Idolatry and Sports - David Platt

[@gwit247]

This is the one thing I've been learning about lately. Idolatry. Basically its anything you put first in your life before God. Its really that simple.

[@perryfroze]

Nathan Young WHY CHRISTIANS CAN’T FOLLOW SPORTS In Gods Bible in the book of Galatians chapter 5 verses 19-21 it reads, Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,21 Envying's, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.The above scripture mentions variance , emulation, wrath and strife, God also hates pride. These attributes are present in Sporting competition and are fruits of sin. Firstly the sin of Variance is defined as contention or strife which I believe is caused by disagreements mainly when things don't go how one team wants it to go, we often see players fight against other teams, some even resort to cheating which is also unfair and is an unrighteous practice, this in turn leads to rivalry which involves both teams having some form of strife between them. Variance is very common in professional sports and even in Sports in general. Secondly the sin of Emulations is defined as trying to become equal or to rise above another , this sin is also a common practice in Sports, even Satan when he rebelled against God had said that he would rise above God and be like God. Isaiah 14-13-14 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. When one sport player competes, he or she is always trying to rise above the opponent to become the best, this is what God hates as Satan had the same mentality in that he told himself he would become like the most high and rise above him, this is the sin of emulation. Today many who compete in sport try to boost their self esteem by making themselves become the best, thus, because of pride they want to become like the most high in their field of Sport so that everyone would revere then and treat them like a God which is also the sin of idolatry and covetousness. The Scripture I quoted above also mentioned wrath and strife and we all know that these are also the fruits of sports.Sports is also involved with money making for greed. One doesn't need to become part of competitive sports in order to come out of poverty in the same way one doesn't need to become a prostitute to get out of poverty. God can provide for us and our needs no matter the circumstance without us having to join in the sin. Another excuse some use to justify sports is that it helps to unite and it helps take away depression and it brings peace. But this I say is only a false way to bring peace because usually as the game is over we go back to fighting one another and we go back to the sin of drunkedness and then war and depression starts again because the foundation was built on sand rather than on the Rock. If you want to be truly free you must build on the Rock Jesus Christ rather than on the sand, ask Jesus to free you from depression, strife and fighting and he will, you don't need to join in the sin of competitive sport to get a false relief from depression. Ask God for the endurance to overcome the temptation to watch competitive sport. Many wonder why following sports is wrong, of the world, and not for Christians. This Christian generation in general is captivated by rugby, the World Cup, and various other things that the world chases after and seeks to entertain themselves by. Christians say, Well what is wrong with following the rugby? Following sport? What is wrong with that? When I came to Jesus Christ, I was an athlete who strove hard in my sport. I was very interested in sports and I followed sports avidly. But when I came to Jesus and I knew that I was wrong before God, and I repented and Jesus came to me and I realized the reality of the cross and how Jesus Christ has risen again, THEN the interest of the world in me DIED. The world's interest in me was crucified. That's what also happened to apostle Paul. I read you his words in Galatians 6 verse 14 where he says, As for me I will never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world's interest in me has also died. It doesn't matter whether we have been circumcised or not, what counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. Dear friend, have you been transformed into a new creation? Has the world's interest in you died because of the cross? Many Christians profess faith in the cross, yet if the cross really was in their life, the power of Jesus, then the world interest would be CRUCIFIED in them. That's what happened to me: before I came to Jesus, I was still a Christian, I still believed in Jesus Christ, but after I came to him for real in seriousness of heart, and when he came to be with me making me a new creation, then the world's interest died in me, and I died to the world's interest as Paul said. Sport is the world's interest, along with a lot of other things. I'm not saying every single thing is the world's interest, such as having a family, playing sport with your family or friends in the park is a sin, no!, but I am talking about making things an idol in your life that the world strives after, because all they think about on the weekend is beer and football. That interest in me has been crucified by the cross, and that's why I no longer care about finding out about my sport and what's going on. I no longer care about the sport news. This is such a big idol in so many men's lives. All they live for is the sport news and the sporting scoreboards. You see friends, when we don't have the cross in us, and when we are not following Jesus, and we are just claiming his name yet we don't know him, then the world's interest is not going to be crucified in us, and you are still going to be following the world and its way. That is why I sincerely WARN you today: Now there is a difference between competitive Sport and bodily exercise, in fact the Bible says that bodily exercise is good for the human body so we should exercise. On another note, If you are a Christian who hasn't had the world's desire crucified in you yet, I warn you to come out of your path. You are not right before God. If you are just interested in the sport and the latest scoreboard, you don't have the cross in you and you are not on your way to the kingdom of God. As Paul said, what counts is whether or not we have been transformed into a new creation. He said, Because of the cross my interest in this world has been crucified and the world's interest in me has also died. Has that happened to you? It happened to me when I came to Christ for real and he came into my life. Has it happened for you? Or are you still following the world being God’s enemy? Dear friend, it's time to take a stand in faith. It's time to separate yourself from the world, and to come to Christ fully submitting yourself to the cross in your life so that the power of the cross will kill the desire of the world in you and the world's interest be killed in you. It is only through the power of Christ for real. The only way to get that is to pray for real, seek the Lord. You’re not headed to heaven while you have the world in you, my friend. You are not headed to the kingdom of God if you call yourself a Christian, but the world's desires and interests haven't been crucified in you, according to what the world chases after. We all know what the world chases after: they chase after wine, women, song, and sport, and godless entertainment, (and money) and like I said not every single thing is worldly, but we know the big idols of this world and we have to be separate from them, and chasing after sport is one of those idols. Be separate, come out from the world my children says the Lord , be ready or be left behind. Can Christians be athletes? I used to be an athlete for a time, and I used to claim Christ. During that time, the Lord kept putting into my heart, the fear that when I stood before him one day, I would have NOTHING TO SHOW. I used to ask myself: If I stood before the Lord today, would he regard my athletic performances and results as FRUIT? And I knew I was lying to myself if I thought that he would. Because I knew that the WAY IS NARROW to the kingdom of God. So at a later time, I decided to come back to the Lord for real, and obey and follow him. I want to tell you that God has NO fellowship with the world and he hates the way of the world. As we read in 1 John chapter 2: Love not the world, neither the things that are IN the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is NOT in him. For all that is in the world: the lusts of the eyes, the lusts of the flesh and the pride of life, are not of the Father but of the world. And the world is passing away with all of its lusts thereof, but he who does the will of God, abides with the Lord forever. You see my friends, SPORT represents the WORLD CUP right now, and all the things people strive after in this world: they represent, the LUSTS OF THE EYES, THE PRIDE OF LIFE, AND THE LUSTS OF THE FLESH. When we follow our own selfish ambition, we are not being pleasing to God. We are not serving the Lord. We are FAR from Jesus. You cannot serve Jesus and NOT deny yourself. Jesus said, If any man wants to follow me, he must pick up his cross and deny himself. You cannot pick up your cross and deny yourself if you are being enthralled by the world cup and the things of this world.Because you are a friend of the world, doing the same things they do while they are perishing on the path of destruction. Let me tell you one thing: GOD HATES THE WORLD CUP. He hates the way of competitive sport.

