Be A Champion

Happy Father’s DAY!

I want to give a quick shout out to our Graduates today! We had several graduate from high school or college this YEAR!

I JUST WANT TO SAY CONGRADUALTIONS… MAY GOD BLESS THEM AS THEY BEGIN A NEW CHAPTER IN LIFE!

Consider this: Those graduating High School this year never experienced the 1990’s The people who graduated High School this year were born in 1999 or 2000.

They have no meaningful recollection of the Clinton presidency let alone the Reagan era.

They weren’t alive for the Persian Gulf War. Black Monday 1987 is as significant to them as the Great Depression.

They have never lived in a world where you could walk to the gate at the airport and wait for someone.

They have no recollection of 911 or a world where we have not been at war in the Middle East.

The collapse of the Soviet Union happened more than a decade before they were born, and they do not remember the Cold War.

They have only ever known only one Germany.

They are too young to remember the space shuttle blowing up, and Tiananmen Square means nothing to them. They do not know who Muammar al Qaddafi is. Their lifetime has always included AIDS.

They have only ever known only one Germany. They are too young to remember the space shuttle blowing up, and Tiananmen Square means nothing to them. They do not know who Muammar al Qaddafi is. Their lifetime has always included AIDS. They never had a polio shot and likely do not know what polio is. Bottle caps have always been the twist-off type. They have no idea what a pull-top can looks like. Atari predates them, as do vinyl albums. The expression, "You sound like a broken record," means nothing to them.

They never had a polio shot and likely do not know what polio is. Bottle caps have always been the twist-off type. They have no idea what a pull-top can looks like. Atari predates them, as do vinyl albums. The expression, "You sound like a broken record," means nothing to them.

They have likely never played Pac Man and have never heard of Pong.

The Original Star Wars looks very fake, and the special effects are pathetic. There have always been red M&M's, and blue ones are not new.

They may have heard of an eight-track, but chances are they probably have never actually seen or heard one. CDs were introduced 18 years before they were born.

ZIP codes have always had a dash in them. They have never used an answering machine because they have always had voicemail.

Most have never seen a TV set with only 13 channels. They have always had cable. VCRs, are old school and they have no idea what Beta is.

Email is outdated!

They cannot fathom not having a remote control.

They have never heard of King Cola, Burger Chef, or Herfy’s.

Today's college freshmen have never seen … have never seen Steve Largent, Jim Zorn, Larry Bird, or Michael Jordan play.

They have never seen Steve Largent, Jim Zorn, Larry Bird, or Michael Jordan play.

They have never seen Steve Largent, Jim Zorn, Larry Bird, or Michael Jordan play.

The Vietnam War is as ancient history to them as World War I, World War II or even the Civil War.

They have no idea that Americans were ever held hostage in Iran.

They can't imagine what hard contact lenses are.

Kansas, Chicago, Boston, and Alabama are places, not bands.

McDonald's food never came in Styrofoam containers. DADS… Do you feel old now?

Remember, the people who don't know these things will be in college this year.

One thing is certain the world we live in will change, but God’s word will remain the same amen.

This morning I want to talk to the men in the room… but I think this applies to everyone!

What I want to talk about how to be a Champion… Maybe more specifically how to be a Champion for JESUS!

While the world has changed a lot since the Bible was written… the principles and truths in this book are timeless.

God does not want us to live defeated lives… the Bible is clear… God wants us to be Champions!

FOR EXAMPLE: In the Book of Revelation the the phrase “The One Who Conquers” is used 8 times… This is what it says:

The one who conquers, gets to eat from the tree of life (Rev 2:7)

The one who conquers will not be hurt by the second death (Rev 2:11)

The one who conquers will be given a new name (Rev 2:17)

The one who conquers will be given authority (Rev 2:26)

The one who conquers name will be in in the book of life (Rev 3:5)

The one who conquers will be a pillar in the temple of God (Rev 3:12)

The one who conquers will sit with Jesus on the His throne (Rev 3:21)

The one who conquers will be given a heritage. (Rev 21:7)

I don’t know about you but I want to be a conquer!

