Get in the Game…

Ephesians 6:10-18

Ok, it’s a New Year. That means new goals, new resolutions, football, weight loss, etc. It’s fun to think of a fresh start. Sometimes, we get so excited about goals that we miss what’s going on.

Our game. Looking at football – and my limited knowledge of the game – we see a strategy that draws us to a goal – winning. There are plays, defensive and offensive, that drive us to score. On the field, touchdowns are scored – but not without fumbles, interference, interceptions and tackles. It’s not easy to run toward that end zone when a 6’1” 250 lb. lineman is running at you full force; doing everything in his power to knock you down, and maybe even out if he can. It certainly can be intimidating. You need confidence to keep running. But where does that confidence come from? Your skill? Partly. But to be the best, you have to hit that field daily and practice. You must watch films to see how your opponents play. You routinely practice with your teammates to learn to work together, build each other up, and lean on each other when the tough play comes. These practices breed loyalty, endurance, determination, and excitement. They also are grueling, long, slow, and often remove sense of self. Sometimes you sit on the field looking at everything going on around you, every play, every tackle, every practice run up and down the field and you think… I can’t do this anymore.

But hold on, there is hope.

At the side of that field stands your coach. He has been where you. He has seen many victories and failures – more than you can count. He has run that field – to the end. He knows what to do to achieve victory. In fact, there are many specialized coaches on that field. Defensive coaches, offensive coaches, and even a kicking coach. These are the coaches that the head coach has added to his coaching team to direct you to the best way to achieve success.

Are you noticing a hidden meaning??? Consider this a modern day parable; a short story to illustrate a godly point.

You are in a game. We are called to run toward the prize.  Philippians 3:14 says “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me…” God Himself called us to win this prize.

So how do we get to victory?

We gotta learn how to play the game. We can try to live this life on our skill set of talents and gifts. We can walk confidently onto that field with what we know and the talents we’ve been handed, but when that enemy that’s been playing many years runs at you – you can bet your talents will only get you so far. And, don’t stop to think for a minute that he hasn’t been watching films of you your whole life. He’s looking for weaknesses, some points of entry. He jumps on ways to divide and conquer. He also is an enemy that practices his craft daily. He’s good at what he does.

The good news? We have a victorious coach and the story has already been written. We will win. Our job? Do our best to get in the game. We can sit on the sides and watch this game… but who wants to keep the bench warm? The game is designed to be played.

Get to know the coach. He did walk this earth. Jesus went through many trials – including death. And he overcame EVERY ONE – including death.

He is risen. He is the victory. We have victory in Him. Watch the coach. Listen to his guidance. Run the plays he gives you – but not on your own. You have a handbook. It’s a 101 for dummies – 'Life 101 for dummies' - The Bible. Don’t just read it. Memorize it. How did David defeat the giant? With 5 stones? Yes, but who did he live for and believe in? Let’s look at David’s words (Genesis 17:45) “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty…”

How did Jesus stand against temptation? With the Word of God. Matthew 4:4 “Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. “Pray for a love of the Word of God. Pray to crave the word.

Look at strategies of opposing team. Who are your opponents? Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Practice on the field. Wear your pads and helmet. Ephesians 6:13-17 “¹³ Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.¹⁴ Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. ¹⁵ For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. ¹⁶ In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. ¹⁷ Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Run those defensive and offensive plays – everyday. The movements should be memorized. You should know to duck when someone is swinging at your head. You should dart to the left when he is coming at you from the right. How? The Word of God.

Start off this season with a long talk with the coach.  Ask Him what to look for and what games He wants you to play this year. Let Him guide and direct you. In fact, He should be your best friend. Call Him when a friend hurts you. Call Him when an unexpected interview for job appears. Thank Him for everything He has given you. When you go to him for daily strategy, you will be well prepared for every game.

Don’t forget to listen to the special team coaches – (i.e. Pastor, Sunday School Teachers, Bible Study leaders, women’s conferences, counselors…) -the head coach has set them aside to help you work on specialized training. Maybe they help with your skill set. Some encourage. Some correct. They are there to make you the best player you can be.

Let’s have a victorious season – let’s be in the super bowl. Let’s walk away with a super bowl ring.

2015 is a year for champions.