Topic: Competing In Vain [Open Heavens for Teens 19 July 2019]

Memorise: “For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” – 2 Corinthians 10:12

Read: 2 Corinthians 10:12-18

12.For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

13.But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.

14.For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ:

15.Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,

16.To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand.

17.But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

18.For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

Bible In One Year: Psalm 28-30, Acts 21:1-14

MESSAGE:

In today’s world, everyone seems to be running after power, fame, money and other materials things.

It is very common, especially among you teenagers, that you brag about who has the best clothes, gadgets, and even boyfriend or girlfriend. You will gain nothing from all these, and if any comes from it, it will be negative.

Competition is good and if any one know me well, they will know that I like to compete in things that are beneficial to my future. When I was a teenager, I like to compete for the best in the class, the fastest in sports and the likes. It is these kinds of competitions that gave me many awards in the school. Which school will award you for having the best phone?

These days, I strife to be the one who pray and read the bible most, the one who obey God most. In trying to outshine everyone in these things, I have gained so much that I cannot count them all. I wish I started competing those things when I was a teenager, imagine how far I would have gone now.

Key Point: You have the opportunity to know Christ now, leave the ungainful things and start competing for the gainful ones.

Also Read: Teen Open Heaven Daily Devotional by Pastor Adeboye

Hymn 5:

1 Onward, Christian soldiers,
Marching as to war, 
With the cross of Jesus 
Going on before!
Christ, the Royal Master, 
Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle, 
See His banners go!

Chorus
Onward, Christian soldiers! 
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
Going on before!

2 At the Sign of triumph
Satan’s host doth flee; 
On, then, Christian soldiers,
On to victory! 
Hell’s foundations quiver 
At the shout of praise;
Brothers, lift your voices, 
Loud your anthems raise!

3 Like a mighty army 
Moves the Church of God;
Brothers, we are treading 
Where the saints have trod;
We are not divided;
All one body we 
One in hope and doctrine, 
One in charity.

4 Onward, then, ye people, 
Join our happy throng,
Blend with ours your voices
In the triumph song;
Glory, praise and honour, 
Unto Christ the King;
This, through countless ages
Men and angels sing.

Daily Devotional for Teen’s guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.