[@epicguitarcovers8237]

Amen!

[@jamalwilliams8474]

@@perryfroze what about basketball and football like the NBA and the NFL and what about college football and college basketball

[@perryfroze]

@@jamalwilliams8474 It all involves the same sins of emulations, pride, jealousy and others.

[@YahushuaWonAlready]

100 percent truth. Sports and Hollywood, created by Satan for the sheer purpose of idolatry. There's a reason why the most popular sport in America has all their games on a Sunday.

[@mikenicholson7465]

Entertainment is the devil's substitute for joy. The more joy you have in the Lord the less entertainment you need. - Pastor Leonard Ravenhill.

[@Pomiferous]

agreed

[@MsButterfly1179]

This is true, I testify to this.

[@rustyshackelford4224]

​@@MsButterfly1179Explain your testimony, please

[@mattlane2010]

Love how fearless David is to preach this in Alabama, the current mecca of college football. However it is applicable to all of us. Very convicting.

[@believer8854]

People get so excited over the sports. I get excited about Jesus. Lost people being won over for God. Truly living for

[@juuon1760]

believer the cross and image of Jesus Christ is a idol. There is only one God, no partners

[@jacobseyoum3458]

If I'm not mistaken you are Jewish right?

[@MsButterfly1179]

AMEN!!

[@TrueBeleiverInMostHighGod]

Jesus is also idolatry

[@gmollster]

David is 100% accurate here.

[@RedefinedTruths]

David Platt makes a great point here. Eye opening!

[@Bebornagain12345]

Whatever is keeping you from serving God efficiently is an idol

[@letmeexplain1816]

Very good sermon and teaching, and I absolutely agree with you wholeheartedly!!! Sports is a Religion and idolatry!!!

[@josephkitto9240]

When we consider the 16+ hours of our daily consciousness, how much is spent on fanciful books, television lacking enrichment, movies espousing doctrinal beliefs so far removed from what we claim, and even sporting events. Idolatry is anything that gets between us and our worship, praise and discipleship of the Lord. Too much! "And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” In everything we think or do, it is only appropriate to think or do it for the Lord as if He is present at all times...because He is. I love you all.

[@aaronboles3806]

I remember growing up and loving basketball with all of my life. Id practice it daily. Constantly trying to master the art of my jump shot. Whether it was 20 degrees or 100 degrees I was out there. Its all I thought about. I would give up my own family for it if it came down to it. Girlfriends, relationships. The only thing that mattered in my life was basketball. When I was 16 i realized this was my god. Although I had been raised in church and confessed Christ, my passion was basketball. Sports are an idol. People praise kids on Friday nights but will not lift their voices on Sunday mornings for their alleged Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Christ cannot take a backseat to anyone or anything.

