1 Cor 9:24 NLT. Don't you realize that in a sports competition everyone plays, but only one team gets the trophy? So play to win!
Know your position
1 Cor 12:4-7
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:
The work is to be divided
Ex. As good as Cam Newton is, it starts with the center & he need blockers
As accurate as he is as a passer, he still needs good receivers
Every member has a different part to play
Every member must play their part for the team to win
Perform to the best of your ability
Matt 25:14-16
For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.
We all have ability – just not the same ability
God expects us to be responsible: respond to our ability
God holds us accountable based on the abilities He has given us
He doesn’t compare you to anyone else & you shouldn’t either
The ability you have is a gift – you should be anxious to use it
“Put me in Coach”
A Problem we have in church…
We excuse ourselves from giving our best because we aren’t getting paid
Col 3:23. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
We cannot be content to give “good enough”
The nature of God is to give “more than enough” Mal 3:10
Lev 26:10 You will have such a surplus of crops that you will need to get rid of the leftovers from the previous year to make room for each new harvest.
You must be disciplined
1 Cor 9:25. NLT. All athletes are disciplined in their training.
They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.
27. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should.
Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
We are called to be disciples – disciplined
Discipline is not about restrictions
It’s about preparation for excellent performance
There are disciplines that you should have that others don’t have
Because you have a different goal & a different finish line
Discipline starts before the game
Practices. Meetings. Being on time – get fined if not on time
Discipline is the foundation for Excellence
You must have a burning desire to play – not content on the bench
John 2:17. Passion for God's house consumes me.
Don’t just come to receive
Little league & HS, parents get mad when their children don’t play
Anxious to play ~or~ scared that your number will get called?
Today, Thomas Davis, Panthers LB, playing with broken right forearm
Passion & Excellence cause you to go the extra mile
Matt 5:41 “Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.”
Work as a Team
1 Cor 12:12. The body is one and has many members. Though there are many members to a body, all those members make only one body. Christ is like that also.
Individuals play the game, but teams with championships
Individual talent must be submitted to the team plan and vision
Being part of the team also means being coachable
Don’t just run the plays that you like or that feature you – give me the ball
Run the plays the coach calls
Teamwork makes the dream work
It’s time for you to get off the bench and get in the game
Time to take your position & perform to the best of your ability