🚀 Elevate Your Ministry with Him First Media Group! ✝️ We provide the essentials for any marketing campaign today, designed specifically for Christian organizations. From strategic planning to social media management, our team is committed to delivering Quality, Service, & Integrity in all that we do. Let us help you effectively share your message and connect with your audience! 📲 Call Now: 1 (800) 769 8083 🌐 Learn More Online At: www.himfirstincorporated.com #HimFirstMediaGroup #MarketingEssentials #DigitalMinistry #FaithInAction

PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 20) 1. Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise. 2. The wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion; Whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life. 3. It is honorable for a man to stop striving, Since any fool can start a quarrel. 4. The lazy man will not plow because of winter; He will beg during harvest and have nothing. 5. Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, But a man of understanding will draw it out. 6. Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man? 7. The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him. 8. A king who sits on the throne of judgment Scatters all evil with his eyes. 9. Who can say, “I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin”? 10. Diverse weights and diverse measures, They are both alike, an abomination to the LORD. 11. Even a child is known by his deeds, Whether what he does is pure and right. 12. The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The LORD has made them both. 13. Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread. 14. “It is good for nothing,” cries the buyer; But when he has gone his way, then he boasts. 15. There is gold and a multitude of rubies, But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. 16. Take the garment of one who is surety for a stranger, And hold it as a pledge when it is for a seductress. 17. Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel. 18. Plans are established by counsel; By wise counsel wage war. 19. He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips. 20. Whoever curses his father or his mother, His lamp will be put out in deep darkness. 21. An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning Will not be blessed at the end. 22. Do not say, “I will recompense evil”; Wait for the LORD, and He will save you. 23. Diverse weights are an abomination to the LORD, And dishonest scales are not good. 24. A man’s steps are of the LORD; How then can a man understand his own way? 25. It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, And afterward to reconsider his vows. 26. A wise king sifts out the wicked, And brings the threshing wheel over them. 27. The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the inner depths of his heart. 28. Mercy and truth preserve the king, And by lovingkindness he upholds his throne. 29. The glory of young men is their strength, And the splendor of old men is their gray head. 30. Blows that hurt cleanse away evil, As do stripes the inner depths of the heart.

Be the Light (Matthew 5:14–16) Look around you. There is so much darkness in the world. People are struggling with fear. Some are carrying pain they never talk about. Some have lost hope. Some are searching for purpose. Some are surrounded by people but still feel alone. And some have never truly heard the good news about Jesus. Jesus said: “You are the light of the world.” What a powerful statement. Jesus didn't say, “You might become the light someday.” He told His followers to live as people who reflect His light. But what does that mean? It means your life should point people toward Christ. Your words can bring encouragement instead of discouragement. Your actions can demonstrate kindness instead of selfishness. Your integrity can stand out in a culture where compromise is common. Your forgiveness can show people the power of grace. Your hope can remind someone that difficult circumstances don't have to have the final word. And your testimony can introduce someone to Jesus. Being a light doesn't mean pretending that your life is perfect. You will have difficult days. You will make mistakes. You will have questions. You will experience disappointment. But even in those moments, you can continue pointing toward Christ. Because the light isn't coming from you. It comes from Him. Think about the moon. The moon doesn't produce its own light. It reflects the light of the sun. In the same way, we are called to reflect the character and love of Jesus. The world doesn't need Christians who simply tell everyone how good they are. It needs Christians who demonstrate how good God is. So let your light shine at work. Let it shine at school. Let it shine at home. Let it shine in your friendships. Let it shine on social media. Let it shine when nobody is watching. You don't need a huge platform to make an impact. One encouraging message can brighten someone's day. One honest decision can influence someone. One act of kindness can open a door. One conversation about Jesus can change someone's eternity. Don't underestimate what God can do through a faithful life. But remember something important: Being a light doesn't mean compromising truth just to make people comfortable. Jesus was full of both grace and truth. Love people genuinely. Speak truth with humility. Stand for what is right. But never use your faith as an excuse to treat people with arrogance or hatred. Our goal isn't to win arguments. Our goal is to point people to Christ. Jesus continued: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Notice where the glory goes. Not to us. To God. When someone sees your kindness, may they see Christ. When someone experiences your forgiveness, may they see Christ. When someone hears your testimony, may they hear about Christ. When someone sees your hope during difficult circumstances, may they wonder where that hope comes from. And when the opportunity comes, don't be afraid to say: “Jesus is the reason.” The world doesn't need another person trying to impress everyone. It needs people willing to faithfully reflect Jesus. So don't hide your faith. Don't hide your testimony. Don't hide the hope Christ has given you. Shine. Not for attention. Not for applause. Not to make yourself look important. Shine so that people can see God. You may be the light someone needs to see today. Who can you encourage, help, or point toward Jesus today? #BeTheLight #Matthew516 #LightOfTheWorld #ShineForJesus #FaithInAction #ChristianYouth #HopeInChrist #JesusSaves #ShareJesus #DailyFaith #Lordsbook #JMSM #KNKA

PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 20) 1. Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise. 2. The wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion; Whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life. 3. It is honorable for a man to stop striving, Since any fool can start a quarrel. 4. The lazy man will not plow because of winter; He will beg during harvest and have nothing. 5. Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, But a man of understanding will draw it out. 6. Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, But who can find a faithful man? 7. The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him. 8. A king who sits on the throne of judgment Scatters all evil with his eyes. 9. Who can say, “I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin”? 10. Diverse weights and diverse measures, They are both alike, an abomination to the LORD. 11. Even a child is known by his deeds, Whether what he does is pure and right. 12. The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The LORD has made them both. 13. Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty; Open your eyes, and you will be satisfied with bread. 14. “It is good for nothing,” cries the buyer; But when he has gone his way, then he boasts. 15. There is gold and a multitude of rubies, But the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. 16. Take the garment of one who is surety for a stranger, And hold it as a pledge when it is for a seductress. 17. Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel. 18. Plans are established by counsel; By wise counsel wage war. 19. He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips. 20. Whoever curses his father or his mother, His lamp will be put out in deep darkness. 21. An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning Will not be blessed at the end. 22. Do not say, “I will recompense evil”; Wait for the LORD, and He will save you. 23. Diverse weights are an abomination to the LORD, And dishonest scales are not good. 24. A man’s steps are of the LORD; How then can a man understand his own way? 25. It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, And afterward to reconsider his vows. 26. A wise king sifts out the wicked, And brings the threshing wheel over them. 27. The spirit of a man is the lamp of the LORD, Searching all the inner depths of his heart. 28. Mercy and truth preserve the king, And by lovingkindness he upholds his throne. 29. The glory of young men is their strength, And the splendor of old men is their gray head. 30. Blows that hurt cleanse away evil, As do stripes the inner depths of the heart.

Good evening, brethren. 1. Evening devotion for today. ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST* (COCIN DEVOTIONAL) *DATE:* WEDNESDAY 19TH AUGUST, 2026. *SUB-THEME:* YOUTHS: VESSELS OF GOD’S GRACE. *TOPIC:* DOING SOMETHING USEFUL. *TEXT:* EPHESIANS 4:25-28. 25 Therefore, stripping off falsehood, “let each of us speak the truth to his neighbor,” for we belong to one another. Zec 8:16 [Col 3:9] 26 “Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set while you are still angry, Psa 4:4 [Mat 5:25] 27 and do not give the devil an opportunity to work. Jas 4:7 1Pe 5:9 28 The thief must no longer steal but must work hard and do what is good with his own hands, so that he might earn something to give to the needy. Act 20:35 1Th 4:11 2Th 3:8 2Th 3:12 *TOPIC:* DOING SOMETHING USEFUL. *THE MESSAGE:* No one is created for a life of waste, rebellion, or indulgence in destructive habits like drugs, immorality, theft, or idleness. This passage encourages believers to live productive, truthful, and purposeful lives as taught in the scriptures. God desires fruitfulness, not wastefulness or sinful living. To be useful, you must shun lies, embrace the truth, and engage in honest work. Hard work brings rewards, growth, and opens doors of opportunity, keeping you from the grip of poverty, unfruitfulness, and shame. It is disheartening to see young people spending their time on social media, pursuing fruitless ventures, and missing numerous opportunities. Usefulness involves taking initiative, being creative, and serving both God and others with diligence and integrity. Embrace a mindset of diligence and purpose today! *REFLECTION:* Be useful to your Creator and community. *PRAYER:* Lord, help me to be productive. Amen. *MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:* 2 TIMOTHY 2:21. "If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be instruments for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work." *TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:* EZEKIEL 12-15. ED.ii. WHAT WAS I BORN FOR? "'You are a king, then!' said Pilate. Jesus answered: 'You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to Me.'" - John 18:37 Jesus knew what He was born for. There are many people who do not know why