Stepping Into Action: Embracing Our Roles in Faith
Summary
In today's message, I shared my journey and experiences, emphasizing the importance of stepping out of the stands and onto the court of life. Drawing from my travels and work with various organizations, I highlighted the parallels between officiating in sports and leading a life of faith. Just as a good referee maintains presence and fairness, we too must be present and just in our relationships and communities. Life is about building trust and being equitable, not just in sports but in every aspect of our lives.
I also touched on the significance of mentorship and the role of sports as a platform for life lessons. It's not just about the game; it's about mentoring and changing lives. This is evident in the unseen moments of camaraderie and support among players and coaches, which mirror the nurturing and guiding roles we play in our communities.
Furthermore, I addressed the current cultural and political climate, urging us to stand firm in our beliefs and be willing to face consequences for our convictions. The church must awaken and activate, teaching truth and exposing lies, much like the dual duty described in Titus 1. We must balance grace and truth, nurturing and disciplining, building and battling.
I challenged the passivity that often plagues us, drawing parallels to biblical figures who were called to confront political powers. Silence is consent, and we must be willing to engage in the public square, standing for essential doctrines and unity in the faith. Each of us has a unique role in our communities, and we must embrace it, stepping out of the stands and into the game.
Key Takeaways:
1. Presence and Fairness in Life: Just as a referee maintains presence and fairness on the court, we must embody these qualities in our relationships and communities. Building trust and being equitable are essential, not just in sports but in every aspect of life. [15:37]
2. Mentorship Beyond the Game: Sports serve as a platform for life lessons, where mentorship and life-changing experiences occur. It's not just about the game; it's about nurturing and guiding others, much like the unseen moments of camaraderie among players and coaches. [26:15]
3. Standing Firm in Convictions: In today's cultural and political climate, we must stand firm in our beliefs and be willing to face consequences for our convictions. The church must awaken, teaching truth and exposing lies, balancing grace and truth. [15:37]
4. Confronting Passivity: Passivity is a challenge we must overcome, much like biblical figures who confronted political powers. Silence is consent, and we must engage in the public square, standing for essential doctrines and unity in the faith. [26:15]
5. Embracing Our Unique Roles: Each of us has a unique role in our communities, and we must embrace it. We are God's providential choice for the people around us, and we must step out of the stands and into the game, making a difference where we are. [26:15]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Inspiring People to Act
- [01:15] - Journey Through Different Countries
- [02:45] - Lessons from Officiating
- [04:00] - Behind-the-Scenes Moments
- [05:30] - Mentorship Beyond Basketball
- [07:00] - The Importance of Liberty
- [08:30] - Standing Firm in Convictions
- [10:00] - Awakening the Church
- [11:30] - Balancing Grace and Truth
- [13:00] - Confronting Passivity
- [14:30] - Embracing Our Unique Roles
- [16:00] - Engaging in the Public Square
- [17:30] - Unity in Faith
- [19:00] - Conclusion and Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Titus 1:9 - "He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it."
2. John 1:14 - "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth."
3. Numbers 30:2 - "When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said."
Observation Questions:
1. How does the role of a referee in sports relate to the qualities we should embody in our relationships and communities? [15:37]
2. What are some examples of mentorship beyond the game that were mentioned in the sermon? [26:15]
3. How does the sermon describe the current cultural and political climate, and what is the church's role in it? [15:37]
4. What biblical figures were mentioned as examples of confronting political powers, and what was their significance? [26:15]
Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest we can balance grace and truth in our daily lives, similar to the dual duty described in Titus 1? [15:37]
2. How does the concept of "presence and fairness" in officiating sports translate to building trust and equity in our communities? [15:37]
3. What does the sermon imply about the importance of mentorship and its impact on individuals and communities? [26:15]
4. How does the sermon challenge the idea of passivity, and what are the potential consequences of remaining silent in the face of injustice? [26:15]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a relationship or community you are part of. How can you embody presence and fairness to build trust and equity? [15:37]
2. Identify a person in your life who could benefit from mentorship. What steps can you take to nurture and guide them beyond the "game"? [26:15]
3. Consider a conviction you hold strongly. Are you prepared to face consequences for standing firm in your beliefs? How can you prepare for this? [15:37]
4. Think about a situation where you have been passive. What actions can you take to engage more actively and confront issues in your community? [26:15]
5. What unique role do you believe you have in your community, and how can you step out of the stands and into the game to make a difference? [26:15]
6. How can you balance grace and truth in your interactions with others, especially when faced with challenging situations? [15:37]
7. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced injustice. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future to stand for essential doctrines and unity in the faith? [26:15]
Devotional
Day 1: Embodying Presence and Fairness in Relationships
In life, just as in sports, maintaining presence and fairness is crucial. A referee's role is to ensure the game is played justly, and similarly, we are called to embody these qualities in our relationships and communities. Being present means actively engaging with those around us, listening, and responding with empathy. Fairness involves treating others with equity and justice, building trust, and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. This approach is not limited to sports but extends to every aspect of our lives, encouraging us to be consistent and reliable in our interactions. [15:37]
"Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place." (Jeremiah 22:3, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs you to be more present and fair today, and how can you take a step towards building trust with them?
