Teamwork

Introduction:

I owe much of my athletic success to a number of people that elevated my game so I call them “elevators.” At 12 years old I decided that one of my goals was to play professional baseball. God knew I wouldn’t make it alone, so he gave me a big brother that was bigger, stronger, faster, smarter, better than me in everything. He was one of my biggest elevators.

My second elevator was my college best friend who loved baseball and Jesus. He would challenge me to work harder and walk closer to Jesus. Together we would work out no matter what the conditions, and pray that God would lead us as competitors.

Application:

1. Think about the people in your life – are any of them elevators?
2. How about you, for whom are you an elevator?
3. Take steps, today, to get some elevators in your life.

Bridge:

Mark 2:3-4 tells the story of a paralytic man: “Then they came to Him bringing a paralytic, carried by four men. Since they were not able to bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above where He was. And when they had broken through, they lowered the mat on which the paralytic was lying.” The paralyzed man was totally dependent on his buddies – his elevators. They were described as men of faith that were not going to be denied.

Connection:

1. When have you seen someone be an “elevator” for someone else in sports? How did that influence help push the athlete to another level of play?
2. Ask the Lord to send some “elevators” your way, and to help you become an elevator for others.   

Discovery:

Elevators aren’t drafted or happen to show-up in your life, they are people you choose to engage with. They are teammates who encourage you, that make you stronger and better. Who can you pursue to have as an “elevator” in your life?

Close:

Memory Verse: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11