living = singing worship songs
Why people lift hands, too
Worship more than music, though
Worship = lifestyle
Worshipful living is Kingdom living
Worship God this school year
Conclusion
Live for more this school year
For Gospel. For the Kingdom
Let’s talk to God right now and dedicate this school year to Him.
PRAY