FAITH - LESSON 8
CHAMPION MAKER
You may need your Bible, a pen & notebook to complete these lessons. You should be able to copy and paste these outlines to your word processor and print them without difficulty if you so desire. We recommend you record in your note book deep thoughts or questions that may arise as you study, and certainly record all things God reveals to your heart. Look over these notes frequently and use them even as you pray. God will cause you to grow in wisdom and understanding. Keep your note book with you throughout the day as much as possible to record all God reveals to you and to review the things you have learned. Look up all bible verses in this study. Highlight or mark them in your bible. It is Gods Word speaking directly to you.
We also recommend you make a habit of memorizing a scripture each week. This not only helps get the Word deep in your heart, but is also an excellent mental exercise.
Champion Maker
Although the manufacturer of the breakfast cereal “Wheeties” calls it “The Breakfast Of Champions, the food product has no ability to truly turn anyone from a wimp into a fighter, a geek into a genius or ugly into a super model. Only God can do these things, and He will do it for anyone who calls on Him and is willing to walk the walk He sets for them.
The difference between a true champion and others has a lot to do with their ability to focus themselves on training and not allow distractions to diminish their efforts. Although the human effort is enormous, there is little else they can do, but God does the greater work.
It is God who puts the natural abilities in a person, and it is God who opens opportunities in their lives. One actor gets noticed and becomes a big star, one athlete breaks a knee and his career ends early, one is born in a wealthy family and given options for sport while another is born third world and is recruited to war at seven years old. God opens and closes the doors, but we can influence God. Our choices and prayers matter!
Daniel 11:32b “…but the people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits.”
Although the bible in Ecclesiastes says “time and chance happen to every man”, we know from scripture God turns those who turn to Him, regardless of their humble beginnings, into true champions. Lets look at some examples here.
Moses
Born; hidden by his mother; adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter - Ex 2:1-10
Leads Israel out of Egypt and through the Red Sea - Ex 13:17-14:31
Receives the law on Mount Sinai - Ex 19-23
Appears with Christ at Transfiguration - Matt 17:1-3
Joseph
Hated by his own brothers & sold into slavery- Gen 37:3-11
Unjustly imprisoned in Egypt - Gen 39:1-23
Interprets dream in prison - Gen 40:1-23
Wins Pharaoh’s favor - Gen 41:1-44
Prepares Egypt for famine - Gen 41:45-57
David
Insignificant in his own family’s eyes yet chosen by God - 1Sam 16:1-13
Becomes royal musician - 1Sam 16:1-13
Defeats Goliath - 1Sam 17
Anointed King of Judah - 2Sam 2:1-7
Anointed King of all Israel - 2Sam 5:1-5
Conclusion: True champions are made, not born, by their choice to follow God no matter what the conditions. In Isaiah 40:29 we read “He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increases strength”. In verse 31 he continues “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint”. It is true; no matter how insignificant we seem, or how daunting the task, God is able to equip each of us to fulfill our destiny in Christ and accomplish the very things we were born on this earth to do. God is the one who ultimately crowns the winner, not man.
…next lesson continues with - “The Champion Formula”. Don’t miss it!
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School Of Faith with Dan & Suzann Faith - Lesson 8