WELCOME
“and may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we do for you.” —1 Thessalonians 3:12
Now that you have learned to refuel, it’s time to get into the game.
In sports, you take what you learned in practice and put it into competition. You know you’re ready when you have the confidence to give your best and not worry about the outcome.
It is the same for the believer. You have refueled. You are now ready to show the boldness of your faith. It’s time to get off the bench and walk as a child of God.
WARM-UP
Rituals and Routines
Every athlete has a pre-game or pre-match routine—something they do that gives them a shot of confidence right before the competition begins or a consistent ritual or series of motions right before they’re about to make an important play or take a big shot. This is true for batters, pitchers, kickers, golfers, runners, field athletes, and so on.
Let’s have a few volunteers stand up and show us what you do in those moments before you hit, pitch, kick, swing, shoot, race, throw, etc.
Q: What are some things you do before a game or match that gives you more confidence?
Q: Why do you think having a particular routine before a competition or before an individual play helps you in that moment?
WORKOUT
GO SHOW
In Acts 3, Peter and John were headed to the Temple and came across a man who couldn’t walk and was begging for money. Instead of just giving money, Peter did something else.
But Peter said “I don’t have silver or gold, but what I do have, I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” – Acts 3:6
The man started leaping and praising God and caused quite a stir.
That boldness that the Spirit gave Peter and John took away their fear and made them strong to be able to publicly show the power of the name of Jesus.
BE READY
Here are three ways you can be ready:
1. Have the truth (2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 3:15).
2. Have no fear (Romans 1:16; 2 Timothy 1:7).
3. Have faith (John 6:29; 1 Corinthians 3:7).
When your heart belongs to God and the Spirit is guiding your steps, it will give you the boldness, the confidence in Christ, to show your faith to others.
Q: How can confidence affect how you play the game?
Q: How can confidence in Christ affect how you live life?
WRAP-UP
Go Show: Allow the Holy Spirit to give you boldness and courage to take the opportunities He brings.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”—Matthew 5:16
Take time in the coming week to think about that second question: how can confidence in Christ affect your walk with Him? Pray to God that He will give you the boldness to not be afraid to show your faith. This will help to prepare you for next week and as you go through life with Him.
Pray and break the huddle