Humility

Introduction:

Have you ever seen a last place team jump up and beat the previously undefeated, first place squad?  How could that happen? Many times we see a team strut onto the field or floor, exalting themselves and believing they are invincible. How quickly they can fall, often to teams with inferior talent. Other teams have an honest estimate of their strengths and weaknesses. They approach the game with respect for their opponents and a quiet confidence in their teammates and coaches. 

Application:

1. Tell about a time when you saw a team that seemed to be overmatched by a superior opponent, rise up and defeat an obviously more skilled squad.
2. Why does this happen to some teams?
3. What does your team do to avoid such situations?

Bridge:

In Matthew 23:12, Jesus is recorded as saying, “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” 

Connection:

1. What would it look like for someone to exalt or lift himself up?
2. Why would he or she be humbled and by whom?
3. When have you seen someone humble himself and then be lifted up by others? Tell us about it.
4. How could a team act with humility toward its opponents and thereby be in position to be lifted up?

Discovery:

1. In today’s competition, have an attitude of quiet confidence. 
2. Be fully aware of your team’s strengths and weaknesses. 
3. Have an honest estimate of your abilities and a healthy respect for your opponents. 
4. If you will humble yourselves, it’s God’s job to exalt you and lift you up at the appropriate time.

Close:

Memory Verse: “…and all of you clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5