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YOU: T
HE SPI
RITUAL
ATHLE
TE
VI N
EY A
RD
AT
HO
ME
2 CORINTHIANS 5: 11 – 14 (MESSAGE)
“That keeps us vigilant, you can be sure. It’s no light thing to know that we’ll all one day stand in that place of Judgment. That’s why we work urgently with everyone we meet to get them ready to face God. God alone knows how well we do this, but I hope you realize how much and deeply we care. We’re not saying this to make ourselves look good to you. We just thought it would make you feel good, proud even, that we’re on your side and not just nice to your face as so many people are. If I acted crazy, I did it for God; if I acted overly serious, I did it for you. Christ’s love has moved me to such extremes. His love has the first and last word in everything we do”.
“WE WILL ALL STAND IN THE PLACE OF JUDGMENT”
What words come up for you when you read this?
What the “judgment seat” (bema) of Christ is NOT:
• It is not the Last Judgment (Revelation) – ultimate salvation or damnation. The issue of our salvation is already settled.
What the “judgment seat” IS: • It is EVALUATION as in an athletic game
“Paul envisioned Christians as competitors in a spiritual contest , receiving their awards”
SPIRITUAL ATHLETES
What are some of the parallels between our life on earth and its tests and trials (Paul’s bigger topic here in 2 Cor. 5) and an athletic competition?
How would we come at life – especially the challenges we face – differently if we saw ourselves as “spiritual athletes”?
Who do you know (or know of) who takes this approach? How would you describe them?
“…READY TO FACE GOD…”Context: “to face God” as the One who
will evaluate our performance in the athletic contest of life on earth. What images come to mind?
What does the judge in an athletic competition evaluate? What does the athlete have to look forward to or fear?
What is delivered or withheld at the conclusion of the judge’s evaluations?
JUDGING OURSELVES
The first judge every athlete faces is himself / herself .
(“Personal Best”)
What is your basic attitude toward yourself?
• Do you utilize shame to improve performance?
• What role doe inspiration play in your quest to achieve your “personal best”?
THE MINDSET OF A SPIRITUAL ATHLETE
“God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure” - Eric Liddell
How are you being challenged as a “spiritual athlete” in your life at this time?
How might you approach your challenges inspirationally?
What would it be like for you to “feel God’s pleasure” as a spiritual athlete in the contests of this life?
