Commitment

Introduction:

Think about this past season’s games. Can you recall the faces and names of those who stayed through the whole game and waited for you to emerge after the game was over? Who was there? How would you describe their commitment to you and to your team?

Application:

With whom are you most likely to spend some time in conversation after a hard fought game?

1. The first-time spectator
2. Friends
3. Family
4. Teammates

Seem like a silly question? Many athletes act like they don’t know the answer.

Bridge:

John 2:24-25 says, “Jesus, however, would not entrust Himself to them, since He knew them all and because He did not need anyone to testify about man; for He Himself knew what was in man.”

1. Why would Jesus not entrust Himself to these people?
2. What is there about such people that Jesus would not find to be trustworthy?
3. What does it mean that, “He Himself knew what was in man?”

Connection:

1. How does Jesus’ example challenge you regarding the people who are worthy of your trust?
2. How do you decide who is trustworthy and who is not?
3. What qualities in people make them hard for you to trust?

Discovery:

1. It should be the same with us. Don’t commit yourself to the first clown to come around wearing your team’s colors and screaming at ball games.
2. Be a little discerning. Look around to see who is paying the dues of commitment – investing the years, driving the miles, and shedding the tears for your life. Those are the ones in whom you can deeply trust and to whom you’d be wise to commit your own life.
3. Make some commitments on the field of competition today. Invest in your team, your coaches, and your family.

Close:

Memory Verse: “Above all, maintain an intense love for each other, since love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8