they are here on earth. I believe, however, that man was created quite uniquely. So how can you think we were put on earth without a purpose and just for fun? It is good to think about: What was I born for? Is this what God has for me? There is only One who can give you the right answer to that and it is God. He knows exactly why you were born. God's children save themselves from a lot of difficulties when they consult Him; God wants to speak as well as answer them. The purpose of our existence God did not create us to only build a life here on earth and then die. No, God created mankind to eventually go to heaven to be with Him forever. That is the main reason why He created us. However, that is not God's only purpose. On earth we are on our way to our ultimate goal and while we are here, we must consult the Lord: 'Lord, what do You want me to do? What is the earthly purpose for which You want to use me?' Go and consult God about the earthly job you should practice and what you can do for Him, so you will know: This is the reason why I was born! Find ways to bless others. Make yourself available to people who need comfort and support. 'Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me' (Matthew 25:40). Allow yourself to say at the end of your life: 'Lord, I have done what You wanted me to do.' https://www.theblessingdevotional.com 2. Evening prayer for today. EP.i. Morning Prayer Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do,] forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. ⏤ Philippians 3:13-14 Prayer is the acid test of devotion. ⏤ Samuel Chadwick O Lord, You’ve taught us through Your apostle to forget what lies behind and to reach forward to what lies ahead. Give us the grace to let go of the past and press on toward the goal of our high calling. Help us to cast aside every weight and the sins that so easily trip us up, and to run with endurance the race set before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. This world pulls us back, holding us from aspiring heavenward. May we have the strength to resist these earthly temptations and instead be drawn toward the blessings of a heavenly life. Help us to live more and more for the things that are unseen and eternal. Earthly things, though sweet and beautiful, are temporary—like flowers that are fragrant today but wilted tomorrow. May these fleeting blessings remind us of You and turn our thoughts to You. Let us not rest in these temporary joys or build our hopes on them. Instead, teach us to rest in You and build our hopes on the enduring rock of Your eternity. Then, no matter what earthly disaster or loss comes our way, we will be safe and secure in You, our unchanging God. As we step into the world today, fill our hearts with thoughts of Your love and grace. Go before us, lead us, and help us follow You wherever You guide. Give us wisdom to respond rightly in every situation. Grant us courage to face difficulties and overcome obstacles. And give us gentle hearts so we may be a blessing to others. We ask all this in the name of Jesus. Amen. https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/45/morning #taptapstudio #youdevotion.

PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 19) 1. Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool 2. Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, And he sins who hastens with his feet. 3. The foolishness of a man twists his way, And his heart frets against the LORD. 4. Wealth makes many friends, But the poor is separated from his friend. 5. A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies will not escape. 6. Many entreat the favor of the nobility, And every man is a friend to one who gives gifts. 7. All the brothers of the poor hate him; How much more do his friends go far from him! He may pursue them with words, yet they abandon him. 8. He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good. 9. A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies shall perish. 10. Luxury is not fitting for a fool, Much less for a servant to rule over princes. 11. The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression. 12. The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is like dew on the grass. 13. A foolish son is the ruin of his father, And the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping. 14. Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the LORD. 15. Laziness casts one into a deep sleep, And an idle person will suffer hunger. 16. He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, But he who is careless of his ways will die. 17. He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given. 18. Chasten your son while there is hope, And do not set your heart on his destruction. 19. A man of great wrath will suffer punishment; For if you rescue him, you will have to do it again. 20. Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days. 21. There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the LORD’s counsel—that will stand. 22. What is desired in a man is kindness, And a poor man is better than a liar. 23. The fear of the LORD leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil. 24. A lazy man buries his hand in the bowl, And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. 25. Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary; Rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge. 26. He who mistreats his father and chases away his mother Is a son who causes shame and brings reproach. 27. Cease listening to instruction, my son, And you will stray from the words of knowledge. 28. A disreputable witness scorns justice, And the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity. 29. Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And beatings for the backs of fools.

