Discuss

If you played back the film of your last week with your sports friends, what would your actions tell us about who you are?

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?

• What does the passage tell you about who you were before Christ?
• What does the passage tell you about who you are now in Christ?
• How should your new identity shape the way you view your life?
• What does it mean to be part of God’s family?
• What does it mean to live in light rather than darkness?

Sum Up

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.

• This time as you read through the passage, list together the actions and consequences (stated or implied) that describe those living in darkness and in light.
• Discuss as a group the challenges of living God’s way in respect to the areas of sex, language, alcohol and general lifestyle discussed in this passage.
• In the sports culture at your university today which areas provide the biggest challenge for you?
• Why is God’s way best?
• How can a Christian be thrilled with God’s way of living?

Sum Up

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.

What does this mean for us?

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.