Get Into the Huddle 0R Football 101
Gary Minnick
Midland SDA Church
October 9, 2021
Football season is officially underway. The most popular sport in America will once again headline sports pages, influence workplace conversations and impact family life. Many Americans love their football and many love their faith. For some, football is a religion, but for many more, football and their faith are perfect partners.
Some of the most famous and successful NFL players are men of strong Christian faith. Players like Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes and of course, Tim Tebow, are all very devote Christians. Are these two loves at odds?
In the February 4, 2013 Sports Illustrated had a Super Bowl issue, Mark Oppenheimer wrote an article entitled, “In the Fields of The Lord.”
His essential thesis was that for Christian players and coaches, football is bad.
Oppenheimer claims football will likely corrupt their Christian values, and thus all who love and follow football are corrupted as well. He argues that physical violence, in playing football is “deeply at odds with Jesus’ message.”
But this is simply not true. First, we must examine the
message of Jesus. Oppenheimer says Jesus preferred the loser to the winner, the
weak over the strong and the poor over the rich, but this is not an indictment
against football. In fact, the essential message of these scriptures is that
Jesus wants us to be servant oriented. This is exactly what football
teaches players. A football team requires every player to put his
personal agenda below the teams. He learns that unless each player
fulfills his role on offense, defense and special teams, the entire team will
suffer. Self-centeredness must give way to serving the team.
There is much in the Bible that supports the qualities needed for playing
football. Many stories in the Bible tell of battles, of perseverance and of commitment.
Romans 8:28 tells us God wants our character to be formed like Jesus, and football is a character-building enterprise. Learning how to win and lose gracefully happens by playing football. Getting along with people who are different from you and appreciating their differences is learned playing football. Same as in the church, supporting each other no matter their difference personalities or ways of doing things.
!Cor.12 1-12 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant: 2 You know that[a] you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb[b] idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus [c]accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.
4 There are [d]diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works [e]all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by [f]the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
Unity and Diversity in One Body
12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink [g]into one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many.
What happens when we don’t use our talents? Matt.25:24-29 24 Finally, the servant who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Master, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what belongs to you.’ 26‘You wicked, lazy servant!’ replied
his master. ‘You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed. 27 Then you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and on my return, I would have received it back with interest.
28 Therefore take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. 29 For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. But the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.
The temptation of materialism is simply a challenge many other Christ followers face. Business leaders, entertainers and other successful people have the same temptation to serve money instead of God, and it is not unique to NFL players and coaches. Rich man, Salaries of quarterbacks $ millions. Kansas chiefs Patrick Mahomes, 45 million, Aaron Rodgers 33.5
million Dac Prescott four-year contract for 160 million Average player earns 860,00 a year. What would Jesus be worth? Did you ever go through McDonalds and someone is paying for you in the drive through lane? How does that make you feel? That’s what Jesus is doing for each one of us. By giving His grace he is paying it forward for us. It cost Him everything even the cross.
The Draft
Before the football season begins, the teams select their players — and many players are chosen through the draft. Once they are drafted, they join their team where they are expected to learn the plays and do what their coaches require.
They learn to work with their teammates with the ultimate goal of winning games and making it to the Superbowl.
One Bible reading this week begins with a similar “Draft”. When Jesus was beginning His earthly ministry, He, too, drafted a “team”. We call this team the 12 disciples. This week we are going to follow one of Jesus’s picks — Peter. Today, let’s look at the day Peter was drafted.
At the outset of Jesus’ public ministry, He called twelve men to be His disciples. He did not select them based on their credentials or skills, but used ordinary men to bring the message of redemption to a lost world. The intimate friendship that the Disciples had with Jesus was the foundation for their service to Him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach 15and have authority to cast out demons. Mark 3:17 Jesus spent three years training these men to be leaders. Jesus’ plan was to eventually have the disciples take over and carry on the work He had started. – Luke 6:12,13
Just like us as when we came into the church as new members, we needed to be trained in the know-how of being a worker for God.
The Fumble
Nobody wants to fumble during a football game. A fumble is when someone drops the ball, making it possible for the other team to get the ball. How a team responds to a fumble is very important. Good teams will get back up again and play the game even harder. The best teams will not let a fumble determine the outcome of the game.
Today we are going to look at a major fumble in Peter’s life. Let’s take a look at a time when Peter really dropped the ball . . .
66 Now as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came. 67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with Jesus of Nazareth.”
68 But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are saying.” And he went out on the porch, and a rooster crowed. 69 And the servant girl saw him again, and began to say to those who stood by, “This is one of them.” 70 But he denied it again. And a little later those who stood by said to Peter again, “Surely you are one of them; for you are a Galilean, [m]and your [n]speech shows it.”
71 Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know this Man of whom you speak!” 72 A second time the rooster crowed. Then Peter called to mind the word that Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” And when he thought about it, he wept.
Day Three – The Running Play Sometimes teams “run the ball”. That is, they give the ball to someone and that person takes off running as fast as they can towards the goal. They run through whatever obstacle is ahead of them, never giving up until they are tackled or until they make it to the goal line for a touchdown.
Read Luke 24:12. What did Peter see when he arrived at the tomb? What do you think Peter was feeling at this moment? 12 But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths [a]lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened.
