"For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever." Matthew 6:13 (KJV)

"Everything comes from God alone.  Everything lives by His power, and everything is for His glory."  Romans 11:36 (LB) 

No matter what your need is, the Lord's Prayer is the answer.  In it, you'll find the reason for everything.  Until we understand the words kingdom, power, and glory, we will never know our purpose.  You were created by God, for God.  In this seventh lesson in our series on Jesus' model prayer, we'll discuss the three sources of real fulfillment. 

1. LIVE BY GOD'S AGENDA NOT YOURS.
According to 1 Thessalonians 2:12, where is God calling us?

• How does the way we live our lives reflect our belief in God's kingdom?
• Why does our outward behavior matter for those who might not believe in the power of Christ?
• Share some keywords describing a life that belongs to God. 

Over what time period does God promise to provide for us in Matthew 6:13?

• Describe the importance of focusing on our daily needs in prayer to God. 
• Why do folks have such trouble giving up their problems to God?
• God is eager to bless us and provide for us, but we need to be on his wavelength.  How is aligning ourselves with God a day-by-day process?

The best way to stay focused on living for God's kingdom is to make sure he comes first in our lives.  No matter what your situation, there is always room for improvement.  From the following list, choose an area where you can make a push toward putting God first:

• Finances
• Interests
• Relationships
• Schedules
• Troubles

2. LIVE BY HIS POWER.
1 Corinthians 4:20 defines the Kingdom of God by saying what it is, and what it is not.  Compare and contrast the two ideas.  

• It can be said that living by God's power means expecting God to work in your life.  What strengthens a believer's faith in God?
• God blesses people who depend upon him.  Think of a time in  your life where you learned to depend upon the Lord. 

According to Ephesians 3:20, what is at work within us?

• How do we get God's power in our lives?  Discuss the following three ways to receive God's power and give an example where you experienced it. 

     How you can receive God's power:

1. Through prayer (see James 5:16)
2. By taking risks in obeying God (see the miracle of the Israelite's crossing of the river Jordan in Joshua 3:13-17)
3. By not giving up (see James 1:3, 12)

There is nothing we can do within ourselves to experience God's power.  God's power comes through his grace as we connect with him in worship.  Take a few moments to worship him.  Focus on this truth: all things that seem impossible in the human realm are possible in God's kingdom.

3. LIVE FOR GOD'S GLORY.
According to Romans 6:10-11, what does Jesus live for and how should we replicate this?

• How do we recognize someone who is living for the glory of God?

HOW DO WE LIVE FOR THE GLORY OF GOD?
Show love to everyone
How should we treat each other based on Romans 15:7?

• Think of a time when someone's small kindness affected you. 
• Think of an idea of small kindnesses you can do throughout your day.

Use your abilities to serve everyone
1 Peter 4:10-11a explains that each of us has received special talents or gifts for what purpose?

• How can you use your talents to help others?

Share the Good News with everyone
What will happen when more and more people come to Christ, according to 2 Corinthians 4:15?

• When did you first receive the Good News of Jesus Christ?  How do you feel about the person/event that first brought you to Christ?
• What might make someone feel uncomfortable about sharing their belief in Jesus Christ?

Join God's family
Read Ephesians 3:21.  What will bring glory to God?

• No kingdom except God's will last forever.  How might this influence someone's decision to join God's family?  
• It's been recently reported that more Americans believe in God but are not part of an organized church.  How does this trend differ from a biblical understanding of God's Word?

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:  
^{"For from him and through him and to him are all things.  To him be the glory forever! Amen."  Romans 11:36 (NIV)}

• God's Kingdom is his plan for history and for eternity.  it will never end (Daniel 11:36).  God's kingdom is a present reality, not something we have to wait for. 
• God'e power is his program.  It's how he accomplishes his plan (Isaiah 42:12-13).  His power is a present resource, available every moment to those who trust in him.  
• God's glory is his purpose.  It's how he reveals the kind of God he is (Isaiah 43:7).  His glory is the reason for everything. 

If we live for his kingdom, by his power, and for his glory, there is nothing we cannot accomplish.  This is the pathway to a fulfilled and joyful life.  Those who fail to live this way are unfulfilled, no matter how much they might "have."

What step on this journey do you need to take next?

• If you have yet to surrender your life to God?
• If you've been a Christian for a while, why not invite others to join you on the journey toward discipleship.
• Find ways to share Christ with others who have not yet heard his Good News. 

Whatever you do, live a life through which others see Jesus reflected.