[@rustyshackelford4224]

How's your life now?

[@aaronboles3806]

@@rustyshackelford4224 I am trusting in the gospel of Christ my Lord. Through this I am saved. My life is His though I fail Him daily. He has never left me nor forsaken me though I have Him often. He and His gospel is the purpose and He is the Life.

[@2timothy23]

I know many will hear this and think it's going overboard, but it actually shows we don't know or understand the definition of idolatry. The root Greek word for idolatry is eidolon, which means an image for worship. This sin is the crux of violating the first three of the Ten Commandments and is the manifestation of the unsaved holding the truth of God in unrighteousness (Romans 1:21-23). It has the meaning of giving your affections, worship, and time to something other or more so than God in a consistent manner. And God will not have Himself aligned with other "gods" or idols. This is the reason the Lord was angry with King Solomon in 1 Kings 11:5-9. Because we tend to think in terms of our modern age, we couldn't conceive that our continued excitement about a football, baseball, and soccer game could lead to this. And while we are certainly to do everything to the glory of God (Colossians 3:17, 23), when our excitement and affection for sports consistently outweighs our worship, study and Christian fellowship in the Lord, it must be examined by the desires of our heart. David Platt is just bringing to attention that we can make sports a greater part of our lives than spending with God, and we can fool ourselves into thinking that we don't. Yet ask yourself, is your knee-jerk reaction to this clip one of contemplation or do you find yourself a bit annoyed and ready to justify your actions? Many times the latter reaction is an indication that a truth has been revealed about our desires in a certain area and that desire is greater than our desire for God. I enjoy sports, but I don't dedicate myself to watching it all the time and I could care less if my children get involved with it in a organized way. It can certainly be fun, but it doesn't need to be an idol.

[@pyramusk3264]

Today my team lost the championsship in the most bitter way one can possible imagine. If they had won that game they would be champions for the first time in 13 years. The defeat made me so bitter that i actually started to think that the game ( in this case football, or what you would call soccer ) had become an idol to me. Through the years have spend at least 50 dollars a month on football. And i roughly spend at least 2-4 hours at day researching, watching and talking football. This may only last for a month or so, but i have decided to stop watching sports all together. When i think about it, i use 10 times ( at least ) as much time watching football than i do on the Word of God.

[@BRO77TX]

I couldn’t agree with you more. God is not against sports itself, so he is not asking us to quit watching or playing in athletic exhibitions...but he is asking us to put him above the enjoyment we have for those exhibitions. We are all guilty of being a “rabid” fan. Fan=fanatical...we should be fanatical about Jesus.

[@miamicatdull]

Eric Smith amen

[@danielholiphant]

...the first four commandments. The first four define our love relationship with God, the last six our love relationship with our neighbor. Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Matthew 22:36-40 Jesus here was summarizing the Ten Commandments.

[@liam6033]

You actually got s point brother.

[@ֆքǟռ-m5g]

Why do I hear laughter with tears running down my face. 🙏🏾 pray for on another. We are the people he speaks of. We all have our ceremonies that we attend. Facebook , Tv, music, video games. We need to pray for help from God to repent. And to resist the devil. Love in Christ Jesus. Mark🌹

[@AJBproductionss]

I play video games once in a while, but put God first. Is that a sin?

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

I'm feeling pretty guilty because Derek Jeter was my all-time favorite athlete. I used to watch the Yankees non stop every day of the week. I followed all their best players. But since Jeter retired, I regained my focus on Jesus and what he wants me to do with my life. Pray for me as I do the same. God bless you. Lord I want to thank you for removing me of my own personal desires. As I walk in faith, I ask you to not let me fall for the snares of Lucifer. I also ask that you be patient with me and work in me and discern my soul from negativity and temptation in your name Jesus. Amen.

[@ajbags305]

Very convicting message. If you brothers and sisters could pray for me (and ill pray for you all too) that we dont priortize our earthly passions but rather put God first and honor him, I would love it. Thank you

[@gpgp1racers201]

Wow, they made me think. What a very powerful message.

[@ForensicPI]

Amen, this is why a team of evangelists from our church deployed a “Gospel Tract Invasion” into multiple Sports Bars on Super Bowl Sunday.

[@zenaidaperez8911]

AMEN!!!!!! I am a Fanatic of ONLY Jesus Christ!!!

[@eamparbeng]

So basically there's nothing wrong loving sports. But when you love it excessively or put it forth before God, then it becomes a problem

[@WaterandSpirit]

You completely missed the message.

[@WaterandSpirit]

And get rid of that photo.

[@MsButterfly1179]

EXACTLY, you are correct.

[@Smuggler169]

Yup, I was never into sports. I could care less. Imagine if we wore shirts, or hats or waved banners on our cars proclaiming Jesus Christ instead of a sports team. People spend all that money, and time and display so much passion for a team. Many forgo time in church to spend time with overpaid players. Those players didn’t do anything for me, but Christ did. You want your sports? Fine, but I’ll be in Church on Sunday morning.

