Day 1
As an athlete, I need to understand God’s definition of glory and why He deserves it all. Competition is not about me. Life is not about me. I must die to myself and fully understand the power, majesty, and authority of God.
“Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless and with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority before all time, now, and forever. Amen.” – Jude 24-25
Warm-Up
If you could make the headline in the sports section of a local newspaper, what would the headline read? Write a headline and description or draw a picture with a caption.
Workout
- Up to this point in life what would you say is your “crowning glory” or your most headline-worthy accomplishment? How did you feel? What are some ways people give you glory? When you receive glory, how does it make you feel? What emotions do you experience?
- We are going to experience what “For the Glory” means. When you hear the phrase “For the Glory,” what comes to your mind? How would you complete the following sentence? I am living for the glory of ________________. We must look at ourselves differently in order to give Him the glory.
Read Jude 24-25 - “Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless and with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority before all time, now, and forever. Amen.”
- If you could define glory in one word, what would it be? Now, building from that word, write a short definition for glory.
The Holman Christian Standard Bible gives the following definition for glory. Glory is the “weighty importance and shining majesty that accompany God’s presence.”
- How did your definition differ? What were some similarities? As competitors, many times we want recognition. It’s difficult to watch others receive the glory. Why should we give God glory?
Read Revelation 4:11 - “Our Lord and God, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because You have created all things, and because of Your will they exist and were created.”
- What does this verse say about glory? Why is this hard to live out as an athlete?
In your mind, picture a mirror and a sponge. Sponges soak up glory for themselves and rob God of the glory that He is due. On the other hand, a mirror reflects. We should be like the mirror and reflect God’s glory. When God looks at us He should see a reflection of His Son, Jesus.
- When it comes to glory, which one are you? Explain.
Cool-Down
1 Corinthians 10:31 reads, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God’s glory.” It is hard to live every day glorifying God when there is no one paying attention to us, no spotlight or recognition. We want people to see how great we are. Our goal is not to be successful, but to be faithful. Our focus is to show the glory of God in every aspect of our life – even competing.
It’s all about God. It’s not about me.