A concise series of talks to encourage Christian athletes to see sports as a true gift from God, created for his glory.

"Why is it that sports seem to bring out the best and the worst in us?" asks teacher C. J. Mahaney. "Sports are a gift from God. But as soon as you introduce the human heart, things get complicated." For the Christian athlete, sports are one of the key battlegrounds in which pride and self-glory are regular temptations. If sports are indeed a gift from God, why are playing fields and courts so often arenas for our egos? How are we to enjoy sports in a godly way?

Self-described "pastor athlete" C. J. Mahaney looks to Scripture for principles that speak to the role of sports in our lives. This series of talks outline how Christian athletes are to play for the glory of God and model gratitude, humility, and service. With candor and humor, Mahaney recounts his own story with sports and through illustrations and practical applications exhorts athletes not to waste their sports. The study concludes with application questions for your huddle meeting.

C. J. MAHANEY is the president of Sovereign Grace Ministries. He is the author and editor of numerous books, including Worldliness and Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God. Mahaney has been a life-long fan of University of Maryland basketball.

Part 1: Playing Sports for the Glory of God

(8:07 length) The gospel is the center of what we believe as Christians. If someone asked you to explain the gospel, how would you explain it? What is the problem? What is the solution? (Check out Romans 3:10–26 or 1 Corinthians 15:3–4.) What is an example of turning sports into something ugly? What made it [...]

Part 2: Participation in sports must be informed by the knowledge of God

(7:30 Length) Begin each lesson by reading 1 Corinthians 10:31. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Discuss the second principle: “Participation in sports must be informed by the knowledge of God.” CJ Mahaney says, “beholding must precede playing.” How does this principle help an [...]

Part 3: Participation in sports must be done as worship to God

(3:56 Length) Begin each lesson by reading 1 Corinthians 10:31. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Discuss the second principle: Participation in sports must be done as worship to God. How is playing sports a context for worship? Read Romans 12:1. “I appeal to [...]

Part 4: We glorify God in sports by giving thanks to God for sports

(6:36 Length) Begin each lesson by reading 1 Corinthians 10:31. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Discuss the first practice: We glorify God in sports by giving thanks to God for sports. How are sports a means of God expressing His mercy towards us? [...]

Part 5: We glorify God in sports by displaying godly character in sports

(7:00 Length) Begin each lesson by reading 1 Corinthians 10:31. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Discuss the second practice: We glorify God in sports by displaying godly character in sports. Most athletes care more about winning than about character development. Agree or disagree? [...]

Part 6: We glorify God in sports when we play with humility

(9:06 Length) Begin each lesson by reading 1 Corinthians 10:31. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Discuss the third practice: We glorify God in sports when we play with humility. How does a humble athlete accept correction or critique? How can you celebrate your [...]

Part 7: We glorify God in sports when we play to serve

(2:23 Length) Begin each lesson by reading 1 Corinthians 10:31. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Discuss the fourth practice: We glorify God in sports when we play to serve. How can you encourage your teammates during practice? How about competition? Sports become ugly [...]

Part 8: We glorify God when we destroy idols in our sport

(6:25 Length) Begin each lesson by reading 1 Corinthians 10:31. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Discuss the fifth practice: We glorify God in when we destroy idols in our sport. During an average week, how much time do you invest in sports, and [...]