[@noahinson]

THANK YOU

[@IJesusChurch]

good Word David

[@Neb-ie5mj]

As being one of the most rabid sports fans out there, I let it control my emotions. I have backed off in the last couple of years by the Grace of God. Listen to this guy.

[@ILoveOldTWC]

No I will not listen to this hypocrite who is one of the worst "Do as I say, don't do as I do" "preachers" ever!

[@dece870717]

I am so glad I don't care and have NEVER cared about sports, even before I was a Christian I thought sports were such a waste of time, it blew me away at how much emotional energy people put into it and how upset they can get over something that will make absolutely no difference.

[@BillManassas]

+Daniel Skupien sure, I am not a big fan of sports either, but unfortunatelly I find myself idolizing other things.As John Calvin said " the man of man is an idol factory".

[@merlinvaguez6590]

+Bill Manassas its true

[@Gennybebe]

Luke 18:9-43New King James Version (NKJV) The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector 9 Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men-extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ 13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

[@jared1940]

Daniel Skupien u are an idiot

[@songsofthepoeticsoldier1420]

Daniel Skupien God didn't care about Egyptian throne, but to save the world of famine,he schemed Joseph's way through to even the pagan Egyptian throne

[@markg999]

Thing is sports is just one of thousands of different time wasters in this world. Can you imagine if people were as devoted to the the Bible as social media.

[@uke3-ukuleleadam42]

Amen brother.

[@chuckhines459]

"Entertainment is the devils substitute for joy." Leonard Ravenhill

[@AJBproductionss]

What about video games? I put the Lord first before anything, but I play video games once in a while. Is that a sin?

[@joegoldberg2461]

@ghostly well I deleted all my video games

[@rustyshackelford4224]

​@@joegoldberg2461Why did you do that?

[@felipearaujo3937]

I love soccer, and I use it to glorify God whenever I thanks God for the enjoyable moment.

[@josephkitto9240]

That is perfect then. And if we all do that in all that we do, God is praised. His point though is well taken because not all things we do glorify.

[@robertmccown7525]

100% agreed

[@ILoveOldTWC]

You don't have to stop loving sports to be a good Christian. I'll watch my team play on Saturday, but will go serve the Lord on Sunday. I love my team by I love my Savior even more. But he's saying you can't love both. Sports can become an idol but only if you let it; it certainly doesn't have to be. His point is flawed. After the game is over we study the Sunday School lesson in our quarterly for the next day.

[@SupaDay10]

Praise God, thanks 4 da vid,i love this brotha. Supa Day wuz here

[@BUCSLIFE27]

Sports bring family and friends together. They're a wonderful thing

[@Neb-ie5mj]

It for sure can be a good thing. I know in my life I let it consume a lot of other things. Like everything else, it needs to be kept in perspective. All Glory to Jesus Christ!

[@TheCondescendingRedditor]

What about participating in sports? Such as powelifting? It teaches me discipline keeps my mind away from doing sinful things. I gain practical strength for when I have to move heavy things. I also really enjoy it a lot😊

[@NJHoopz21]

I believe that is perfectly fine. Even Paul wrote that bodily exercise does profit a little, but Godliness is profitable for all things. So there is value in exercise but just don’t place that value ahead of spiritual things

[@trustjesus9881]

Yes, I think exercising is fine. I jog around my neighborhood sometimes to keep my body healthy

[@rustyshackelford4224]

Sure. It's acceptable

[@mcr5577]

Sunday Football is a church for many

[@ashleeseal2399]

This 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️💯💯💯💯💯

[@Robiro578]

found this after the Superbowl....ppl need to wake up there worshipping idols...smh I'm at a lost for words

[@coltonjordan7115]

In Jesus name I play

[@rogeraquino1031]

I thought I was a Christian, till I heard David Platt's preaching..

[@robertg9278]

He is a false teacher.

[@wesleygjames]

Me too, and God used it to save me in 2008-2009. I was the elder brother from Luke 15, Simon from Luke 7, and the Pharisee from Luke 18. I needed to hear the bad news before I could truly know and appreciate God's grace and mercy in Christ. Matthew 7:21-23 is the scariest and best warning to nominal, self-righteous "Christians".

[@eddiesblacksmithingkjv9185]

I have said this for years

[@danielnonso4043]

For me, i see no sin in watching football or playing football, it all boils down to your conscience, ask the lord to show you things in your life that you have idolized, i watch football when i have the chance. without holiness, no man shall see the LORD. seek the LORD with all your heart and these things will fall into it's position. this is my own opinion

[@tymphyns5572]

I have been a fan of Jesus but a follower of football to my shame but there are many good Christian athletes who play on Saturday and Sunday that glorify God with their gift to witness. It's all about your walk with God whether it's sports, career, ministry or whatever your gifts are. i know a lot people who love their church and religion more than God also, so it all comes down to our perfect will for Him that He seeks, we have to give up whatever is hindering us to please Him and Him only..I'm glad i came across this video..

