Chase what Matters: Jesus Kingdom Priorities

Are you feeling stuck chasing things that don’t really satisfy? What if there’s a way to live with deeper purpose and eternal significance? In this encouraging message, Pastor Chris Teien unpacks the transformative truth of Luke 9:23-25, showing how denying yourself, boldly carrying your cross, and pursuing eternal rewards can lead to the peace, joy, and fulfillment that only Jesus can provide. Through relatable stories and practical insights, Pastor Chris invites you to step into the life God created you to live.

“Chase What Matters” Message Series 2 of 4

Outline

1. Step Up by Denying Yourself DAILY (Luke 9:23a)
   Pastor Chris explains how surrendering daily to Jesus enables us to live beyond self-centered goals and align with God’s greater purpose.
2. Step Up by Carrying Your Cross BOLDLY (Luke 9:23b)
   Living out our faith courageously, even when it costs us, is essential to advancing God’s kingdom in a world of opposition.
3. Step Up by Trading Loss for Eternal GAIN (Luke 9:24-25)
   True life is found when we let go of earthly pursuits and prioritize eternal rewards.

Personal Stories and Illustrations

• Dog Chasing a Frisbee: Pastor Chris shares a story about his dog’s relentless focus on chasing a frisbee, comparing it to how we often chase temporary things in life.
• Beanie Babies in Haiti: A mission trip turned a collection of beanie babies into a blessing for children in need, showing the value of using resources for kingdom purposes.
• Tim Tebow’s Bold Witness: A reference to Tim Tebow’s unwavering faith and commitment to Christ, encouraging us to boldly represent Jesus in our own lives.

Notable Quotes

1. "True life begins when we live beyond ourselves and step into Jesus’ kingdom priorities."
2. "When you seek God’s kingdom first, you’re not just adding Him to your life—you’re centering your life around His purpose."
3. "The things we chase in life might seem significant now, but only what we do for God’s kingdom will matter for eternity."
4. "God has given each of us unique skills, time, and resources—how are you using them to build His kingdom?"

Actionable Takeaways

1. Reflect on one area in your life where self-interest may be competing with God’s priorities and surrender it to Jesus.
2. Commit to taking a bold step this week to share your faith or serve others for God’s glory.
3. Pray daily for a kingdom-focused perspective and trust God to provide for your needs.
4. Memorize Luke 9:23-25 as a daily reminder to prioritize Jesus’ call to discipleship.

Scripture References

• Primary Passage: Luke 9:23-25
• Supporting Verses: Matthew 6:33, Colossians 3:1-2, Romans 14:17

Keywords

Christian priorities, kingdom of God, discipleship, surrender to Christ, spiritual growth, Luke 9:23-25, faith in action, following Jesus, living for eternity

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Note: New messages shared Sundays. Encouraging replay messages from Pastor Chris’s previous ministry (2021 and earlier), marked with an asterisk (*), shared Wednesdays.