SERMON SEGMENT: "Shed Clear Light of Christ About Football & Its Fans" Key Texts: Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, Colossians 3:23, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Galatians 5:16-17, Hebrews 12:1-2 --- INTRO Church, the Lord is speaking to us in this last age. Hebrews 1:2 We must be careful what we pattern our lives after. Because our sanctification is delicate. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 — “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.” Tonight let’s talk about football and its fans — not to condemn people, but to shed the clear light of Christ on it. Ephesians 5:13 — “But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible.” 1. THE WARNING: DON'T BE PATTERNED BY THE WORLD Romans 12:2 — “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Football itself is just a game. But the spirit around football and its fan culture often carries: Pride - Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction” Injustice - cheating, bribes, violence, curses on other teams Flesh desires - gambling, drunkenness, lust, idolatry of players, spending hours that should be for God 1 John 2:15-16 — “Do not love the world or the things in the world... For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father.” Warning to Christians and non-Christians: If our mind, thoughts, and actions are shaped more by football rivalry than by the Spirit, we are being conformed, not transformed. And “no one should think eternal life inheritance in an unclean life.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 — “neither the sexually immoral... nor thieves... will inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:21 — “those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Our sanctification needs the shield of the Spirit and guidance, or it gets corrupted and compromised. Ephesians 6:16 2. THE BALANCE: DISCIPLINE FROM THE BIBLE, NOT FROM THE WORLD Some will say: “But Paul used sports!” Yes. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 — “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” Paul is not telling us to go play football. He’s using the discipline of athletes to teach us spiritual discipline: Focus. Training. Self-control. Running to win an imperishable crown. Hebrews 12:1 — “let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus.” The world trains the body for 90 minutes. We must train the spirit for eternity. Colossians 3:23 — “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” If you play football, play unto the Lord. With integrity. Without pride. Without cursing. Without idolatry. If you are a fan, fan unto the Lord. With a renewed mind. 3. THE TEST: DOES IT HELP OR HINDER YOUR SALVATION? We are to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” — Philippians 2:12 Not earn it. But keep it clean, not corrupted. Ask yourself 3 questions before the game and after the game: Does this make Jesus increase in me, or decrease? John 3:30 Does this renew my mind, or fill it with pride, hate, and flesh? Romans 12:2 Can I do this and still be pure and blameless before God? 1 Peter 1:15-16 If football causes you to miss prayer, to gossip, to gamble, to hate, to be drunk — then it has become an idol. 1 Corinthians 10:14 — “Flee from idolatry.” 4. APPLICATION: HOW TO ENGAGE WITH A RENEWED MIND Awaken - See the spirit behind the culture. Don’t be blind. Proverbs 29:18 Renew - Let the Spirit transform your thoughts about competition, winning, and identity. Romans 12:2 Obey - If the Spirit says “turn it off, come pray,” obey. John 14:23 Purify - Guard your eyes, your mouth, your time. Psalm 119:9 CLOSING WORD Brothers and sisters, football is not the enemy. The flesh is.

*TODAY'S PROPHETIC DECLARATION - WEDNESDAY, 19TH AUGUST, 2026.* 🌟*A LIFE THAT WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR GOOD*🌟 📖 Scripture: “Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.” — Mark 14:9 (KJV). 🔥*Reflection – What Legacy Are You Building?* In Mark 14:9, Jesus spoke about a woman who poured expensive perfume on Him as an expression of love and devotion. Some people criticized her, but Jesus valued her sacrifice and declared that her act of devotion would be remembered wherever the Gospel was preached. Her action teaches us that genuine love for Christ is never wasted. What may appear insignificant to people can be precious in the sight of God. She did not perform the act to become famous. She simply loved Jesus and gave Him what was valuable to her. Yet her devotion became part of the Gospel story. Today, we are reminded that our lives should leave behind a legacy of faith, love, service, generosity, compassion, and devotion to Christ. 