0842 Answer the Call - Lessons from Football

ANSWER THE CALL | Lessons from Football

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

Put on your football gear (Lay aside every sin/weight)

On football field you can’t dress up like those on bleachers. You are not called to fit in but to stand out. Gear is not only for the game but also for identification. Life is the game, armor of God is our gear (Ephesians 6:10-18) 1. The quickest way to destroy your calling is by compromise. David's first victory was in choosing the right weapon for the battle “that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24 You can come to the stadium dressed like everyone but you must change when you step on the field

2. Focus is the key to fruitfulness in your calling. John 15:2 “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 Jesus called Peter a devil and Judas a friend. Whoever helps in your calling is your friend!

Advance down the field with the ball. (Race set before you) When you got the football, you are no longer on defensive but on the offensive. You don’t get a trophy by catching a ball but by advancing it to the end of the field. You owe it to the team, fans, couch, quarter back to score a touch down. People on the bleachers drink coke, but you got a ball.

1. If you got Christ, you got a calling! Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us. Now therefore, come, let us go and tell the king's household.” 2 Kings 7:9 You are light & salt (Matt.5:13-16), Called for such a time (Esther 4:14), raised to deliver (Judges 6:1), you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9)

2. Your calling requires intention and urgency. Bible says “run the race”. Jogging, walking, slacking is not permitted. You are on the time clock! Cloud of witnesses watch us. This is our time. Our generation.

Don’t give up on the game because you lost the drive. (Run with endurance)

When you get the ball, you also become the target. Offense creates opposition. Enemy will try two things: aim to stop your advance & to take control of the ball for themselves.

1. You can’t avoid opposition but you can overcome it. Jesus never promised a smooth sailing; just a safe landing. Don’t fear evil, overcome it! Life is Afghanistan, not Cancun! You will have trouble (John 16:33), Many are the afflictions (Ps.34:19), Though I walk through (Ps.23:4).

2. Focus on those with you than those against you (2 Kings 6:16) If you fall, don’t walk away from the field. I fell, but I am also closer to the touch down

“Oprah molested by family friend that at 14 gave birth and child died. Fired from TV job. Bill Gates first business failed. Albert Einstein did not speak until 4. Stephen King first novel was rejected 30 times - 350 million copies. Thomas Edison ‘too stupid to learn anything’, attempted 1,000-10,000. Walt Disney fired from first job at newspaper ‘lacked imagination’, Michael Jordan “I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot, and I missed. I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

“He was with David at Pas Dammim when the Philistines gathered there for battle. At a place where there was a field full of barley, the troops fled from the Philistines. But they took their stand in the middle of the field. They defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the Lord brought about a great victory.” 1 Chronicles 11:13-14 Victory is not you playing a victim but you praying like a victor!