And the thing is Jesus gives each of us every thing we need to be champions for the Kingdom of God!

And the thing is Jesus want gives each of us every thing we need to be champions for the Kingdom of God!

1John 5:4-5

1 John 5:4–5 ESV

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

And think for a lot people they have confused the two.

You see the worlds idea of champion and God idea of a champion are little different! And think for a lot people they have confused the two.

So this morning what I want to do is look at qualities of a Champion of God!

Let’s Pray

The first quality of a champion of God is…

This morning I would like to share with you 6 qualities of a Champion that will never change even though the world around us will.

6 Qualities are found in every great Champion of God.

1. True Faith

1 John 5:4–5 ESV

4 For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

1John

A Champion of God has a True Faith.

As a matter of fact the Bible says it is Faith that gives us the strength to overcome the world...

It is faith that gives us the victory!

A Champion of God has a True Faith.

And it is not just any Faith but it is Faith in Jesus who gives us the power through His grace to overcome the world!

Theologically FAITH is an intellectual belief and a relation Trust in Jesus and His Word!

Faith is assurance that Jesus is who He said He is, it is a deep conviction that this book is TRUE!!!

(HOLD UP BIBLE)

tells us what this faith looks like: It is one thing to have a theological definition of faith it is another thing to know what faith looks like:

tells us what this faith looks like: It is one thing to have a theological definition of faith it is another thing to know what faith looks like:

Hebrews 11:1–2 ESV

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation.

The Bible is full of stories of faith!

(HOLD UP BIBLE)

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for

The Bible is full of stories of faith!

Noah had faith, In God tells Noah build a big boat and wait for the flood, Flood what’s a flood? Boat why a boat. Noah worked hard, spent resources to build a boat to protect his family from something he had never seen before.

Hebrews 11:7 ESV

7 By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

Noah is example for us of faith

7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

Then there was Abraham the Father of our Faith. God asked him to make a major change in his life, God told Abraham to pack up and move, but God didn’t tell him where to go.

Hebrews 11:8 ESV

8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

Abraham probably had some questions, “God where I’m I going? How long will it take?

“By faith, Abraham when he was called to go to a place he would later receive as inheritance, obeyed and went even though he did not know where he was going.”

Abraham probably had some questions, “God where I’m I going? How long will it take? How will I know when I’m there? And God’s reply, “You’re on need to know basis and you don’t need to know, yet!”

How will I know when I’m there?

And God’s reply, “You’re on need to know basis and you don’t need to know, yet!”

Abraham was 75 years old, he was wealthy, he had sheep and cattle, and at least 50 servants. He lived in a beautiful city, he was ready to retire, hang it up but God had other plans.

Would you be willing to move under those conditions?

By Faith Abraham trusted the voice of God and began a journey, that made a people, formed a nation, brought about the saviour and founded the CHURCH.

We are here this morning because of Abraham’s FAITH!

Hebrews 11:32–34 ESV

32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

WE DON’T HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO COVER ALL THE STORIES OF FAITH IN THE BIBLE!

-43

But what they all have in common is that FAITH is what gives us the strength to say yes to GOD and to know that God will fight our battles.

You see the world believes that a champion is someone who wins their own battles… The diction say that a champion is someone who takes 1st Place!

BUT Faith understands that God has already won the battle!

The Second quality of a Champion of God is:

No one in the Israel’s army would fight goliath. But David had faith, he didn’t take sword or shield, he took a sling and hand full of rocks and a Really Big God. That’s faith.

What about Ananias, God spoke to him told him to go find Saul of Tarsus, in Damascus Ananias knew that Saul was the one who wanted to see the Christians put to death in the name of God.

says Saul uttered threats with every breath… that he wanted to bring both men and women back to Jerusalem in chains.

(NLT)

11 The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you arrive, ask for Saul of Tarsus. He is praying to me right now. 12 I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying his hands on him so that he can see again.”

13 “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! 14 And we hear that he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest every believer in Damascus.”

