Get in the Game

Intro

Watching Cool Runnings

First run in the olympics was a disaster.

They were trying to be like everyone else instead of staying true to who they were.

The next run, they got it together, worked as a team, and stood out.

What changed? Their confidence… They remembered who they were and what they had prepared for!

You can tell the difference in someone who is doing something they are uncertain about vs. someone who is operating with confidence.

My Baseball Story

The first time I got to get in the game I was shaken and unsure of myself.

I performed terribly. I had the ability, but I didn’t have the confidence. I was so worried about making a mistake that mistakes were the only thing on my mind and therefore I made a lot of them.

I hated that feeling. I decided that if I ever got the chance to get in the game again, I wasn’t going to be timid. If I was going to err, it was going to be due to overconfidence, not under confidence.

When that next opportunity came, I made some good plays, played smart, and even got my first home run. I’m sure I had some errors, but I don’t remember those… All I remember is that I didn’t want to ever waste another opportunity to Get in the Game and do what I loved to do.

As Christians, God has called us to step into this world and to make a difference for Him.

We can’t just be content to sit on the sidelines.

1 Samuel 17:31-50

1) Recall God’s Promises

In Chapter 16 of 1 Samuel we read about David’s anointing as the next king of Israel.

1 Samuel 16:13 ESV

Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.

God has instructed Samuel to anoint David, and by so doing, promised that David would be the future king.

As a result of God’s calling on David’s life, the Holy Spirit was with David.

As David entered the saga of Israel vs. Philistia he carried the Holy Spirit upon him.

He was able to enter with confidence because He carried the promise of God with Him through the Holy Spirit.

We need to remember God’s promises and be confident in His Kingdom Purposes through us.

Promise of John 6:37 “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” (Salvation)

Promise of Matthew 4:19 “And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.””

Promise of Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

Promise of John 14:16 “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,”

The same Spirit of the Lord that “rushed upon David” is with you and with me. We can trust in God, recall His promises, and have confidence in Him.

Psalm 27:3 “Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.”

If you want to get off the sidelines and engage in God’s Kingdom work…Recall God’s Promises.

2) Remember Past Victories (vs. 33-37)

When David was confronted with his lack of ability, he remembered and testified to what God has already done through Him.

If God can work and move in our lives in one area, why not others?

Do not limit God to only what He’s done in the past…Be confident in Him because we know He can work in our present and our future.

Remember the moments from your past where God carried you, sustained you, and worked through you.

Know that when we are doing His will and engaging in His Kingdom purposes, His Spirit is working through you.

We don’t operate out of our own strength…we serve out of the strength and purposes of the Holy Spirit.

2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

When you are scared or unsure about what God has opened up opportunities for you to do…remember that His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect!

God still has you here on this earth for a reason and a purpose…and that purpose is not to sit on the sidelines....We must engage in God’s Kingdom work. He’s provided for us before…He will again.

3) Rush Forward in God’s Strength (vs. 48-50)

David stepped up to the battle field and wasted no time. He didn’t dance around with His enemy. He didn’t spare or try to measure him…He didn’t need to.

He knew that God’s strength was with Him. He knew that this giant was no match for the God of the Universe.

He knew the promises that God gave Him. He knew that past victories that God had provided. There was no need to hesitate.

He was pumped up in the Spirit because God was His confidence.

When our confidence is in God and we are following His lead, we can move forward without hesitation.

What happens in the battle is not our concern when we follow God. Our victory lies in being obedient to God and living a life that relies upon Him instead of ourselves.

When we win the battle for devotion to God in our hearts and minds, then the battle before us is already won.

Think of Job…

In his context, the battle was not for health or riches or anything else. It was for faith in God and faithfulness to God. He won even, through the trials.

When we rely on God’s strength, getting off the sidelines and into the battle for faith and faithfulness is our only ambition. When God is leading, there’s no need to hesitate. Get off the bench and run to where the Lord is working and drawing you to.

CLOSING

TRANSITION INTO AN GOSPEL CALL THE LORD’S SUPPER