Weekend Message Study Guide
Being a Champion
January 3, 2010
Clay NeSmith
Being a Champion
“No one wakes up in the morning and says, ‘I want to lose today.’” Clay Nesmith
1. Champions remember what they ought to remember. Studies show that 65% of second-generation family businesses fail and a mind-boggling 90% of third-generation businesses fail! They forget the vision and moral values that the company was birthed with. They forgot what they ought to remember. Look at 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and 2 Corinthians 6:1. If you remember these things, what difference would it make in your life? What practices can help you remember? (Communion, journals, letters of thanks to God and others who are investing in you, . . .)
2. Champions forget the things they ought to forget. Read Philippians 3:12-14. Champions miss shots and make mistakes. They make great plays, but realize that there is still more to be done. Babe Ruth led the American League in Strike Outs - 1918, 1923, 1924, 1927 and 1928. Living in the past means we will be focused on tombstones (failures) and trophies (successes). Neither one of these will allow you to reach your potential today. What do you remember about your past that you ought to forget?
3. Champions understand the resources they have at their disposal. They know and use everything available to succeed. As Christians we have a great Coach (Romans 8:11). How do you respond and use this resource God has given you? We have been given a great Playbook for life. The Bible is Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) How are you utilizing this great resource God has given you? 2 Corinthians 12:1-6 says that God has given us a special gift. How are you using the gift God has given you? He has also given us a team of believers to make us successful. (2 Corinthians 12:7) How are you utilizing the people around you to help you become a champion? How are you playing your part to help others become champions?
4. Champions have a strong work ethic. Read Philippians 2:12-13. It doesn’t say that we are to work FOR our salvation, but it does say that we are to work IN our salvation. Champions do drills on their own. They study the Bible on their own, not just when the church meets. They make the game look easy because they work hard. What are you doing to become a Champion? It will make life better here on the planet, it will be help others come to Christ and will provide eternal rewards in the future. (1 Corinthians 3:11-15)
5. Hebrews 12:2 “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” (NLT) What does this verse mean to you?
(Interested in a LIFE Group with others who are striving to be champions for Christ? Call Jim Evans at the church office @843-280-1270.)
1 comments:
Loved the sermon! 23 years and I am still trying to figure out what God's purpose for me on this Earth.I get off the bench and am there for my family and try to make them happy, but what am I doing with my life-searching. Read the "Will the Real You Please Stand Up", similar to your sermon. Pastor Clay, I keep listening to the coach, but must be missing the signals.
You speak from the heart, and that is why I love hearing you!
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