Our Eternal Destiny – Playing with the Ultimate Crown in Sight

1 Peter 1:3–4; Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 11:13–16; 1 John 3:2–3; 2 Corinthians 3:18; John 14:2–3; 1 Corinthians 15:58

The Endgame Matters
When you’re training for a game, your eyes are on the prize... A championship... A medal... A personal best. But here’s a truth you can take to the bank: the most important victory you’ll ever chase is not on a court or field—it’s eternity.

As athletes, we work hard for something that fades—a trophy, applause, maybe a contract. But God calls us to run for something eternal... Something that doesn’t rust, break, or get forgotten. Peter calls it “an inheritance incorruptible… reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:4). It's Christ and God's eternal promise available only through a relationship with Jesus His Son. That’s who and what we’re playing for--our eternal reward.

1. A Living Hope Through Jesus (1 Peter 1:3–4)
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ… who has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

Now that’s powerful. You’ve been born again—not to religion, not to rules—but to a living hope. That means your hope is alive because Jesus is alive. The resurrection changed everything.

Peter says we’re headed toward an inheritance. Think about that. Something that’s already yours, just not fully in your hands yet. And this inheritance is:
    •    Incorruptible – it won’t spoil like old bat or ball.
    •    Undefiled – no sin or failure can touch it.
    •    Unfading – it won’t lose value, wear out, or just get thrown in a box with some baseball cards.
    •    Reserved in heaven – your name is on it.
Jesus said in Luke 10:20, “Rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

2. You’re Not Home Yet (Hebrews 11:13–16)
Those Old Testament heroes we look up to—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob—they all lived like they were just passing through. “They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (v.13). Why? Because they were looking for a better place—a heavenly country.

That’s us, as athletes. You might be wearing your school’s jersey or your country’s flag, but your real citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).

But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control. Philippians 3:20–21.
When you’re on an away game, the hotel isn’t your home. You sleep there, but you don’t hang up pictures and paint the walls. Why? Because you’re not staying. Don’t get too comfortable here—your real home is with Jesus.

3. We Shall Be Like Him (1 John 3:2–3)
John says, “When He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” That’s the end goal—not just to get to heaven, but to be like Jesus... to walk... to talk... and to live like Jesus! To be pure in mind... body... and spirit.

And here’s the kicker: “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself.” In other words, if you know heaven is coming, you train for it.

Athletes understand this. You train differently when you know the big game is coming. You watch your diet. You fix your technique. Why? Because you’re preparing to win.

Are you living like you’re headed for eternity? Or are you wasting time on things that won’t last?

4. Being Transformed Now (2 Corinthians 3:18)
We’re not just waiting for heaven—we’re being transformed now. Paul says we’re “being transformed into the same image [of Jesus] from glory to glory… by the Spirit of the Lord.”

Transformation isn’t your job to muscle through. It’s the Holy Spirit working in you as you look at Jesus.

Romans 8:29 says we are “predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.”

Think of training with a coach. You don’t transform on your own—you follow the coach’s plan. Jesus, through His Spirit, is our divine Coach. The more we walk with Him--the more we abide in Him and His Word-- the more we become like Him.

5. A Place Prepared for You (John 14:2–3)
Jesus said, “In My Father’s house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you.” And then He says, “I will come again and receive you to Myself.”

That’s personal. Jesus isn’t just preparing heaven--He’s coming to get you Himself.

He didn’t say, “I’ll send an angel.” He said, “I will come.” That’s the heart of Christ. He loves you so much He wants to be the one to bring you home.

6. Keep Looking To and Living For Eternity (1 Corinthians 15:58)
“Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain.”

Your reps in the gym, your hustle on the field—they matter in this life. But your labor for Jesus? That preparation lasts forever.

Don’t just play for stats. Play for souls. Use your platform to bring light to your team, your locker room, your opponents... to bring Glory to Jesus Christ.

Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”

But, how do I Receive Eternal Life...
Friend, maybe you’ve chased greatness your whole life. But here’s the truth: you can’t earn heaven. You don’t get there by performance, morality, or effort. Heaven is available only through Jesus Christ.

You get there by Jesus.

Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

He died on the cross to cover your sin with His blood. He rose from the dead to give you life eternal. And He offers it freely. All you have to do is receive it— surrender to His Lordship, admit that you're a sinner in need of a Savior, believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord, and trust in Him alone with your life and your future in eternity. And when you do, He promises to save you and keep you for all eternity.

The Eternal Medal Ceremony
Imagine the final whistle blows on your life. You stand before the Lord—not as an athlete, but as a child of God. And Jesus looks at you and says, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

No gold medal, no record, no MVP award will ever match that moment.

Will you receive Him and His gift of eternal life with Him in Heaven?

Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for the eternal destiny You’ve promised us through Jesus. Thank You for the living hope we have—a hope that will never fade. Help us to live not just for today’s rewards, but for the crown that never perishes. For every athlete, Lord, give them eyes to see the greater prize. Help them to run their race with purpose. Train them through Your Spirit. Use their talents, their voice, and their lives to shine Your light in the sports world. And for those who don’t yet know You, let today be the day they surrender to Jesus and receive eternal life. We look forward to the day we see You face to face. Keep us faithful until then. In Jesus’ name, amen.

---