WEEK 3- The Works That God Requires

MONDAY — Read the passage with your team.

25 When they found Him on the other side of the lake, they asked Him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”

26 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs, but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.  27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that    endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.  On Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.”

 28 Then they asked Him, “What must we do to do the works that God requires?”

 29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.”

John 6:25-29

What does this passage have to say about work habits?

Why is that important?

TUESDAY — Discuss the passage with your team.

1) What point were the people missing in verse 28, when they asked, “What must we do to do the works that God requires?”  How were they seeking to gain God’s approval, and what did Jesus tell them was the only way to do so?

2) Do you realize that eternal life is not something that can be achieved, but something to be received by faith?  How should this truth impact the way you live, and how should your faith in Christ impact your purpose and habits in your work?

 WEDNESDAY — Discuss the passage with your team.

3) Does your work reflect the purpose of seeking “food that spoils” or “food that endures to eternal life”?  What is your impact on others?  Do your work habits encourage others to pursue temporary or    lasting goals?

4) How does this understanding of the purpose of your life and work impact your involvement in athletics?

THURSDAY — Discuss the passage with your team.

5) What is the purpose of your playing a sport, being a part of a team, and pursuing the goals which your team has set?  Are those team goals consistent with the goal of knowing Christ?  Are your work habits as you play and compete in line with that goal?

6) Is your participation in athletics causing you to know and love God more deeply?

FRIDAY — Discuss sport applications of work habits and pray together.

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

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

Add the results to your team’s list of descriptions of the “athlete with godly work habits”, 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 work habits — 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 work habits or anything else), and pray together.