Day 2: Mentorship as a Life-Changing Platform
Mentorship extends beyond the boundaries of sports, serving as a powerful platform for life lessons. It is about nurturing and guiding others, much like the unseen moments of camaraderie among players and coaches. These relationships are transformative, offering support, wisdom, and encouragement. As mentors, we have the opportunity to impact lives profoundly, helping others navigate challenges and grow in their personal and spiritual journeys. This role requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to invest time and energy into the lives of others, recognizing the potential for change and growth. [26:15]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: Who can you mentor or encourage today, and what specific action can you take to support their growth?
Day 3: Standing Firm in Our Convictions
In today's cultural and political climate, standing firm in our beliefs is essential. This requires courage and a willingness to face consequences for our convictions. The church is called to awaken, teaching truth and exposing lies, balancing grace and truth. This dual duty involves nurturing and disciplining, building and battling, as we strive to uphold essential doctrines and unity in the faith. It is a call to be bold and unwavering, trusting in God's guidance and strength as we navigate the challenges of our time. [15:37]
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)
Reflection: What is one conviction you need to stand firm in today, and how can you prepare to face any challenges that may arise?
Day 4: Overcoming Passivity with Purpose
Passivity is a challenge that must be confronted, much like biblical figures who stood against political powers. Silence is consent, and we are called to engage in the public square, standing for essential doctrines and unity in the faith. This requires intentional action and a willingness to speak out against injustice and falsehood. By embracing our unique roles, we can make a difference in our communities, stepping out of the stands and into the game with purpose and determination. [26:15]
"Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy." (Proverbs 31:8-9, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area where you have been passive, and what specific step can you take today to actively engage and make a difference?
Day 5: Embracing Our Unique Roles in Community
Each of us has a unique role in our communities, and we are called to embrace it. We are God's providential choice for the people around us, and by stepping out of the stands and into the game, we can make a meaningful impact. This involves recognizing our gifts and talents, and using them to serve others, fostering unity and growth. By actively participating in our communities, we can contribute to positive change, building relationships and creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. [26:15]
"For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." (Romans 12:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: What unique role has God given you in your community, and how can you step into it more fully today?
Quotes
"Well, working the tournament's awesome. Yeah. And working games, you know, you have all these competitive alpha athletes. Yes. And you've got these very feisty, fierce coaches and a lot of pressure and coaches and, you know, fans and noise and bands. Sure. But the best officiating, to be candid with you, is not what you actually get to see. You guys typically watch live action. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Like, when the ball's in play and then it goes to a commercial. The best officiating is dead ball officiating. It's what we're doing when you're not watching. Yes. Oh, wow. And going in and going, Anthony, quit grabbing his shorts, dude, or I'm going to get you. You, Matt, stay vertical on the free throws, dude. Yes, love you. I'm going to violate you, you know? Yes. And you're actually doing what parents do and pastors do behind the scenes, not calling people out and embarrassing them, but winning them over." [00:04:49]
"It's all difficult. If you, you know, life is relationships. Yes. If you build trust with people, they don't need you to be perfect on the calls, but they don't want to get screwed. You know, they want to know that you're fair and equitable. So my favorite memories, I mean, I've had coaches come out to the middle of the court, you know, they've already got a tee and it's like, I got to throw them out. I'm like, okay, do I want to be dramatic here? Or do I want to just go, if you want to just walk quietly to the locker right now, I'll just go over to the table and let them know that our time here is done." [00:06:40]
"Like, I don't, we don't need to make a show here. You're trying to, cause you're going to have them again. Yes. If you want to ref year after year after year, you don't want to like have something dramatic, right? Yes. But my favorite memories are ones again, you probably don't see. It's going into the locker room after a team just lost in March Madness. So that means they're out. That means that it's one and done. That's the senior's last game ever in his lifetime since playing since. And then seeing guys maybe crying or, you know, grappling, grieving and having the coaches put their arm around him and saying, you know, we love you. We're for you. You did a great job. You know, just some of those warm moments that no one sees behind the scenes where guys are kind of melting down, but you see good camaraderie and chivalry and coaches who realize basketball is just a platform. Yes. It's not about basketball. You get to mentor men. You get to change lives." [00:07:08]