15 But the Lord said, “Go and do what I say. For Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for me.”

17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you may get your sight back and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.

Ananias must of wondered why. Why Saul, a murder who hates us, Why me I don’t want to die. But he was a man of faith, Abram must of asked where are you taking me, where am I to go, but he went because he was a man of faith, David must of wondered how God would defeat goliath but he fought, because he was a man of faith.

So what’s the lesson that we can take from these three examples? A real believer, a real Champion of God will trust in God’s purpose with out knowing all the answers.

Two key verses that have helped me in this are:

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

The father instantly replied, “I do believe, but help me not to doubt!”

Note these verses, memorize them they’ll help you.

2. Obedience

The first quality of a Champion of God is a true faith the second is obedience no matter the costs

When I think of obedience I am reminded of the men who charged the beaches on D-Day…

June 6, 1944 Abel Company was the first to land on Omaha Beach…

The Germans were shelling the landing craft 5000 yards out…

By the time the boats made it to the shore and dropped their ramps the men were being torn apart by machine gun fire…

Most of Abel company died in the first hour of the invasion… Those who survived crawled to the foot of the bluff, where they found some relief from the German machine guns.

26 minutes after Alpha Company hit the beach Baker company landed into the carnage…

Body parts and blood have turned the ocean read… The coxswains or the landing boat drivers cry out: "We can't go in there. We can't see the landmarks. We must pull off."

In the command boat, Captain Ettore V. Zappacosta pulls a Colt .45 and says: "By God, you'll take this boat straight in."

And by his courage and valor the boats followed him… After two hours of fighting 28 of the 200 men are left from Baker Company.

That day 2000 soldiers died on Omaha Beach…

Yet they kept getting out of the boat and charging the beach head… No matter the cost.

When they got to the foot of the bluff out of the machine gun fire they didn’t stay there… They climbed the bluff and took the beach!

That is OBEDIENCE! They had a Mission to Accomplish… Many gave their lives out of obedience!

Every Great Champion of the Faith is Obedient to the Call of Christ no matter the cost.

Obedience isn’t something we like to talk about a lot today… but being a follower of Jesus requires obedience!

Obedience to God is not optional in the Christian’s Life, It is actually something we are called to!

Romans 1:5–6 ESV

through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,

The call to follow of Jesus is a call to obedience to His word… Maybe it is just me but obedience doesn’t seem like something we value in our culture anymore. We seem to value rebellion more then obedience.

BUT CHURCH IF WE ARE GOING TO FOLLOW JESUS OBEDIENCE IS NOT OPTIONAL!

Through God’s grace we have been set free from sin… but we have not been set free to live in rebellion against God’s word… we have been set free from sin so that we can live in obedience.

Is there something in this book that offends you, something you don’t agree with, something you think is outdared?

We are still called to obedience...

I think of the Boat Drivers on D-Day who didn’t agree with the command they were given… Yet they obeyed it… If they would have rebelled, World War 2 may have ended very differently! The war was one in part because those men and thousands more like them we obedient!

John 14:15 ESV

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

“if you love me you will keep my commandments”

Champions have faith and that faith moves them towards obedience...

Champions have faith and that faith moves them towards obedience...

The Third Quality of a champion is patience.

The Third Quality of a champion is patience.

“When we work we work when we pray God works!”

God’s Power

God’s Presence

God’s Protection

4 Great Ambition / Vision

What did all the heroes have in common they had Great Ambition they had a vision. Abraham had the Vision of a new nation, Moses the vision of the Promise Land, David had the vision of being of a new Kingdom, Jesus the cross, the disciples the vision of Heaven.

3. PATIENCE TO WAIT FOR GOD’S TIMING

When I was younger, I boxed, wrestled, and did some MMA...

When I was younger, I was a boxed, wrestled, and did some MMA...

And patience is one of the hardest things to learn as a fighter...

This is true of even pro fighters...

