Greater Things

WELCOME

“Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.” — John 14:12

Being an athlete has some incredible benefits. It’s amazing what you can accomplish through your gifts and talents. But with God’s greater purpose for your life, you can do greater things than you could ever imagine!

WARM-UP

BIG DREAMS

Every one of you has some sort of athletic dream—something you would love to accomplish as an individual or with your team.

Q: What is your biggest athletic accomplishment so far?

Q: What would you do if you had no limitations on your athletic ability?

WORKOUT

CHAMPIONSHIP RINGS

Many experts and fans consider Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player of all time. Ironically, Jordan didn’t make the varsity team as a sophomore and was so disappointed that he went home and cried.

While many young athletes might have given up hope, Jordan knew he had something special inside of him. He worked harder than anyone else that next year and not only made the varsity team as a junior, but he went on to become an NCAA All-American, won an NCAA title, and of course, won seven NBA championship rings.

Like Jordan, there’s something to be said about not limiting what God wants to do through you. When you embrace His purpose, you will experience all the greater things He has planned for your life!

Q: How often do you limit what you can do as an athlete?

Q: In what ways might you limit what God wants to do in your life?

AMAZING THINGS

Jesus did some amazing things during His time on Earth. He took 12 disciples and showed them how to live. He overcame sin on the cross and defeated death in the tomb. He empowered those disciples and other close followers to do greater things than they could imagine through the Holy Spirit. Jesus knew that there was so much more a mobilized, empowered group of His followers could do.

In fact, it’s always been in God’s plan to use you to lead the world to Jesus, and His greater purpose for you will lead you to do greater things, just like the disciples. Those greater things are fueled by His greater love for you and the greater love He wants you to have for others.

So how will you do greater things? You will do greater things through your obedience and faithfulness to God, through instruction from His Word, and through the empowerment of

His Holy Spirit, which you receive when you accept Jesus into your heart:

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be in you.” — John 14:16–17

Q: What greater things would you like to do for God?

Q: What do you need to do today that will help you begin doing those greater things for Him?

WRAP-UP

GREATER THINGS

Understanding your greater purpose will launch you into a new mission exceeding your wildest expectations. Here are three ways that doing greater things will show up in your life:

1. Greater power. It’s not an easy thing God has asked you to do, but He will give you everything you need to do it.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you.” – Acts 1:8a

2. Greater mission. There’s nothing better way to spend your time, talent, and treasure than to share God’s life-changing and life-saving love with others.

“And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8b

3. Greater future. The greater things you do will have an impact today and last for eternity.

“I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 3:14

OVERTIME

As we conclude this journey, take a moment to reflect on the reason we started walking together in the first place—to fulfill the words that John the Baptist spoke when Jesus’ ministry was about to begin:

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” – John 3:30

Now take some time on your own to list some greater things you want to do for God in different areas of your life (like in sports, school, community, and church).

Now, take some time to pray this prayer:

“Dear Lord, I want to do greater things for You. I want my life to make a difference that will last for eternity. Help me use the power of Your Holy Spirit to accept this mission to share the life-changing and life-saving message of Your love with everyone around me. Amen.”