[@pacito1082]

Wow I clicked on this video getting ready to feel conviction but I'm glad that I am not idolizing sports

[@Talk2nanro]

I have seen this in a revelation, sports is an occult world. I like sports, but am going to try to stop

[@stonewall-mz7yl]

Nnamdi Okwuosa why? You can play sports and be a Christian. The Bible mentions 3 sports by name. How you play is far more important. You play with all your heart and you give yourself to God.

[@perryfroze]

In Gods Bible in the book of Galatians chapter 5 verses 19-21 it reads, Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,21 Envying's, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.The above scripture mentions variance , emulation, wrath and strife, God also hates pride. These attributes are present in Sporting competition and are fruits of sin. Firstly the sin of Variance is defined as contention or strife which I believe is caused by disagreements mainly when things don't go how one team wants it to go, we often see players fight against other teams, some even resort to cheating which is also unfair and is an unrighteous practice, this in turn leads to rivalry which involves both teams having some form of strife between them. Variance is very common in professional sports and even in Sports in general. Secondly the sin of Emulations is defined as trying to become equal or to rise above another , this sin is also a common practice in Sports, even Satan when he rebelled against God had said that he would rise above God and be like God. Isaiah 14-13-14 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. When one sport player competes, he or she is always trying to rise above the opponent to become the best, this is what God hates as Satan had the same mentality in that he told himself he would become like the most high and rise above him, this is the sin of emulation. Today many who compete in sport try to boost their self esteem by making themselves become the best, thus, because of pride they want to become like the most high in their field of Sport so that everyone would revere then and treat them like a God which is also the sin of idolatry and covetousness. The Scripture I quoted above also mentioned wrath and strife and we all know that these are also the fruits of sports.Sports is also involved with money making for greed. One doesn't need to become part of competitive sports in order to come out of poverty in the same way one doesn't need to become a prostitute to get out of poverty. God can provide for us and our needs no matter the circumstance without us having to join in the sin. Another excuse some use to justify sports is that it helps to unite and it helps take away depression and it brings peace. But this I say is only a false way to bring peace because usually as the game is over we go back to fighting one another and we go back to the sin of drunkedness and then war and depression starts again because the foundation was built on sand rather than on the Rock. If you want to be truly free you must build on the Rock Jesus Christ rather than on the sand, ask Jesus to free you from depression, strife and fighting and he will, you don't need to join in the sin of competitive sport to get a false relief from depression. Ask God for the endurance to overcome the temptation to watch competitive sport. Many wonder why following sports is wrong, of the world, and not for Christians. This Christian generation in general is captivated by rugby, the World Cup, and various other things that the world chases after and seeks to entertain themselves by. Christians say, Well what is wrong with following the rugby? Following sport? What is wrong with that? When I came to Jesus Christ, I was an athlete who strove hard in my sport. I was very interested in sports and I followed sports avidly. But when I came to Jesus and I knew that I was wrong before God, and I repented and Jesus came to me and I realized the reality of the cross and how Jesus Christ has risen again, THEN the interest of the world in me DIED. The world's interest in me was crucified. That's what also happened to apostle Paul. I read you his words in Galatians 6 verse 14 where he says, As for me I will never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world's interest in me has also died. It doesn't matter whether we have been circumcised or not, what counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. Dear friend, have you been transformed into a new creation? Has the world's interest in you died because of the cross? Many Christians profess faith in the cross, yet if the cross really was in their life, the power of Jesus, then the world interest would be CRUCIFIED in them. That's what happened to me: before I came to Jesus, I was still a Christian, I still believed in Jesus Christ, but after I came to him for real in seriousness of heart, and when he came to be with me making me a new creation, then the world's interest died in me, and I died to the world's interest as Paul said. Sport is the world's interest, along with a lot of other things. I'm not saying every single thing is the world's interest, such as having a family, playing sport with your family or friends in the park is a sin, no!, but I am talking about making things an idol in your life that the world strives after, because all they think about on the weekend is beer and football. That interest in me has been crucified by the cross, and that's why I no longer care about finding out about my sport and what's going on. I no longer care about the sport news. This is such a big idol in so many men's lives. All they live for is the sport news and the sporting scoreboards. You see friends, when we don't have the cross in us, and when we are not following Jesus, and we are just claiming his name yet we don't know him, then the world's interest is not going to be crucified in us, and you are still going to be following the world and its way. That is why I sincerely WARN you today: Now there is a difference between competitive Sport and bodily exercise, in fact the Bible says that bodily exercise is good for the human body so we should exercise. On another note, If you are a Christian who hasn't had the world's desire crucified in you yet, I warn you to come out of your path. You are not right before God. If you are just interested in the sport and the latest scoreboard, you don't have the cross in you and you are not on your way to the kingdom of God. As Paul said, what counts is whether or not we have been transformed into a new creation. He said, Because of the cross my interest in this world has been crucified and the world's interest in me has also died. Has that happened to you? It happened to me when I came to Christ for real and he came into my life. Has it happened for you? Or are you still following the world being God’s enemy? Dear friend, it's time to take a stand in faith. It's time to separate yourself from the world, and to come to Christ fully submitting yourself to the cross in your life so that the power of the cross will kill the desire of the world in you and the world's interest be killed in you. It is only through the power of Christ for real. The only way to get that is to pray for real, seek the Lord. You’re not headed to heaven while you have the world in you, my friend. You are not headed to the kingdom of God if you call yourself a Christian, but the world's desires and interests haven't been crucified in you, according to what the world chases after. We all know what the world chases after: they chase after wine, women, song, and sport, and godless entertainment, (and money) and like I said not every single thing is worldly, but we know the big idols of this world and we have to be separate from them, and chasing after sport is one of those idols. Be separate, come out from the world my children says the Lord , be ready or be left behind. Can Christians be athletes? I used to be an athlete for a time, and I used to claim Christ. During that time, the Lord kept putting into my heart, the fear that when I stood before him one day, I would have NOTHING TO SHOW. I used to ask myself: If I stood before the Lord today, would he regard my athletic performances and results as FRUIT? And I knew I was lying to myself if I thought that he would. Because I knew that the WAY IS NARROW to the kingdom of God. So at a later time, I decided to come back to the Lord for real, and obey and follow him. I want to tell you that God has NO fellowship with the world and he hates the way of the world. As we read in 1 John chapter 2: Love not the world, neither the things that are IN the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is NOT in him. For all that is in the world: the lusts of the eyes, the lusts of the flesh and the pride of life, are not of the Father but of the world. And the world is passing away with all of its lusts thereof, but he who does the will of God, abides with the Lord forever. You see my friends, SPORT represents the WORLD CUP right now, and all the things people strive after in this world: they represent, the LUSTS OF THE EYES, THE PRIDE OF LIFE, AND THE LUSTS OF THE FLESH. When we follow our own selfish ambition, we are not being pleasing to God. We are not serving the Lord. We are FAR from Jesus. You cannot serve Jesus and NOT deny yourself. Jesus said, If any man wants to follow me, he must pick up his cross and deny himself. You cannot pick up your cross and deny yourself if you are being enthralled by the world cup and the things of this world.Because you are a friend of the world, doing the same things they do while they are perishing on the path of destruction. Let me tell you one thing: GOD HATES THE WORLD CUP. He hates the way of competitive sport.

