5-28-17 Sidelined
The team motto – “use me” …. But are you sidelined?
We are all made to glorify God, but some of us are currently benched.
We are all commanded to share the Good News, but some of us our sidelined.
Missed Practice – not prepared / not dressed in uniform
[2 Kings 2:11-14] – Elisha
Sunday only Christian – not prepared to share your hope, to share Jesus
[1 Peter 3:15] But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hopethat you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
[Romans 12:11] Never be lazy, but work hardand serve the Lord enthusiastically.
[1 Timothy 4:7] Train yourself to be godly
[1 Corinthians 9:25] All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.
[Ephesians 6] Put on the FULL Armor of God
- Helmet of Salvation – SALVATION through Christ
- Breastplate of Righteousness – RIGHTEOUSNESS of Christ
- Shield of Faith – FAITH
- Belt of Truth – TRUTH of God
- Sword of the Spirit – WORD of God
- Feet Prepared with the Gospel of Peace – GOSPEL
- Prayer
Performing poorly / Playing bad / Head not in the game
[1 Kings 11] – Solomon
[Hebrews 12:1-2] Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
[2 Timothy 2:4] No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. – YOU NEED AN ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Not following game plan / Disobeying coach
[Numbers 20] – Moses
Not humbling yourself, not following God’s will – you think you know better, not seeking God
[Psalm 105:4] Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! – He is our Creator, He has the beautifully orchestrated plan, not my will by His will be done
[2 Timothy 2:20-22] In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Injured List
[2 Corinthians 12:7b-10] – Paul
Suffering, broken – struggling physically, mentally, financially
Financial struggles, health issues, pain, surgery, anxiety, depression
Maybe you think you are too broken, too sick, too depressed…
Maybe you think you are not a position to share the Good News
[2 Corinthians 3:5] It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God.
[1 Peter 4:11] If anyone speaks, they should do so as one whospeaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Ejected – attitude/behavior problem – “unsportsmanlike conduct”
[1 Samuel 2:22-25] – Eli’s sons
Heart problem – angry, jealous, bitter, unforgiving…
[Job 11:13-16] Still, if you set your heart on God and reach out to him, If you scrub your hands of sin and refuse to entertain evil in your home, You’ll be able to face the world unashamed and keep a firm grip on life, guiltless and fearless. You’ll forget your troubles; they’ll be like old, faded photographs.
[Psalm 51:10] Create in me a pure heart, a clean heart
[Acts 20:18-21] When they arrived he declared, “You know that from the day I set foot in the province of Asia until now I have done the Lord’s work humbly and with many tears. I have endured the trials that came to me from the plots of the Jews. I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear, either publicly or in your homes. I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike–the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.
Work humbly
Endure trials
Never shrink back
Share one message – JESUS
May He use you!!
Let us….
[Psalm 100:2] Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!
To Him alone …. All honor, glory, and praise! Forever and ever!
Tania Gutekunst 