Scripture: Philippians 2:12-18
Just as a great athlete has a game plan to reach success, we as followers of Christ have a game plan for our spiritual journey for success. Today, let us examine our lives and see how we can work out our faith with intention and purpose, just like the athletes we admire.
Take LeBron James, for instance, one of the most gifted athletes of our time, who started out with no father, no college degree, and the odds against him. His success didn’t come without careful strategy, hard work, dedication, and God’s Grace. Much like him, God calls us to have a game plan for our faith, a plan to live out our potential for His glory as outlined by the Apostle Paul in Philippians 2:12-18.
Just like the writer of Philippians the Apostle Paul, states, the only way we can live out our full potential is by turning our lives over to God through Christ Jesus. In turning our lives to reach our full potential, despite our past mistakes and shortcomings, a person must be open to:
Point 1: Work Out Your Salvation with Fear and Trembling (Philippians 2:12) My dear brothers and sisters, just like a champion athlete trains with discipline and focus, we are called to “work out” our salvation with fear and trembling. This isn’t about earning salvation—it’s already a gift from God. Rather, it’s about living out that gift with respect and reverence for God’s grace, just as athletes respect their sport. LeBron didn’t make it to where he is by accident, and neither can we reach our full potential as believers without actively engaging in our spiritual growth.
Related Stories:
https://lasentinel.net/bishop-smith-reveals-power-of-prayer-in-morning-medicine.html
https://lasentinel.net/gethsemane-christian-love-hosts-boys-to-men-on-mission-for-christ.html
Point 2: Work Out Without Grumbling or Arguing (Philippians 2:14) Imagine a basketball team constantly complaining or arguing during a game. What would that do to their performance? In the same way, Paul tells us to work out our salvation without grumbling or arguing. Like a team in harmony, the church must unite in purpose and attitude. Our “game plan” requires unity, cooperation, and a positive spirit—because just like in sports, discord can lead to defeat. We are called to work out our salvation joyfully and together, reflecting Christ’s love in all we do.
Point 3: Hold Firm to the Word of Life (Philippians 2:16) No championship team can succeed without a solid strategy and playbook. For us, the Word of God is our playbook—the “Word of Life” that guides our every move. Athletes study their game, memorize plays, and follow their coach’s direction. Likewise, we are to hold firmly to Scripture, letting it guide our thoughts, decisions, and actions. In a world full of distractions and shifting values, the Bible provides us with a game plan for living a life that pleases God and leads us to victory.
Point 4: Work Out and Be Glad and Rejoice (Philippians 2:18) Finally, the journey of working out our faith should be filled with joy. Just as athletes celebrate their victories on the court, we are called to rejoice in the Lord and in the progress we make in our faith journey. Paul, even in prison, found joy in the faithful work of the believers in Philippi. Our “game plan for glory” doesn’t end with hardship or trials—it leads to eternal joy in Christ, where God and God alone will be pleased with our faithfulness. In the same way, LeBron and Bronny James and many other athletes strive for greatness on the court or the field, we are called to strive for spiritual greatness in Christ.
Our Game Plan for Glory is laid out clearly in Philippians 2:12-18. We work out our salvation with reverence, we avoid grumbling, we hold firm to the Word of God, and we rejoice in the progress we make. As we commit to this plan, we glorify God and reflect His light in a world that desperately needs it the most.
Let us all work out our salvation with faith, focus, and joy, just like champions in the game of life. Jesus is the true Champion because He went to Calvary Cross for the sin of the world. Christ died and gave up the Holy Ghost. Jesus was buried, but on the third day, God spoke from heaven and commanded Him to get up. Jesus responded and got up! Got up with all power in His hands. Which signifies victory over sin and death. To all who call on the name of Jesus will be saved and become a Champion. To God be the Glory!
Let us pray: O God. I come to you because of know you are the King of King and the Lord of Lord. Forgive me for my sins and shortcomings, and strengthen me so that I will have a clean heart and the right spirit to work as the Champion you have called me to be. As you bless me, strengthen me, and make me whole. I promise we promise to bless you back by blessing your name and your people. In Jesus’s name, I pray Amen.
Bishop Byron L. Smith Sr., M.Div., M.A., D.D., is the senior pastor of Gethsemane Christian Love Missionary Baptist Church located at 9616 S. Avalon Blvd., in Los Angeles.