[@Namernamename]

@@perryfroze But what if you're not playing the sport to glorify God,(cause it obviously doesn't, and neither does any other job in this world too like being an investor, or an accountant or any other regular job too so that argument literally makes no sense) what if you're literally playing sports for just a regular job to pay your bills and stuff. You don't care about being the best, and you're not really looking at the other athletes and how good they are. You just want to play really good because that's how yoi get paid. That's my mindest coming into it, I don't really care about beimg the best, I just wanna win games because that's how you make money. Just like in any other job, you have to be good at what you do to get paid. I don't see anythomg wrong with that. What you're saying, it's almost like you're automatically implying that everyone who plays sports hearts are like that. What if you literally see it as just a job that pays your bills and taxes, not as some big deal things. Cause listen , God never CALLS someone to have a job either, they just need that to survive in this life, but that has nothing to do with calling, we are simply to serve him and keep his commandments there is no other calling lol. But yeah, it's just a job that makes me money not some thing where I wanna be seen by others as a God or something, is that still wrong? Cause I believe it's about where your heart is at in the sport. And you completely miss the meaning of the word "emulation?", because *sin* of emulation is imitation or striving to beat someone out of jealousy and envy. Not every athlete thinks like that bro, a lot wanna win because who plays to lose? Just so long as it's not personal or just cause you wanna be better than someone else. Because in that case, then don't ever race somebody again, don't ever play rock paper scissors again, or any other game like cards or board games because when you play to win your sinning or "emulating". You see how silly that sounds bro lol? Emulation out of jealousy or ENVY is a sin, not just wanting to beat another team. In thay case too, don't ever play basketball with your friends either because if you play to win, your sinning 😂😂😂. This is loterally just a job thay makes you a lot of money. Solomon was popular, but God didn't get mad at him for that because Solomon had humility. He was well known for his wisdom. That's not his fault. it's all about your motives, as long as you don't seek the glory of men. MLK didn't do what he did for blacks soo he could be popular, he just GOT popular by the acts that he did; the same thing happened to Jesus when he was here....

[@liam6033]

@@perryfroze You lazy slug all you did is copy and paste you're recent comment

[@liam6033]

Sports itself isn't bad but a deep obsession with sports is such away that you put it over you're relationship with God is bad.

