A TEAM PLAYER
A TEAM PLAYER 1 Cor. 12:12-13 IF A football team is unified, it does not mean that everyone’s playing the same position. It does mean everybody’s going to the same goal line. If an orchestra is harmonious, it’s not because they’re all playing the same instrument; it’s because they’re all playing the same song. If a choir is singing in great harmony, it’s not because they are singing the same parts; it’s because they’re adding their part to the same song. It is the goal that produces the unity. Unity is not sameness. Unity has to do with same purpose. I. A TEAM MUST WORK TOGETHER A. The Church Is NO Exception. 1. We must all work together in order to Glorify God. a. Every member of the church is an important part of the Body Of Christ. 2. Paul uses the human body to illustrate this truth. a. 1 Cor. 12:14-20 II. A TEAM MUST HAVE LEADERS. A. Leaders are to help coordinate their teams efforts. 1. Leaders have many different titles. a. School Teacher—Coach—Manager—Boss—Dad. 1) Their job is to help the team achieve success. B. The CHURCH also has leaders. 1. They are a gift from God to the church. a. Eph. 4:11–“He gave SOME”. 2. Why Did He place these in the church? a. Eph. 4:12-16 III. A TEAM MUST POOL ALL OF IT’S RESOURCES—Rom. 12:4-8 A. Every Christian Has Been Given A Spiritual Gift. 1. We are to use them for God’s Glory. a. PROPHECY—What has taken place—what has been revealed. b. MINISTRY—Church—One Who Has A Servant’s Heart For Fellow Believers. 1) Foodbank—WMU—Baptist Men. Gal 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. c. TEACHER—Someone who is able to explain the Word of God and apply it to the hearts of those ho hear. d. EXHORTS—One who builds up or encourages. e. GIVES—Helps Meet the needs of others. f. LEADS—(Deacon)—Leads with love, care and diligence. g. MERCY—Full of forgiveness and compassion. Matt. 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” IV. A TEAM MUST WORK TOGETHER TO DEFEAT THE OPPOSING TEAM. A. The Church Team Has A Fierce Opponent. 1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. B. Sometimes We Get Confused As To What Team We’re On. 1. Sometimes some churches fight among themselves. a. Most divisions arise out of jealousy or PRIDE! 1) A power struggle—Not spiritual but physical or material. 1Co 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 2. God HATES Pride. a. Providence. 11:2; 16:5; 16:18 3. Our efforts must go towards strengthening the church. V. A TEAM MUST WORK TOWARDS A COMMON GOAL. ILL. Football-TD, Baseball-Home Plate, Golf-Chase a little white ball. A. Goals Are Important To The Church. 1. Grow—S.S.—Youth—Children—Nursery—VBS—Grow Our Membership Through Evangelism. 2. We must not loose sight of the main goal. a. We must share the gospel. Mat 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit V20, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." B. We are the church—We are all on the same team. 1. Jn. 17:20-26 VI. CONCLUSION A. Are You A Member Of The Team? 1. We must work together for the same purpose. 2. We must work together to defeat Satan. 3. We must have leaders. 4. We must do our part. 5. We must have a common goal. B. Have You Been In The StandsWatching As Others Have Been Fighting The Good Fight Of Faith? 1. Are You Just A Spectator? 2. Will You Commit Today To Get. Out OfTHeStands And Do Your Part On Team Jesus?