Abraham waited 100, Israel waited 400 years for a deliverer, and Moses waited 40 years to take his people to the edge of the Promised Land. David waited years to take the throne; Jesus waited 30 years to beggin His ministry. And when Jesus left this earth he left us here waiting on the promise of new land.

Abraham waited 100, Israel waited 400 years for a deliverer, and Moses waited 40 years to take his people to the edge of the Promised Land. David waited years to take the throne; Jesus waited 30 years to beggin His ministry. And when Jesus left this earth he left us here waiting on the promise of new land.

It is not uncommon to see a fighter get his bell rung in early rounds of a fight… they get blind sided… and their lights go out, even though they may still be on their feet, there is nobody home, if you know what I mean.

Your natural tendency as the fighter who through that punch, is to attack with all you got to knock out your wounded opponent…

But often what happens, is the fight that is hurt weathers the storm… makes it to the bell and is able to recover.

Here is the thing the our minds have the ability to recover pretty quick… but our muscles don’t.

And the fighter that went on the attack has tired out his arms, he has burned his stamina, and often ends up losing the fight...

A mature fighter will often avoid getting sucked into that desire to knock out his opponent and patently keeps fighting the fight he planned to fight! That takes patience!

Patience is a spiritual characteristic we need to learn!

Abraham waited 100 years, Israel waited 400 years for a deliverer, and Moses waited 40 years to take his people to the edge of the Promised Land.

David waited years to take the throne from Saul.

Jesus waited 30 years to begin His ministry.

And when Jesus left this earth he left us here waiting on the promise of a new land.

John 14:1–2 ESV

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?

“Don’t be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me. 2 There are many rooms in my Father’s home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly.

The Church has been waiting for 2000 years for Jesus to return!

Following Jesus requires patience!

Not just for Christ return but also in our Journey here on earth!

Something else to note on waiting, it’s the hardest test of our faith, for Abraham it was giving up the comfort of his home for 100 years in a tent, for Moses, it was 40 years of wandering in the desert with a bunch of whiners, we’re hungry we’re thirsty, we’re going to die. One thing that drives me crazy is whining. For David it was years serving a lunatic king, and years running for his life, for Jesus it was 30 years of walking past the sick, the lame, the dying, the lost 30 years of knowing His mission and waiting for the Father to release him into ministry.

We live in a world that wants everything and wants it now… but God doesn’t always work like that… I think patience is one of the hardest virtues to to learn.

It is also part of the fruit of the Spirit:

Galatians 5:22 ESV

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Gal

Abraham was promised a great nation but he gace up the comfort of his home for 100 years to live in a tent...

Something else to note on waiting, it’s the hardest test of our faith, for Abraham it was giving up the comfort of his home for 100 years in a tent, for Moses, it was 40 years of wandering in the desert with a bunch of whiners, we’re hungry we’re thirsty, we’re going to die. One thing that drives me crazy is whining. For David it was years serving a lunatic king, and years running for his life, for Jesus it was 30 years of walking past the sick, the lame, the dying, the lost 30 years of knowing His mission and waiting for the Father to release him into ministry.

Moses, was sent by God to lead Isreal to the promise land, and spent 40 years of wandering in the desert with a bunch of whiners, we’re hungry we’re thirsty, we’re going to die. One thing that drives me crazy is whining.

David was anointed King and then spent years serving a lunatic king named Saul, and years running for his life.

Jesus left Heaven and had to wait to Grow into a man, it was 30 years of walking past the sick, the lame, the dying, Jesus spent 30 years knowing His mission and waiting for the Father to release him into ministry.

Young people… I can say that now I have gray hair! Young People...

If can you you one peace fo advice it would is be patient!

Serve were you are… Work hard… Don’t Grumble… Wait for God to open the door! I love these words from the book of James:

James 5:7–8 ESV

7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

Learn to be patient!

but it also means the we take action!

Champions have faith and that faith moves them towards obedience, obedience leads us to be patient and wait for God’s Timing… but it also means they take action!

The fourth Quality of a champion is action.

4. Champions are Driven to Action

Does anyone know why the students at Texas A & M stand the whole way through the game?

