Trail Life Troop
NC-613
Devotional – Sportsmanship
Opening
- We learned today about being a good sport, now let’s see what the bible says about being a good sport.
- Read, or someone read the Teaching verse. FYI: The memory verse is further down
Proverbs 12:2 “Good people obtain favor from the Lord, but He condemns those who devise wicked schemes.
Devotional
Big picture Don’t cheat; obey the rules.
- Q: Why is it so hard sometimes to obey the rules and not cheat? (Set up the next question) Q: Do you always obey the rules when playing games with others? (coax out the truth, we all cheat)
- Most of us have trouble obeying the rules. There are as many excuses to cheat as sand in the sea. But cheating is a sin. So, when you say you cheat, you may as well say, I sinned. Same thing.
- Reasons to cheat aren’t really reasons, they are just excuses people make for bad behavior (sin). You are choosing to cheat. You are not a victim. You can choose to obey the rules, no matter what.
- Q: What are some excuses people make for their choosing to cheat? Let’s discuss some of those.
- False: No one will know. Truth: God knows. He is watching all the time, and likely others see you too.
- We never get away with cheating. It always come back to haunt you. Maybe not today, but sometime…
- False: No one got hurt. Truth: Anytime you cheat, your relationship with God is hurt. It hurts God.
- In fact, anytime you sin, a death happens. Your faith dies a little, your trust in God dies a little.
- False: Others do it, why shouldn’t I do it? Truth: You have a choice. Do good. God will reward you.
- False: I will lose if I don’t! Truth: You lose more important things than a game if you cheat.
- God says he favors those who do good. Do you really want to lose God’s approval of you over a game?
- False: I’ve cheated before and nothing bad happened. Truth: God condemns the wicked.
- We are told to repent of our sins and to obey. By continuing to cheat you just make it worse on yourself.
- False: But I want to win! I want my way! Truth: God’s way is better than our way, every time.
- Cheating gives a foothold for Satan inside you. Satan wants you to cheat, he loves it when you cheat. It drives a wedge between you and God. Is it really worth it to give ol’Satan a win over God?
- Obeying the rules seems like a small thing, but, truthfully, it is really a big thing. You see, it’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game that matters most to others and to God.
- It’s up to you. The choice is yours: you can choose to cheat or to be a good sport. What will you do?
Memory Verse #1:
Ask if anybody knows it yet and can say it? Read it together 2X Consider having a memory verse pamphlet for kids take home.
John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Topical Questions
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What makes it tempting to cheat in games?
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Did Jesus ever cheat? The bible says He had no sin. So, He never cheated, He obeyed. You can too.
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What will you do next time you are tempted to cheat at something?
Closing Prayer
Dear Jesus, help these boys to not cheat and to obey the rules. We all sin, but we have Your Holy Spirit in us that helps us to do what is right. Others may not, but we do. We should always do what is right. We thank You for all the good things You have done for us. The least we can do to thank You is doing good, every time. Give us strength to do good, and not evil. In Your name, Jesus Christ we pray, Amen!