"Well, it's just, uh, you know, I think of life as kind of the issue of the day, you know, a lot of my colleagues are concerned about Liberty because, you know, our churches were shut down. It was particularly in California during COVID by our governor, who's a tyrant. Um, and they're concerned about Liberty, but I'm like, if you don't have life, you don't have Liberty or anything. It's the foundation. Like any government that's going to take away the most vulnerable who won't speak up for those who can't speak for themselves. That's a problem. And I feel like having come to Christ in Germany, I I'm, you know, familiar with a lot of German history, which you guys are too. I kind of picture like we were in world war two. It's like 1939, 1940, 1941. And we're realizing, wait a minute, are they taking our Jewish neighbors? Do we have any duty or obligation to say something? And everyone says, Oh, I would have said something. I, Oh, really? You didn't say a dang thing during COVID. So I think you've already shown your colors, dude. And now that the unborn are being taken out at the democratic national convention and you're not saying something. No, I don't think," [00:08:47]
"Well, we're trying to awaken the church. And as a pastor myself, you know, I want pastors to, to activate. And most of the guys I journey with are, they're good guys, but they forget we have a dual duty. Titus one says, we're not only to teach the truth, we're to expose lies. Yes. Hello. This is like Nehemiah, you know, you're supposed to have your trowel, but you also have to have a sword, dude. This is like John one, Jesus is the incarnation of grace and truth. You need both. And so we are no powder and pink, you know, pro -life organization. We're like red, black, and gold, you know, like, yeah, we're a little more of the sword because, uh, you know, in first Kings and second Kings, you had a lot of Kings and says they did what was right in the sight of God, but they didn't tear down the high places. So in the end they got rebuked. It's like, they're good guys, but they didn't do the full count. It's like the two strands of DNA didn't happen. You're super gracious. You taught the truth, but you didn't expose lies." [00:12:58]
"Yeah. And we're back in the garden with Adam watching passively as Eve is destroyed by Satan. I mean, this kind of passivity is just nutso. Yes. And it's like, where are the men with chests? You know, this, this isn't just a theological issue. This is like about courage and grit and gumption. It's like, what the heck? You know, I, again, I love all my pastor friends, but I had no idea they were so soft." [00:15:37]
"Jesus went out of his way to rebuke religious people, right? You just, he was a savage. Take something as, as familiar as the good Samaritan. It seems like non -believers know this story, right? If you're a good Samaritan, you're a good guy. What's the story about? It's about a priest who walked by so detached, didn't do a dang thing. And then a Levite goes by and you think, Oh, now this guy's going to get help. No, he walked by the other side to totally detached, totally disconnected from reality. The only guy who saw the problem, whether the issues life or Liberty or whatever, saw there's a problem was the Samaritan. The lead, that's like an SC student for me at UCLA. You know, it's like, what? That's like, so good. That's like a Duke guy for you. Like, what?" [00:21:13]
"these pastors saying too, I don't want to get political, Dave. I don't want to get political. So one, silence is consent according to numbers. So that's a problem. Yes. You know, you didn't say a thing, but I don't think like Daniel wanted to get political, but God had him confront Nebuchadnezzar. Do you think Moses wanted to get political, but he said, you know, you're going to confront Pharaoh. Do you think Esther wanted to get political, but he said, you're going to have to confront Xerxes. Do you think Jesus wanted to get political? He had to deal with Pontius probably like, I don't want to get political either, but we're not going to watch what's happening in the public square and do nothing. I" [00:23:51]
"every touch foul. That'll be nice that they won't even have a game. Yeah. Like major on the majors. Don't call the little crap. And with churches, it's like, what, what do you stand for? What are you willing to die for? Like, what are the essential doctrines of the revelation from God, the father, the, you know, redemption from Christ on the cross, the regeneration of the Holy spirit. But do you want to add 42 other things? Really? You, you Presbyterians charismatic, blah, blah, blah. Like they all have their, like, we're not going to unite unless we know what the core is that we stand for." [00:24:59]
"have a lot of viewers who might say, well, Anthony could do it better than I could, or Matt could do it better than I could, or maybe Dr. Dave could do it better. Dude, we do not live on your street. We don't go to your workplace. We're not in your cul -de -sac. We're not in your school. I'm not in your classroom. Yes. If you're there, you're God's providential choice for that, those, those people, right? Yes." [00:26:15]
"can't change the game if you're not in it. Yes. So get out of the stands. Everyone knows the right calls in the stands. Come on, get your stripes on and a whistle and make a call on the court. Let's go. Amen. Well," [00:27:42]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?