[@aTruster]

I've been posting about idolatry of sports and pets on the Theology Forums TOL and it was not well received. People who profess a trust in the Messiah will not have their idols denounced.

[@lealeandre1063]

Not all of them. Don't be discouraged brethren. God has millions of people on this planet who love Him enough to forsake all their idols. When Elijah the prophet thought he was the only remaining prophet who was faithful to God, He was advised by God Himself that there were 7,000 men in Israel who had not worship Ahab and Jezebel's idol. 1 Kings 19: 13-18 "Then there came a voice to him that said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 He answered, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I ALONE AM LEFT and they are seeking my life, to take it away.” 15 Then THE LORD SAID to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram. 16 Also you shall anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel; and you shall anoint Elisha son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah as prophet in your place. 17 Whoever escapes from the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall kill; and whoever escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall kill. 18 Yet I will leave SEVEN THOUSAND in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.” Be strong and courageous. You must continue fighting the good fight. You are not alone. Christ will give you your reward at the appointed time. Grace and Peace! Revelation 22: 12 ""Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done."

[@aTruster]

So Yah Veh Elohim had reserved for Himself 7,000 and you say there are millions that have given up their idols. I was converted on July 17th 1999 at 10:30am and can say without fear of contradiction that in that time I have not met a handful of people that I would call brother. I would also bring to your attention that Messiah questioned whether or not He would find trust on the earth upon His return. And speaking of numbers He said it would be as it was in the days of Noah when there were 8 in the ark and 7 were there because of the justness that was granted Noah. If it is your intention to nurture the saints then please don't exaggerate and stick to the facts.

[@stonesofacrownzechariah9167]

+Truster we are in the last of the last days. The love of many has waxed cold. Many are lovers of self, lovers of money, covenant breakers, sports idolaters and so on, all while claiming to follow Christ. True brethren are few and rare.

[@agente180]

exactly

[@ֆքǟռ-m5g]

🕊Directions. Pause, reply, play, repeat... 🕊

[@kpballa1009]

The fact that people are laughing here while listening to this being spoken in this video (when there's supposed to be grief, sorrow and mourning) reveals where a lot of the people are at. This is something to weep about. Church-goers that are on their way to hell.

[@markg999]

So you are perfect and never sin ha ok.

[@jefftube58]

You're right- this should compel us to be on our faces before God in great grief and sorrow.

[@fordfocuselectric]

They are laughing because it's awkward because they are those people he is talking about

[@kpballa1009]

​@@markg999 this is the typical response of those that want to alleviate themselves from the guilt. Come up with a comment that makes it look like the other person is wrong so they can feel like they're good. I hope you;ve grown up the past 5 years.

[@markg999]

@@kpballa1009 You still dont get it 5 years later. Sad. Your casting stones...Jesus said "let he who is without sin cast the first stone" My original comment was a serious question not to make me feel better...I admit I am a sinner...can you?

[@AnnetteLynnG]

Grace is not a license to sin. Stop abusing Grace.

[@reformedknight7506]

True . And sin is breaking the Law , it's written . Idols , having another gods , breaking Sabbath rest , killing , stealing , lying , not respecting parents . .

[@divasbraidz]

Annette Gillham grace and mercy is the reason Adam and Eve were even allowed to sin. Or else God wouldn't have left the tree in the garden. He knew they would eat it therefore need Jesus. It's not a license to sin but underserved forgivesness for All of our sins.

[@calvinlapp579]

they were not "allowed" to sin this very wrong we need to hate sin more as Christians

[@trivellekoolaidrian6921]

Not abuse it, but we need to take advantage of it. How else do you think pedophile rings are stopped? God has badasses that pay them wrathful visits. Christian Warriors need grace most off all, being that they take life from evildoers

[@flowerpower2413]

What did you learn in church today? Sports is idolatry!

[@yojoeo9067]

Sports are good. but the worship of sports idolatry. Jesus is worth is worthy of gospel of you read the gospels.

[@yojoeo9067]

There is evidence for Christianity too

[@perryfroze]

