bible study | 12.04.19
People watch our actions and often determine who or what we are by what they see - do they see you differently? Even without words, we can see by their behaviour who someone is. Identity shapes behaviour. In your sports club, what does your behaviour say about who you now are in Christ?
1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:
“Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
In Ephesians Chapters 1-3, we see clearly how we have become adopted sons and daughters of God through what Christ has done. In Chapters 4 and 5 we learn how to live out this new identity.
You have a new identity in Christ. For the Christian, identity shapes behaviour and it is so important always to remember who we are as we train, compete and socialise. The Christian life is not something you have to do (to be saved), but something you get to do, want to do and will do. You want to do it in light of recognising your identity in Christ and what He’s done.
1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them.
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth)10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:
“Wake up, sleeper,
rise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
As you seek to understand more of God’s design and love for you, the outflow will be a heart that desires and will live according to His design. Therefore, you will live a life that is for your good and pleasing to Him.
As you navigate your specific sports culture, whatever that may look like in a Covid world, be sensible and wise. Use the principles and commands of God’s word with godly discipleship and accountability to manage yourself as you live out the Christian life. Remember you are forgiven, and the first two verses remind you that you are a dearly loved child of God.
IDENTITY SHAPES BEHAVIOUR NOT BEHAVIOUR SHAPES IDENTITY
It’s who you are - The Christian life is not something you have to do (to be saved), but something you get to do, want to do and will do. You want to do it in light of recognising your identity in Christ and what He’s done.
It’s for your good - As you seek to understand more of God’s design and love for you, the outflow will be a heart that desires and will live according to His design. Therefore, you will live a life that is for your good and pleasing to Him.
It’s for the good of other sportspeople - In conversations we want to defend this way of life and lift Christ up as the reason for it. Also, we are called to expose the darkness in people’s lives, so they see and turn to Jesus.
Christians in Sport is a UK based charity that aims to reach the world of sport for Christ. We mainly work with sportspeople in competitive and elite sport.
Registered Charity England and Wales 1086570.
Registered Charity Scotland SCO45299.
Company number: 4146081
Photos (c) Shutterstock unless specified
Unit D1, Frampton House
Telford Road Industrial Estate
Bicester, OX26 4LD
01869 255630
info@christiansinsport.org.uk