WARM-UP
Pursue the Prize
No matter the level of competition, every athlete is pursuing something. It might be simply having fun or something as serious as earning a scholarship, winning a championship or landing a big contract. As the stakes rise, the drive behind that pursuit intensifies and brings athletes closer to the prize.
Q: What athletic pursuit is most important to you right now?
Q: How much time do you spend each day working toward that goal? Q: What would achieving your athletic pursuits mean to you?
WORKOUT
Parallel Paths
Stories of pursuit can be found all throughout the Bible. In the New Testament, we find two men on parallel paths whose encounters with Jesus sent them in opposite directions.
In Luke 19:1–10, we read about a man named Zacchaeus, a tax collector who cheated the people in Jericho and became very wealthy. At that time, Jesus had gained a reputation as a great teacher and miracle worker. Zacchaeus had to catch a glimpse of Jesus, but his short stature made it difficult for him to see over the crowd. So he climbed into a tree and waited for Jesus to walk past.
Just like Zacchaeus, sometimes we need to be willing to pursue truth and then respond accordingly. But then, in Mark 10:17–27, we see a similar encounter that produced a different result when a man, often referred to as the Rich Young Ruler, approached Jesus and asked this question:
Jesus then told him to obey God’s commandments to which the Rich Young Ruler responded that he had done all of those things. But the next words from Jesus were much more difficult to hear.
Both men were pursuing wealth and material success. Both men were pursuing truth. Both men received the same answer, yet each man made very different decisions.
Zacchaeus pursued truth and found a new path to fulfillment. His wealth no longer mattered in light of the treasure Jesus had offered. The Rich Young Ruler likewise pursued truth but went home disappointed, unwilling to change course, and unwilling to give up his material things.
Q: Why do you think the Rich Young Ruler was unwilling to listen to Jesus? Q: Are you more like Zaccheaus or more like the Rich Young Ruler? Why?
The Big Picture
It’s not usually that difficult to identify the things we’re pursuing as athletes. Victories, championships, records, scholarships and contracts are very tangible. But sometimes we need to step back to see the big picture of what we really want for our lives.
Below is a list of common pursuits. Determine which of these things you spend the most time pursuing (1 = never, 10 = always).
Acceptance
Achievement
Community
Education
Fame
Love
Popularity
Position
Power
Relationships
Security
Significance
Wealth
Q: Review your list and look at the three things that you spend the most time pursuing. What is the driving force behind your pursuit of those things?
Q: What are you currently doing to pursue those things?
Q: How do you expect your life to change once you attain the things you are pursuing?
Know the What
It doesn’t matter if we’re pursuing big dreams, close relationships or material things, we can easily let our pursuit drive our focus, our actions, our behaviors and our priorities. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but what if pursuing those things ultimately isn’t healthy or isn’t good for us in the long run?
That’s why it’s important that we “know the what” or understand the thing that we really need in our lives. The Bible is clear about what that thing is. It is a relationship with Jesus Christ. It was Jesus who explained why that was so important while teaching His followers:
A few chapters earlier, Jesus revealed why it was so important to pursue truth.
Jesus means that we become free from empty pursuits, the pressure to perform, the desire to please others and the guilt and shame of our sin.
Q: Why are material pursuits temporary?
Q: When you pursue material things, do you feel satisfied with what you have, or do you feel the need for something more?
Q: Which one of the godly truths mentioned above resonates with you the most? Which one do you struggle to believe?
WRAP-UP
Pursue Truth
If you’re tired of pursing material things that don’t last, consider these three steps that will instead help you pursue the ultimate truth that can only be found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ:
1. Read the Truth. First and foremost, you must believe that the Bible is the 100% living, breathing Word of God. Then, be intentional about studying the Bible and what it has to say about God and your relationship with Him.
2. Pray the Truth. Ask God to forgive your sins and invite Jesus to come into your heart and rule as Lord over your life. Then, ask the Holy Spirit for guidance every day and trust that He will guide your steps.
3. Reach for Truth. Find someone who can help you grow closer to God and your relationship with Him.
And when you do make that decision, the Holy Spirit will give you a desire to live out the encouragement in our daily theme verse.
OVERTIME
As a Huddle, search The FOUR in the app and view them together. Take some time afterward to discuss each of these principles. If you haven’t already committed your heart to Christ, talk to your Huddle leader or another FCA staff member about making that game-changing decision today.