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

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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.

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.

DAY 19 - Morning

Theme: LOVE THAT CHOOSES: Making Daily Decisions That Strengthens The Marriage

Reflection
Keep Romance Alive

Good morning,
Romance does not have to disappear because marriage becomes older.
It may change.
When there are young children, romance may look like sharing a quiet cup of tea after the children sleep.
When money is tight, it may be taking a walk together instead of going to an expensive restaurant.
When schedules are demanding, it may be a loving message during the day.
Romance is not about how much you spend.
It is about intentional affection.
Never become so familiar with your spouse that you stop making them feel special.

God's Word
"Let him lead me to the banquet hall, and let his banner over me be love." — Song of Solomon 2:4

Today's Love Action
Do one small romantic thing for your spouse today.
A note.
A message.
A hug.
A favourite meal.
A compliment.

Let's Talk
What simple romantic gesture makes you feel loved?

Prayer
Lord, keep affection alive in our marriage. Help us express love in ways that speak meaningfully to each other's hearts. Amen.

From The Counselor's Chair:
Romance is not childish. It is one of the ways married couples continue saying, "You are still special to me."

Marriage Nugget
"Don't stop courting the person you married."

Remember
In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts.

DAY 18 - Morning
Theme: LOVE THAT CHOOSES: Making Daily Decisions That Strengthens The Marriage

Morning Reflection
Protect Your Friendship

Good morning,
Before you became husband and wife, you were two people who discovered something special in each other.
Friendship.
But sometimes marriage becomes so occupied with responsibilities that friendship quietly disappears.
You discuss school fees.
You discuss the children.
You discuss electricity bills.
You discuss work.
But when did you last simply laugh together?
When did you last sit and talk about nothing important?
Friendship is not an optional extra in marriage.
It is part of the foundation.

God's Word
"A friend loves at all times." — Proverbs 17:17

Today's Love Action
Spend some time together today doing something neither of you considers a responsibility.
Take a walk.
Share a meal.
Tell jokes.
Listen to music.
Simply enjoy each other's company.

Let's Talk
What did you enjoy doing together before marriage that you could bring back into your relationship?

Prayer
Lord, restore the friendship in our marriage. Help us enjoy one another again and not allow responsibilities to steal our companionship. Amen.

From The Counselor's Chair
A couple can share a house, children and finances and still become emotionally distant. Friendship keeps the heart connected.

Marriage Nugget
"Don't become such good partners in managing life that you forget to be friends."

Remember
In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts.

Gideon defeated an overwhelming enemy, experienced an incredible victory, and became one of Israel’s most celebrated leaders. But his greatest danger may have come after the battle was over.

https://patrickryanlewis.com/2026/08/16/when-success-becomes-a-snare-learning-from-the-final-years-of-gideon/

In Judges 8, Gideon tells the people, “The LORD will rule over you!” Yet what follows reveals a troubling spiritual decline. He accumulated wealth, began living much like the king he said he would never become, and created an ephod that eventually became an object of false worship.

His story gives us a warning we still need today:

Winning yesterday’s battle does not guarantee tomorrow’s faithfulness.

Success can test our hearts just as much as suffering. Recognition can become a trap. Influence can become identity. Even something connected to our faith can become an idol when it takes the place that belongs to God alone.

The question is not simply, “Am I succeeding?”

We also need to ask:

Am I becoming more faithful?

Am I still teachable?

Am I pointing people toward Jesus or toward myself?

What kind of spiritual legacy am I leaving behind?

Read the new blog: “When Success Becomes a Snare: Learning From the Final Years of Gideon.”

#Gideon #Judges8 #ChristianLiving #BiblicalLeadership #FinishingWell #Faithfulness #GuardYourHeart #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianLeadership #BibleStudy #FollowingJesus

Day 17 - Evening

Theme: LOVE THAT CHOOSES: Making Daily Decisions That Strengthens The Marriage.

Reflection
Tonight, think of something your spouse did today that blessed you.
Don't let the day end without saying thank you.

God's Word
"Give thanks in all circumstances." — 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Heart Check
Did I appreciate my spouse today or simply expect them to serve me?

Prayer
Lord, make gratitude a natural language in our home. Amen.

Marriage Nugget
"Appreciation turns ordinary acts of love into treasured memories."