🔊*Prophetic Declaration:* Today, I declare that my life shall bring glory to God and become a blessing to generations after me. The things I do for Christ shall never be wasted. I declare that I will not live merely for temporary recognition or human applause. My greatest desire shall be to please God and faithfully fulfill the purpose for which He created me. Today, I receive grace to give my best to the Lord—my time, talents, resources, strength, knowledge, opportunities, and abilities. I shall not hold back what God has given me when He calls me to use it for His Kingdom. I declare that my family, ministry, work, business, studies, and relationships shall become platforms through which God's love and goodness are demonstrated. I proclaim that the Lord shall make my life fruitful and impactful. Through my words, actions, prayers, service, and generosity, lives shall be touched and people shall be encouraged to draw closer to Jesus Christ. Today, I reject selfishness, pride, bitterness, and the desire for unnecessary human approval. I choose to serve with a sincere heart, knowing that God sees every sacrifice made in love. I declare that every good seed I have planted in faith shall produce fruit according to God's perfect timing. Seeds of prayer shall produce testimonies. Seeds of kindness shall produce blessing. Seeds of service shall produce impact. Seeds of generosity shall bless others. I proclaim that my name and influence shall be associated with good works, godly character, compassion, integrity, and faithfulness—not for my own glory, but so that Christ may be glorified through my life. I declare that God shall give me opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others. May I recognize those opportunities and respond with courage, love, and generosity. Today, I choose to leave a godly legacy. I want my children, family, church, community, and future generations to see evidence that I lived for Christ and served Him faithfully. Like the woman in Mark 14, may my devotion speak even after I am gone. My life will count. My service will matter. My love for Christ will bear fruit. My good works will bless others. My legacy will point people to Jesus. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen! 🙏🔥 ✅*Action Steps for today:* 1️⃣ Begin with gratitude: Thank God for giving you gifts, opportunities, relationships, and resources that can be used for His glory. 2️⃣ Read Mark 14:1–9: Reflect on the woman's sacrificial act of love toward Jesus. 3️⃣ Declare: “My life shall be a blessing, and everything I do for Christ shall produce lasting impact.” 4️⃣ Give your best: Identify one area where you can serve God more faithfully and commit yourself to improvement. 5️⃣ Do one intentional act of kindness: Bless, encourage, assist, or pray for someone today without expecting anything in return. 6️⃣ Examine your legacy: Ask yourself, “What do I want people to remember about my life and my faith?” 7️⃣ End with thanksgiving: Thank God for the privilege of serving Him and ask Him to make your life fruitful. 🔥*Prayer:* Heavenly Father, Thank You for the example of the woman who demonstrated her love for Jesus through sacrificial devotion. Give me a heart that genuinely loves Christ. Help me to give my best to You—not for recognition, applause, or human approval, but because You are worthy. Take my time, talents, resources, knowledge, strength, and opportunities and use them for Your glory. Make me a blessing to my family, church, community, and generation. Help me to recognize opportunities to serve, encourage, give, forgive, and demonstrate Your love. Let every seed I plant in faith produce fruit according to Your perfect will. Establish the work of my hands and make my life fruitful and impactful. Lord, help me build a legacy that will point people to Jesus Christ. May those who encounter my life be able to say that I loved God, served faithfully, helped others, and lived for Your glory. Remove selfish ambition from my heart and replace it with humility, compassion, generosity, and faithful service. Let my life be a living memorial of Your grace. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🕊️ 🌿*Blessing for today:* May the Lord make your life fruitful, meaningful, and impactful. May every good seed you plant in faith become a blessing to others and a testimony of God's goodness. May God bless the work of your hands, enlarge your capacity to serve, and give you opportunities to touch lives with love and compassion. May your family, ministry, work, business, studies, and every area of your life become a channel of blessing. May generations after you benefit from the godly seeds you are planting today. 🌱 May your service count. ❤️ May your love speak. 🤲 May your generosity bless others. 🔥 May your faith inspire generations. ✝️ May your life point people to Christ. 🌟 “WHAT SHE HAS DONE SHALL BE SPOKEN OF FOR A MEMORIAL OF HER.” — MARK 14:9 May your life leave a beautiful legacy for God's glory. Good morning beloved and do have a blessed and impactful day🙏 Shalom! *Remember: Your confession is your possession.* *©️ Postulant C. O. Oyadosu.* _Please share with others, thank you and God bless you 🙏_ For counseling, prayers and partnership or you want to share your testimonies with us; please call or Whatsapp: +2348063128703 Or Email: clementoyadosu[gmail].com

SERMON SEGMENT: "Shed Clear Light of Christ About Football & Its Fans" Key Texts: Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, Colossians 3:23, 1 Peter 1:15-16, Galatians 5:16-17, Hebrews 12:1-2 --- INTRO Church, the Lord is speaking to us in this last age. Hebrews 1:2 We must be careful what we pattern our lives after. Because our sanctification is delicate. