OBJECTIVE:
This lesson will teach the players to honor the Lord with their actions so that they can bring glory to God.
Scripture Passage:
"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all how are in the house. Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16 (memory Verse, Matthew 5:16, in bold)
In Word
This season, we've been looking at how we can be godly examples to others based on 1 Timothy 4:12. Last week, we learned about pleasing God with our words. Today, we will talk about our conduct, or actions.
How many of you have a lamp in your bedroom? Where do you put it? In the closet? Under the Bed? Of course not! You put it somewhere that everyone can see, where it can give light to the whole room. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus says that Christians are like a light, not just for a bedroom, but for the whole world. The good things we do should give light of God's love to a dark, sinful world. As believers, we can't hide this light from others. Everyone who sees us should be able to tell that we follow Jesus by the way we live our lives. It's not enough just to call yourself a Christian. Today's verse says you need to act like one!
So what does it mean to act like a Christian? The Bible tells us. God's Word is full of instruction on how we should live. It says that we should be kind and loving to others, respect those in authority, do what's right even when it's difficult, be honest and fair, and much more. Christians live this way not to make ourselves look like "good people," but to show the world that we serve a God who is holy, loving, kind, and good.
Often, the world around us doesn't live this way. You might have friends who aren't Christians, and they might not speak, treat others, or obey their parents the way that the Bible tells us to. When you are around people like that, it can be hard to live for Jesus. You may be tempted to act the way that they're acting in order to fit in. Maybe you live on way at church or another around your family, and another way when you are at school, in you neighborhood, or with your unsaved friends. But as Christians, we're not supposed to blend in to the world around us. We should do what the Bible says and live to please God, not to fit in with others.
When you act in a way that pleases God, people will take notice. They might wonder why you listen to your parents, or are kind to the kid who doesn't have any friends, or let others go before you. As they see these things in your life, maybe they will ask you why you live this way. That gives you an opportunity to tell them about Jesus. Our memory verse says that when we do this, it could lead to that person believing in Jesus and giving glory to God. So no matter where we go or who we're with, let's live in obedience to God's Word and let our light shine for Jesus!
How many of you have a lamp in your bedroom? Where do you put it? In the closet? Under the Bed? Of course not! You put it somewhere that everyone can see, where it can give light to the whole room. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus says that Christians are like a light, not just for a bedroom, but for the whole world. The good things we do should give light of God's love to a dark, sinful world. As believers, we can't hide this light from others. Everyone who sees us should be able to tell that we follow Jesus by the way we live our lives. It's not enough just to call yourself a Christian. Today's verse says you need to act like one!
So what does it mean to act like a Christian? The Bible tells us. God's Word is full of instruction on how we should live. It says that we should be kind and loving to others, respect those in authority, do what's right even when it's difficult, be honest and fair, and much more. Christians live this way not to make ourselves look like "good people," but to show the world that we serve a God who is holy, loving, kind, and good.
Often, the world around us doesn't live this way. You might have friends who aren't Christians, and they might not speak, treat others, or obey their parents the way that the Bible tells us to. When you are around people like that, it can be hard to live for Jesus. You may be tempted to act the way that they're acting in order to fit in. Maybe you live on way at church or another around your family, and another way when you are at school, in you neighborhood, or with your unsaved friends. But as Christians, we're not supposed to blend in to the world around us. We should do what the Bible says and live to please God, not to fit in with others.
When you act in a way that pleases God, people will take notice. They might wonder why you listen to your parents, or are kind to the kid who doesn't have any friends, or let others go before you. As they see these things in your life, maybe they will ask you why you live this way. That gives you an opportunity to tell them about Jesus. Our memory verse says that when we do this, it could lead to that person believing in Jesus and giving glory to God. So no matter where we go or who we're with, let's live in obedience to God's Word and let our light shine for Jesus!
On the Court
- Remember, how you treat those around you at basketball is far more important than how you play today.
- Even if you think you can break a rule and get away with it, don't cheat. Play fair and show integrity.
- Most athletes play to give glory to themselves, or even their team, but you play for a higher purpose. Play to give God glory.
Off the Court
- If you see someone in need of help or who could use some encouragement, share some of God's love and kindness with them.
- When those around you are doing something that you know is wrong, do what's right, even if you have to do it alone.
- If the people around you notice the way you live and ask you about it, share with them about Jesus and how He's changed your life.
The Game Plan
- Review last week's memory verse, James 1:26, "Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless." Give a ticket to any player who can recite it.
- Learn and memorize Matthew 5:16 with your team. Encourage them to practice the verse over the week.
- Emphasize the importance of the way we act and treat people today, both during the game and off the court.