It goes back to 1922. The Aggies were having a great season. They were headed to the championship of the Southwest Conference.

(NLT)

In January, they went to Dallas for the Dixie Classic. A student named E. King Gill went along to scout the game from the stands. But the team was hit hard with injuries. By the end of the first half, the coach wasn't sure that he would have 11 healthy players to put on the field. He looked up in the stands and waved for E. King Gill to come down to the field. There were no locker rooms, so he brought the guy down to the field and put a jersey on him right there.

E. King Gill stood there throughout the second half as the 12th man, so that if they didn't have 11 men to put on the field, he would be ready to play.

He stood there, the whole second half, saying, "Coach, if you need me, I'm ready to play."

And ever since, the students at Texas A & M have stood the whole way through the game. It's their way of saying, "Coach, if you need me, I'm ready to play." And I wonder if, during these days, some of us won't feel the Spirit of God moving within us so that we say, "Lord, if you need me, I'm ready to play."

James 2:17–19 ESV

17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!

17 So you see, it isn’t enough just to have faith. Faith that doesn’t show itself by good deeds is no faith at all—it is dead and useless.

18 Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” I say, “I can’t see your faith if you don’t have good deeds, but I will show you my faith through my good deeds.”

Faith without works is like a football team that never gets out of the huddle, they practice every day, they work hard, the sweat, some even get hurt at practice. They may even be really good at football, but come game day they never get out of the huddle.

19 Do you still think it’s enough just to believe that there is one God? Well, even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror! 20 Fool! When will you ever learn that faith that does not result in good deeds is useless?

They call plays, pump each other up to go defeat their opponent. But they never break the huddle.

Faith without works is like a football team that never gets out of the huddle, they practice every day, they work hard, the sweat, some even get hurt at practice. They may even be really good at foot ball, but come game day they never get out of the huddle. They plan call plays, pump each other up to go defeat their opponent. But they break the huddle.

If your faith hasn’t led you to take any risks for Jesus, then it’s not faith… Faith always moves us to action…

It is kind of like the christian who is out of work, and they ask their pastor to pray for them… because they are waiting on God to provide! Sounds spiritual!

Until the pastor says, we were have you applied? How many resumes have you handed in? Have you gone out and knocked on any doors! What are yo doing to find work?

And the guy says, no I am just praying and waiting for someone to call me… I am being patient… I am practicing faith… I am waiting on God!

NO… The Bible calls that slothfulness.... Patience is not an excuse for disobedience!

If your faith hasn’t led you to take any risks, then it’s not faith

Patience is not an excuse for disobedience!

The greek word that is translated most often as patience actually means long-suffering… It means to not give up, even when things are difficult!

Champions take action… they get off the couch and look for work!

Champions serve where God places them...

The say let me pray about that! or I am not sure that is my calling!

They don’t give up when it gets hard or doesn’t make sense… The Trust God and continue to be obedient, patiently waiting on Jesus!

Champions use their gifts and abilities to make a difference, even when it is hard!

I want to leave you with one last thought today: Jesus wants you to be a champion of the faith! Jesus has given you everything you need to be a Champion! Jesus created you with a purpose and He wants your life to make a difference…

As I have study the champions of the faith… Guys like Abraham, Moses, David, Paul, Jesus...

You know what made them Champions… They were willing to let go of everything and follow God!

What are you holding on to that is keeping you from being a Champion for Jesus?

I don’t need to list a bunch of stuff off, because the Holy Spirit is already pointing out! You know what you are holding on to, that is keeping you from fully following Jesus!

So here is the $1000 question… Are you going to holding on to what is keeping you from following Jesus or by faith are you going to let go of it and be obedient to Jesus?

If Holy Spirit is speaking to you right now… Listen and Obey!

Jesus said:

John 14:15 ESV

15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

Let’s Pray!

I want to leave you with one question today: Do you want to be a champion for Jesus? Jesus wants you to be a champion!

I want to leave you with one question today: Are your a champion for Jesus?

I want to leave you with one question today: Are your a champion for Jesus?