Play-by-Play: John (1/3)Sample

True Worship

Theme verses: “And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade.” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” John 2:16-17

Pastor David Platt preached a sermon several years ago about idolatry in sports. He compared the University of Alabama football fans’ affection on Saturday to those who worshiped on Sunday. He said, “Let me ask you a question. Suppose you were a visitor from another country, and you came to this city on a weekend. Which would you identify as the most important religion to those people? What religion most excites and consumes people? We live in a society where sports compete for our time, money, and devotion. We must consider how to flee idolatry in sports participation for the glory of God.”

Platt later wrote a blog about the subject and said, “Every good thing we enjoy in life is a gift from God (James 1:17), including our hobbies. Whether it’s sports, music, fishing, reading, etc., we were made to enjoy God through the things He has made. However, due to the remaining sin in our lives, we also must be on guard against turning our hobbies into idols. It’s easy to begin enjoying and worshiping the gift while ignoring the Giver.”

In chapter 2, Jesus faced a similar situation to those who today turned sports into an idol. His goal was to draw people and their worship back to God. He traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover, where He found the temple overrun by vendors and money changers. He cast them out because they were no longer devoted to worshiping God but had turned the temple into a marketplace for profit. The Lord was explicit about reserving everything in the temple for the purpose of worship. When Jesus completed His work of atonement for the sins of the world, the place of meeting changed, but the standards are the same. Believers are now His temples (1 Cor. 6:19-20), and we are to remain sanctified. Every coach, athlete, or sports fan should ask themselves, “What do you think the Lord wants to drive out of your temple?”

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete submit themselves to God’s cleansing process, first by refusing to tolerate the presence of sin, then by asking God to remove it.

H.E.A.R.

As you read today’s chapter, journal using the H.E.A.R method:

H (Highlight) - What stands out to you? If something stands out to you, it’s likely God pulling you toward a certain portion of scripture.

E (Explain) - Describe in context the text. Ask questions like: Why was this written? To whom was it originally written? How does this fit with the verses before and after? Why did the Holy Spirit include this passage in the book?

A (Apply) - How do you take this verse beyond the page? Ask questions like: How can this help me? What does this mean today? What would the application of this verse look like in my life? What is God saying to me?

R (Respond) - This is where you will write a measurable response to the truth God revealed. Maybe it will be a call to action, something you will change in the coming week. Maybe it will be a prayer asking God to help you work this truth into your life. Whichever, make sure it is measurable so you can hold yourself accountable in your growth as a disciple.