Notes
Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.
Proverbs 22:6
Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it.
1 Timothy 4:7-9
The strength of our faith, families, and future depends on us training to hit the bullseye. Athletes train in the fundamentals of their sports even once they are professionals. Like athletes, learning and practicing the fundamentals of our faith is the key to success.
1) Train in forgiveness.
For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:17
So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.
Romans 5:21-6:4
Jesus paid the penalty of sin once and for all people. But not all of us receive His forgiveness by faith. God forgives so that we don’t stay stuck missing the target over and over. We were created for more than that!
Just because we aren’t penalized for our misses doesn’t mean we should live like fools. Train in forgiveness so that as you learn and grow, you’ll miss the target less often.
2) Train in fueling.
But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you… When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’
John 16:7, 13-15
You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
2 Timothy 3:15-17
Jesus is not only our Savior, but our example to follow. If we learn how to aim where He aims, we won’t miss the bullseye. Two ways the Bible teaches us to fuel up are through the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. The Holy Spirit is our advocate; He is our coach as we train. God’s Word is the playbook. God uses both to fuel us on the journey of life.
3) Train in focus.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.
Hebrews 12:1-3
Learn to focus on what God wants you to set your eyes on. Train to hit the bullseye because there is more to come in the future. There are eternal awards awaiting that will outshine anything in this life!
Group Questions
- Why is it important to train in the fundamentals?
- What is the bullseye of God’s standard?
- What should we do when we miss the bullseye?
- What are some practical steps you can take to train in these fundamentals?
Prayer
Thank you for your forgiveness, our Advocate, the Scriptures, and the eternal prizes that await us. Guide us as we train in the fundamentals of our faith.