Day Four – The Field Goal
A team will often attempt a field goal when they are not sure they will be able to score a touchdown. In this play, they are close enough to kick the ball over the goalpost — and if they are able to do this, they get 3 points. The kicker has an important job to do — his kick can add points to the scoreboard and help win the game.
Peter had an opportunity for a field goal shortly after his fumble and running play. After Jesus rose from the dead, he had a private conversation with Peter where he not only gave him an important job to do, but he gave him this job 3 times! (Get it? 3 . . . like the field goal is 3 points)
Read John 21:15-17. What did Jesus tell Peter to do? 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you. “Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you. “Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
Why do you think he told him three times? (Remember what happened during his fumble). What job does Jesus have for YOU to do? Luke 21:15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or [g]resist. Luke 21: 14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 Stand firm, and you will win life. NIV.
Day Five – The Huddle
During a football huddle, the team gathers around the quarterback to receive instructions about the next play. The quarterback tells them what they need to do.
Peter took on the role of quarterback after Jesus went up to heaven. He shared God’s words with anyone who would listen and often many, many people gathered around to hear God’s instructions. Today we are going to read about one such huddle. And what happen when Peter came out of the huddle.
Peter Addresses the Crowd
Acts 2:36-41 NKJV
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.
36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the [a]remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” 40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this [b]perverse generation.” 41 Then those who [c]gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. .
Day Six – The Touchdown
Every team wants to score as many touchdowns as they can! This is when they get the ball in the endzone for six points. Touchdowns are exciting to watch (if it’s your team that scores) and the team that scores the most touchdowns is usually the team that wins.
Our last passage in the life of Peter shows a pretty cool touchdown moment. In this story, Peter is in the middle of the opposing team but, with God’s help, he is able to sneak past the guards and into the endzone where his team is waiting for him. Let’s read about it now . . .
Read Acts 12:5-11. How did Peter get past the guards? What was the response of the people when Peter reached the house? Have you ever seen God do something exciting in your life? Tell someone about it!
5 Peter was therefore kept in prison, but [b]constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. 6 And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were [c]keeping the prison. 7 Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands. 8 Then the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals”; and so, he did. And he said to him, “Put on your garment and follow me.” 9 So he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they were past the first and the second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.
11 And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.” An angle of the Lord helped him reached the end zone.
What about football players sharing the gospel with others? Now I am not judging anyone, just saying what I have read.
A reigning Super Bowl MVP, Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes faces high expectations again this season. But the 26-year-old, says glorifying God remains his priority, as it does for many Christian football players. “Faith is huge for me,” says Mahomes, who became a Christian during middle school. He says, “Before every game, I walk the field and I do a prayer at the goal post. I just thank God for those opportunities, and I thank God for letting me be on a stage where I can glorify him.”
Aaron Rodgers Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers grew up in a Christian home where his parents instilled into him faith values at an early age. He asked Jesus to be his Savior when he was very young and is still a devout Christian to this day. When it comes to his upbringing, Rodgers said, “I grew up knowing what a stable relationship was by my parents’ example and how it centered on Christ. When our family had its up and downs, I knew my parents relied on God for everything and He always got us through those rough spots.” Rodgers is often compared to Tim Tebow, not afraid to share their faith.
The massive list of men who have played the
game and are faithful Christ followers is a testament to the fact that it can
be done.
What is most disconcerting about the author’s article is the shadow truth
behind his thesis: Christian football players are not meek, nice and gentle.
The problem is that for too long, many people have used Christianity to make men less manly. If you are a tough working guy, a high-achieving person or a fun-loving adventurer, you can’t be a real Christ follower according to some. This is why Sports Illustrated had the Super Bowl cover article proclaim that football and Christianity just don’t belong together.
Moses, David, Daniel, Peter and Paul were all true leaders, and tough guys who got things done for God. Jesus’ bold leadership, blunt honesty and strong actions are what drew so many followers to Him.
And then there are the coaches who often become angry. Could that happen to Jesus?
Could Jesus become angry? Matthew 21:12-13, Mark 11:15-18 NKJV - Jesus Cleanses the ... What was happening was the religious leaders were selling the sacrifices required by God’s law for a profit. In other words, poor families who traveled far and at great expense to follow God’s law were extorted, when they should have been helped.
That upset Jesus. This is where we see Jesus at his angriest.
Mark 11:15-18 NKJV) Jesus Cleanses the Temple.
15 So they came to Jerusalem. This is where we see Jesus at his angriest. He makes a whip and drives them out. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 16 And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple. Jesus went into the temple and cleaned house, and that is no meek and mild man.
Football appeals to many men because it is aggressive, tough and filled with risk.
Christianity appeals to me for exactly the same reasons.
I want to be in the battle between good and evil; I want to fight for what is right even if I fumble, I will get back up and fight harder, I accept the challenge of doing it. How about you?
Working as a team allows your church members to see the successes and failures of others in a supportive environment. More than that, working as a team allows your members to learn from each other without undue risk. For example, when things go bad, the team can pull together to make them better.
The sport of football did not unmake me as a Christian; it made me a better one as it has done for hundreds or thousands of other men and women. If you are not a team player today, committee yourselves to becoming one. This team of SDA’s is the winning team and will enter into heaven I hope very soon. Our super bowl victory is awaiting us to enter heaven. Are you on the team? If not, why not?