Glory: Teamنموونە

Chasing Glory II

WELCOME

“Everyone who bears my name and is created for my glory. I have formed them; indeed, I have made them.” Isaiah 43:7

I’m created for God’s glory, not chasing my own.

WARM–UP

Share a memory of being celebrated. It could be a birthday or an accomplishment. If there is anyone on the team who doesn’t remember a time of celebration, take a moment to do that now. Celebrate your teammates and tell them the great things you see in them already.

WORKOUT

The Oklahoma University Softball team drew a lot of attention when they won the 2023 NCAA Women’s College World Series. They confirmed the reputation of their program, they drew attention to their university and they made it a point to give God glory in their post-game interview on ESPN. The women were unapologetic about their faith and very aware of what they were doing. It was pleasant for many to watch and perhaps uncomfortable for others. Either way, they honored God by executing well the talent they were given, working excellently with the team they were assigned and praising God publicly for it.

God's glory is, "The combined magnitude of all God's attributes and qualities put together," or "The combined weight of everything that makes God, God."

Giving God glory is "Thinking and acting in a way that pleases God and draws attention to who He is." (Brian Smith, The Assist)

Q. How do you think the Oklahoma University Softball team's public expression of their faith impacts the dynamics within the team and the broader community, both positively and potentially negatively?

Q. In what ways do you believe giving God glory intersects with the pursuit of excellence and teamwork within sports, and how might this influence the culture and performance of your team?

Receiving our own glory is satisfying in the moment. It feels good to be seen and have a sense of significance. Getting glory says, “I matter.” But when we chase glory, we’re actually chasing something we already possess. From the very beginning we were created by the Creator of the universe in His image: “God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness’…So God created man in His own image; He created him in the image of God; He created them male and female (Genesis 1:26-27). God crowned man with glory and honor and His message for us today is, “You are precious in my sight and honored, and I love you” (Isaiah 43:4).

Take a moment to look around at your team and your coach(es). What do you notice about the images you see? I’m sure you notice quite a few differences. How then can we all be made in God’s image when we are all so different and unique?

Q. Read the following verses: Zephaniah 3:17; Nehemiah 8:10; Zechariah 4:1; John 11:33-35

Q.What traits do we possess beneath the surface that reflect God?

Eve (the first woman) was led astray in Eden by the craftiest lie. The simple words, “You will be like God” convinced her that she was not like God – or at least, not enough. But Adam and Eve were like God. They were made in His image and were God’s reflection in the earth. You don’t need to strive for something you already have. You don’t need to aim to be something you already are. You are precious to God. You are dearly loved. You are created for His glory.

WRAP-UP

We go through this life in pursuit of glory ourselves. We want people to cheer our name, we want to contribute to a greater purpose, and to be recognized for our achievements. God desires the same thing from us. However, you can give something you don’t realize you have.

• Take a moment to consider: Who is God to you?
• If you are created in His image, in what ways do you believe you are like Him?
• What does it mean to you that you are created for God’s glory?

Created for His Glory—We are created for His glory not our own. Isaiah 43:7

Created in His Image—Genesis 1:26-27