WARM-UP
Role Models
Being a successful competitor requires a lot of individual effort and hard work. But it’s impossible to achieve goals alone. It requires support and leadership from parents, coaches, administrators, trainers and teammates.
Sometimes, that support comes from your team and coach during practice, in the Huddle or away from the field of competition while working in the community or just hanging out together. But sometimes that support comes from observing role models from a distance.
In all cases, competitors need to be rooted in a foundation of consistent training, driven to grow and improve their physical, mental and tactical skills.
Q: Who is someone in your sport who you try to imitate?
Q: In what specific ways have they influenced the way you compete?
Setting the Standard
It didn’t take long after Paul’s conversion to the Christian faith that he was traveling to ancient cities found in countries now known as Israel, Syria, Turkey, Greece and Italy, and sharing the Gospel of Christ and helping build churches.
He, along with other church leaders like Peter and James, set the standard for rapidly growing the Church. The believers hung on every sermon the apostles preached and every letter they wrote.
But Paul was quick to remind his disciples that the goal wasn’t to become more like him but to become more like Christ.
That was Paul’s rallying cry for the Church. He wanted the believers to fully understand who Jesus was and the great things He wanted to accomplish through them. As they knew Jesus more, they would want to become more like Him.
Paul knew that the believers needed to be rooted in God’s Word and intimately connected to Him through prayer. He also emphasized that followers of Christ have a higher calling, which requires living by a higher standard and following the Holy Spirit on a daily basis.
We have God’s Word. We have His Spirit. We have His Church. All of those things empower us to be in every way more like Jesus Christ.
Q: What do you think it looks like to become more like Jesus?
Q: Which of the things discussed do you need to apply to your life more consistently? How might those things help you become more like Jesus?
Prayer
God’s Word
Church fellowship
WORKOUT
The Example of Christ
So what does it look like to imitate God or follow the example of Jesus? The Bible does give us an idea of some attributes that are high on that list:
•We should be selfless and humble
•We should be holy and separate from the world.
•We should promote unity and peace within the body of Christ.
•We should love others.
•We should forgive others.
•We should boldly share the Gospel.
These are things we struggle with every day because we are human and by no means perfect. But here’s the good news. God is not finished with you. He’s just beginning and He won’t give up on you without a fight.
Q: For you, is it easy or difficult to become more like Christ in every way?
Q: Of the attributes listed, which ones do you struggle with the most and why? How do you think doing those things more consistently might change you and those around you?
WRAP-UP
Every Way Like Christ
Conforming to the image of Christ is one of our greatest challenges as believers. But as Paul and the apostles demonstrated, it’s not an impossible task.
Here are three key things to remember that will help you begin to live every day like Christ:
1. You are rooted. To be more like Christ, you must study God’s Word, stay in communication with God through prayer and maintain healthy relationships with other Christians.
2. You are called. To be more like Christ, you must accept and embrace the fact that you are called for a higher purpose and that requires living by a higher standard. That purpose will lead you to do God’s will, follow His commands, serve the Church and reach the lost.
3. You are growing. To be more like Christ, you must actively and intentionally live out God’s Word by following the Holy Spirit every day.
As you set forth in the goal of becoming like Christ in every way, you will continue to experience the powerful truth found in our daily theme verse:
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.” —Ephesians 1:3
OVERTIME
Go through these questions as a Huddle:
Q: What are some things that have held you back from being more intentional about studying God's Word and spending time in prayer?
Q: What are some things that need to change in your life (daily routine, attitudes, priorities, etc.) which will help you be more consistent in your prayer and devotional times?
Discuss and use Notes to record some practical ways that you can:
Make a plan to grow in God's Word.
Draw close to God through prayer.
Commit to Church fellowship.
Follow the Holy Spirit in every aspect of your life.