We live in a culture that marginalizes Christ and strives to attain power and glory for itself. If we do not intentionally set our hearts on God’s preemminent kingdom, power, and glory, we will naturally default to seeking our own.

KEY VERSES

Matthew 6:13b (NKJV)

13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

2 Corinthians 4:18 (NASB)

18 We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Psalm 68:28 (NASB)

28 Your God has commanded your strength; Show Yourself strong, God, You who acted in our behalf.

1Psalm 96:6,8a (NASB)

6 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary

8 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name.

UNDERSTANDING

• What is a “non-compete clause” in the business world?

• Why might someone have to sign one?

• Why do you think that this phrase closes out the Lord’s prayer?

• Why would we need to be reminded that the kingdom belongs to God?

• When you think of the power of God, what comes to mind?

• How would it encourage you to remember this at the end of your prayers?

• Think about the things you typically pray about. Would you say that your prayers are most often focused on the eternal or the temporary? Does this verse mean we shouldn’t pray about temporary things like physical health or finances? What does it mean?

• How would your prayer life change if your focus was primarily on kingdom things that cannot be seen?

• Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-17. When was a time in the recent past where you were tempted to lose heart? How did you turn to God to sustain you?

• How does focusing on the eternal help us endure the temporary?

• What is your favorite Bible story that demonstrates God’s power?

• How has God demonstrated His power in your life?

• What does it look like to be reverent of God’s power in prayer? What might it look like to not be reverent of God’s power?

• Do you believe God still wants to act on behalf of His people today, including you? How does this knowledge impact the way you relate to Him on a daily basis?

• How do you define God’s glory?

• What does it mean to ascribe to Him the glory “due His name”?

• What is the relationship between ascribing God glory and prayer?
  

APPLICATION

• How can we make certain that our prayers aren’t aimed at advancing our own kingdom, power, and glory instead of God’s?

• In this week’s message, we learned that we should be cognizant of God’s kingdom, reverent of His power, and living for His glory. Which of those three points of application stands out to you the most? Why? How can you put that into practice this week?

WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?

Joining a group is a great way to know people and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Take a look at available groups to get plugged in to and find the group that is right for you. 

GIVING

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