Remember
In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts

Day 16 - Evening

Theme: LOVE THAT CHOOSES: Making Daily Decisions That Strengthens The Marriage

Reflection
Think about the promises you make.

Good evening,
Are your words becoming more dependable or less dependable?

God's Word
"The integrity of the upright guides them." — Proverbs 11:3

Heart Check
Can my spouse safely depend on my word?

Prayer
Lord, strengthen our integrity and make our marriage a safe place for trust. Amen.

Marriage Nugget
"Trust grows quietly through consistent faithfulness."

Remember
In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts.

DAY 16 - Morning

Theme: LOVE THAT CHOOSES: Making Daily Decisions That Strengthens The Marriage

Reflection
Trust Is Built in Small Things

Good morning,
Trust is rarely built through one dramatic act.
It grows through ordinary faithfulness.
Keeping your word.
Being where you said you would be.
Being honest about money.
Being transparent about friendships.
Following through on promises.
A husband doesn't have to make grand declarations every day to build trust.
A wife doesn't have to prove her love through extraordinary gestures.
Small acts of consistency quietly tell your spouse:
"You can depend on me."

God's Word
"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much." — Luke 16:10

Today's Love Action
Keep one promise you have made to your spouse, especially one you may have been tempted to postpone.

Let's Talk
What everyday behaviour makes you feel secure in your spouse's love?

Prayer
Lord, make us trustworthy people whose words and actions agree. Help us build a marriage where both hearts feel safe. Amen.

From The Counselor's Chair:
Trust is like a savings account. Small deposits matter, and careless withdrawals can be costly.

Marriage Nugget:
"Trust grows quietly through consistent faithfulness."

Remember
In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts.

THE PILGRIMS GUIDE

SUNDAY AUGUST 16, 2026

STAND TILL MANIFESTATION

A WORD FROM THE WORD:

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage."
Galatians 5:1 NKJV.

God has called you to a life of total freedom and liberty. He obtained your deliverance through the blood of His one and only Begotten Son, the LORD Jesus, who offered a great, vicarious, complete and thorough sacrifice that guaranteed a great life for you. The devil has lost completely in every aspect of your life. The LORD Jesus came out of the grave announcing His victory over hell and death.

You need to realise and hold on to the truthful fact that the devil is not going to give up without a fight. He will do everything possible in his power to stop the manifestation of your victory. The devil will roar like a lion but he does not have what it takes to prevail.
You are the winner. All you need is to develop the kind of attitude that makes
winning a reality.

Learn how to stand until your victory is manifested. The LORD Jesus has empowered you with all that you will ever need. Take authority over the works of the devil and claim your victory once and for all. No matter how bad it may seem, choose to stand until the battle is over. Make sure you do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.
Stand strong till the manifestation of your victory.

PRAYER BULLETS:

LORD Jesus, thank You for the victory You won for me by the reason of Your sacrificial death. Help me to stand firm in You till it manifests in my life.

FURTHER READING:

Galatians 5:1-26; John 8:36; Ephesians 6:10-13; James 4:7.
__________________________________________

Amaobi Nwachukwu 2026.

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#ThePilgrimsGuide.

Day 15 - Evening

Theme: LOVE THAT CHOOSES: Making Daily Decisions That Strenthens The Marriage

Reflection
Before you sleep, remember that today's choice matters.
Every kind word, every act of patience and every moment of faithfulness is another vote for your marriage.

God's Word
"Above all, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." — Colossians 3:14

Heart Check
What did I do today that communicated, "I still choose you"?

Prayer
Father, thank You for the gift of marriage. Help us never take one another for granted. Amen

AROUND THE FAMILY TABLE
Read Together
James 1:19–20
Discuss Together
Which communication habit has helped our marriage most?
Where do we need to listen more carefully to each other?
What assumption do we need to stop making?
How can we make our home a safer place for honest conversations?
Family Challenge
For the coming week, establish a simple "Ten-Minute Connection Time."
Ten minutes.
No phones.
No television.
No children interrupting if possible.
Just husband and wife, talking and listening.

Pray Together
Ask God to make your home a place where every person feels heard, respected, understood and loved.

Marriage Nugget
"Marriage becomes stronger when choosing each other becomes a daily decision, not merely a past decision."

Remember
In marriage, it is not about winning the argument; it is about winning each other's hearts.