A True Captain

Ready:

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.” Titus 2:11-14 NLT

Set:

Have you ever had a captain on your team that didn’t act like a captain? They didn’t lead by example but cut corners in training. They refused to share the ball and put their interests in front of the teams, or maybe they didn’t encourage you and only tore you down all the time. They didn’t fulfill the role that they claimed to hold. 

Paul teaches us that we have been redeemed from all wickedness. As a result of salvation, we are told how to live in response. Since we are redeemed, we shouldn’t continue to live in sin but instead, live as Christ did. 

Many get misled into thinking that since they said a prayer, they are now “saved” and can live as they wish. This verse clarifies that while good works don’t save us, it certainly is the result of being saved. If we truly have encountered Christ and made Him King, then the results will show in the way that we live. 

The difference between a true captain and a teammate is that a captain does the little things well to set the example for the team. The captain doesn’t cut corners. They are willing to make sacrifices to make the team better.

We can’t take the title of an athlete and allow it to give us permission to cut corners in life off the field. A title is irrelevant--it is what you do day in and day out that shows who you really are. So, in life, act like the captain that God has made you to be, and lead your brothers and sisters by example!

Go:

• If people on your team were asked to identify the Christians, would they pick you? Why or why not?
• What are some ways you can live out your identity as a Christian better?

Weekly Challenges:

• Identify a spiritual role model you look up to and talk with them about how they got where they are today.
• Share with them some of your goals to be a captain off the field and ask for their insight. 

Reading Plan: 

Day 85 - Revelation 19-22

Day 86 - Titus 1-3

Day 87 - Philemon & Jude

Day 88 - Hebrews 1-3

Day 89 - Hebrews 4-6

Day 90 - Hebrews 7-9

Day 91 - Hebrews 10-11