WEEK 3- A Life Worthy of the Calling II

MONDAY — Read the passage with your team.

    7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train
and gave gifts to men." 9 (What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Ephesians 4:7-13

What does this passage have to say about integrity?

Why is that important?

TUESDAY — Discuss the passage with your team.

1) In verses 7 and 8, Paul describes the grace that has been given to each of us — what do you think he is referring to?  Certainly this includes Christ’s grace in saving us, but is there more (v. 8)?

2) When God gave “gifts to men” (v. 8), was He required to do so?  In light of God’s grace, how should you receive the blessings and abilities He has given you, and what should you do with them?

3) Are your athletic abilities simply the result of your own hard work?  With what attitude do you use your athletic abilities?  For what goal, and for whose benefit?

WEDNESDAY — Discuss the passage with your team.

4) What are  some of the different gifts God gives (v. 11-12)?  He has also given each person on your team specific gifts; some of these may take the form of obvious athletic talents, and others may be gifts intended to benefit your team in other ways.  Take time to name gifts of each team member.  (This can be written or spoken.)  Remember, each of you — in order to live a life worthy of the calling, you must use these gifts!

THURSDAY — Discuss the passage with your team.

5) What is the purpose of using your gifts (v. 12), and how long are you expected to continue doing so (v. 13)?  Will you be able to “reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (v. 13) during your time on earth?  How, then, does this passage help you to understand the pursuit of integrity as a lifelong commitment?

6) Is the setting of a team a good environment in which to pursue the  goal of verse 12?  How?  If your team is not fulfilling the goal of verse 12, what purpose does your team’s existence serve?  Pick one of the gifts that your teammates have identified in you (yesterday), and consider how it can help your team to fulfill its purpose.

FRIDAY — Discuss sport applications of integrity, and pray together.

· Ask your athletes to briefly reflect on what they’ve learned about integrity this week, and to repeat some of those things.  (Remind them of some of the Biblical truths about integrity you’ve discussed, if necessary.)

· Ask your team, “Based on what we learned about integrity this week...What does an athlete of integrity do?”  Do not settle for vague answers; challenge your athletes to go beyond general qualities of an athlete of integrity, and to determine what those qualities look like in action.

· Add the results to your team’s list of descriptions of the “athlete of integrity”, and be sure the list is displayed somewhere that is constantly visible, as a reminder to the team.

· Pray together as a team.  Encourage your athletes to pray for your team’s growth in regard to the discipline of integrity — especially in relation to some of the issues and challenges that you discussed together this week.  Challenge them to also ask for forgiveness, when applicable.  Give time for athletes to request prayer (regarding integrity or anything else), and pray together.