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 — “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.” Tonight let’s talk about football and its fans — not to condemn people, but to shed the clear light of Christ on it. Ephesians 5:13 — “But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible.” 1. THE WARNING: DON'T BE PATTERNED BY THE WORLD Romans 12:2 — “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Football itself is just a game. But the spirit around football and its fan culture often carries: Pride - Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction” Injustice - cheating, bribes, violence, curses on other teams Flesh desires - gambling, drunkenness, lust, idolatry of players, spending hours that should be for God 1 John 2:15-16 — “Do not love the world or the things in the world... For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father.” Warning to Christians and non-Christians: If our mind, thoughts, and actions are shaped more by football rivalry than by the Spirit, we are being conformed, not transformed. And “no one should think eternal life inheritance in an unclean life.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 — “neither the sexually immoral... nor thieves... will inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:21 — “those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Our sanctification needs the shield of the Spirit and guidance, or it gets corrupted and compromised. Ephesians 6:16 2. THE BALANCE: DISCIPLINE FROM THE BIBLE, NOT FROM THE WORLD Some will say: “But Paul used sports!” Yes. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25 — “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” Paul is not telling us to go play football. He’s using the discipline of athletes to teach us spiritual discipline: Focus. Training. Self-control. Running to win an imperishable crown. Hebrews 12:1 — “let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus.” The world trains the body for 90 minutes. We must train the spirit for eternity. Colossians 3:23 — “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” If you play football, play unto the Lord. With integrity. Without pride. Without cursing. Without idolatry. If you are a fan, fan unto the Lord. With a renewed mind. 3. THE TEST: DOES IT HELP OR HINDER YOUR SALVATION? We are to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” — Philippians 2:12 Not earn it. But keep it clean, not corrupted. Ask yourself 3 questions before the game and after the game: Does this make Jesus increase in me, or decrease? John 3:30 Does this renew my mind, or fill it with pride, hate, and flesh? Romans 12:2 Can I do this and still be pure and blameless before God? 1 Peter 1:15-16 If football causes you to miss prayer, to gossip, to gamble, to hate, to be drunk — then it has become an idol. 1 Corinthians 10:14 — “Flee from idolatry.” 4. APPLICATION: HOW TO ENGAGE WITH A RENEWED MIND Awaken - See the spirit behind the culture. Don’t be blind. Proverbs 29:18 Renew - Let the Spirit transform your thoughts about competition, winning, and identity. Romans 12:2 Obey - If the Spirit says “turn it off, come pray,” obey. John 14:23 Purify - Guard your eyes, your mouth, your time. Psalm 119:9 CLOSING WORD Brothers and sisters, football is not the enemy. The flesh is.

PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 19) 1. Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool 2. Also it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, And he sins who hastens with his feet. 3. The foolishness of a man twists his way, And his heart frets against the LORD. 4. Wealth makes many friends, But the poor is separated from his friend. 5. A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies will not escape. 6. Many entreat the favor of the nobility, And every man is a friend to one who gives gifts. 7. All the brothers of the poor hate him; How much more do his friends go far from him! He may pursue them with words, yet they abandon him. 8. He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good. 9. A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies shall perish. 10. Luxury is not fitting for a fool, Much less for a servant to rule over princes. 11. The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression. 12. The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is like dew on the grass. 13. A foolish son is the ruin of his father, And the contentions of a wife are a continual dripping. 14. Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife is from the LORD. 15. Laziness casts one into a deep sleep, And an idle person will suffer hunger. 16. He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, But he who is careless of his ways will die. 17. He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given. 18. Chasten your son while there is hope, And do not set your heart on his destruction. 19. A man of great wrath will suffer punishment; For if you rescue him, you will have to do it again. 20. Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days. 21. There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the LORD’s counsel—that will stand. 22. What is desired in a man is kindness, And a poor man is better than a liar. 23. The fear of the LORD leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil. 24. A lazy man buries his hand in the bowl, And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. 25. Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary; Rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge. 26. He who mistreats his father and chases away his mother Is a son who causes shame and brings reproach. 27. Cease listening to instruction, my son, And you will stray from the words of knowledge. 28. A disreputable witness scorns justice, And the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity. 29. Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And beatings for the backs of fools.