1: The Big Win

READY

“But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) Ephesians 2:4-5 NLT

SET

As athletes, we want to win! The competitive spirit seems wired into our DNA—that’s because it is!

God uses competition to help us know him better. As we work towards excellence in sports, we find out that happiness doesn’t come from winning trophies, medals or an applause. No award can equal the rush of discovering new life in Jesus.

Ephesians 2:1-9 highlights three major differences between material prizes and the ultimate prize: a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

• Difference 1: Salvation is based solely on GOD’S EXTREME LOVE for us (Eph. 2:1-4).

Unlike our athletic accomplishments, we have not earned salvation. We’ll always fall short of His perfect standard. But God made a way for us to be with Him forever.

• Difference 2: We are saved by GRACE (Eph. 2:5-7).

God’s grace is His love toward us even though we don’t deserve it. Yet, He still offers grace to anyone willing to accept Jesus as their Savior.

• Difference 3: We are saved through FAITH (Eph. 2:8-9).

God doesn’t stop with saving us. He also gives us a spot on His team and provides us with “immeasurable riches” in His kingdom.

God accomplished the Big Win when Jesus died for our sins. God has marked out a unique race and role in your new life in Jesus. Are you ready to give everything you’ve got to the race He’s laid out for you?

GO

1. What are some things that motivate you to compete? 

2. How has choosing to accept God’s incredible free gift of salvation in Jesus changed your life?

WORKOUT

• Ephesians 2:1-9
• 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

OVERTIME
“God, give me a vision of the big win you have for me. Help me to stay motivated in my faith and run my race well. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.“