@@yojoeo9067 In Gods Bible in the book of Galatians chapter 5 verses 19-21 it reads, Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,21 Envying's, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.The above scripture mentions variance , emulation, wrath and strife, God also hates pride. These attributes are present in Sporting competition and are fruits of sin. Firstly the sin of Variance is defined as contention or strife which I believe is caused by disagreements mainly when things don't go how one team wants it to go, we often see players fight against other teams, some even resort to cheating which is also unfair and is an unrighteous practice, this in turn leads to rivalry which involves both teams having some form of strife between them. Variance is very common in professional sports and even in Sports in general. Secondly the sin of Emulations is defined as trying to become equal or to rise above another , this sin is also a common practice in Sports, even Satan when he rebelled against God had said that he would rise above God and be like God. Isaiah 14-13-14 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. When one sport player competes, he or she is always trying to rise above the opponent to become the best, this is what God hates as Satan had the same mentality in that he told himself he would become like the most high and rise above him, this is the sin of emulation. Today many who compete in sport try to boost their self esteem by making themselves become the best, thus, because of pride they want to become like the most high in their field of Sport so that everyone would revere then and treat them like a God which is also the sin of idolatry and covetousness. The Scripture I quoted above also mentioned wrath and strife and we all know that these are also the fruits of sports.Sports is also involved with money making for greed. One doesn't need to become part of competitive sports in order to come out of poverty in the same way one doesn't need to become a prostitute to get out of poverty. God can provide for us and our needs no matter the circumstance without us having to join in the sin. Another excuse some use to justify sports is that it helps to unite and it helps take away depression and it brings peace. But this I say is only a false way to bring peace because usually as the game is over we go back to fighting one another and we go back to the sin of drunkedness and then war and depression starts again because the foundation was built on sand rather than on the Rock. If you want to be truly free you must build on the Rock Jesus Christ rather than on the sand, ask Jesus to free you from depression, strife and fighting and he will, you don't need to join in the sin of competitive sport to get a false relief from depression. Ask God for the endurance to overcome the temptation to watch competitive sport. Many wonder why following sports is wrong, of the world, and not for Christians. This Christian generation in general is captivated by rugby, the World Cup, and various other things that the world chases after and seeks to entertain themselves by. Christians say, Well what is wrong with following the rugby? Following sport? What is wrong with that? When I came to Jesus Christ, I was an athlete who strove hard in my sport. I was very interested in sports and I followed sports avidly. But when I came to Jesus and I knew that I was wrong before God, and I repented and Jesus came to me and I realized the reality of the cross and how Jesus Christ has risen again, THEN the interest of the world in me DIED. The world's interest in me was crucified. That's what also happened to apostle Paul. I read you his words in Galatians 6 verse 14 where he says, As for me I will never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world's interest in me has also died. It doesn't matter whether we have been circumcised or not, what counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation. Dear friend, have you been transformed into a new creation? Has the world's interest in you died because of the cross? Many Christians profess faith in the cross, yet if the cross really was in their life, the power of Jesus, then the world interest would be CRUCIFIED in them. That's what happened to me: before I came to Jesus, I was still a Christian, I still believed in Jesus Christ, but after I came to him for real in seriousness of heart, and when he came to be with me making me a new creation, then the world's interest died in me, and I died to the world's interest as Paul said. Sport is the world's interest, along with a lot of other things. I'm not saying every single thing is the world's interest, such as having a family, playing sport with your family or friends in the park is a sin, no!, but I am talking about making things an idol in your life that the world strives after, because all they think about on the weekend is beer and football. That interest in me has been crucified by the cross, and that's why I no longer care about finding out about my sport and what's going on. I no longer care about the sport news. This is such a big idol in so many men's lives. All they live for is the sport news and the sporting scoreboards. You see friends, when we don't have the cross in us, and when we are not following Jesus, and we are just claiming his name yet we don't know him, then the world's interest is not going to be crucified in us, and you are still going to be following the world and its way. That is why I sincerely WARN you today: Now there is a difference between competitive Sport and bodily exercise, in fact the Bible says that bodily exercise is good for the human body so we should exercise. On another note, If you are a Christian who hasn't had the world's desire crucified in you yet, I warn you to come out of your path. You are not right before God. If you are just interested in the sport and the latest scoreboard, you don't have the cross in you and you are not on your way to the kingdom of God. As Paul said, what counts is whether or not we have been transformed into a new creation. He said, Because of the cross my interest in this world has been crucified and the world's interest in me has also died. Has that happened to you? It happened to me when I came to Christ for real and he came into my life. Has it happened for you? Or are you still following the world being God’s enemy? Dear friend, it's time to take a stand in faith. It's time to separate yourself from the world, and to come to Christ fully submitting yourself to the cross in your life so that the power of the cross will kill the desire of the world in you and the world's interest be killed in you. It is only through the power of Christ for real. The only way to get that is to pray for real, seek the Lord. You’re not headed to heaven while you have the world in you, my friend. You are not headed to the kingdom of God if you call yourself a Christian, but the world's desires and interests haven't been crucified in you, according to what the world chases after. We all know what the world chases after: they chase after wine, women, song, and sport, and godless entertainment, (and money) and like I said not every single thing is worldly, but we know the big idols of this world and we have to be separate from them, and chasing after sport is one of those idols. Be separate, come out from the world my children says the Lord , be ready or be left behind. Can Christians be athletes? I used to be an athlete for a time, and I used to claim Christ. During that time, the Lord kept putting into my heart, the fear that when I stood before him one day, I would have NOTHING TO SHOW. I used to ask myself: If I stood before the Lord today, would he regard my athletic performances and results as FRUIT? And I knew I was lying to myself if I thought that he would. Because I knew that the WAY IS NARROW to the kingdom of God. So at a later time, I decided to come back to the Lord for real, and obey and follow him. I want to tell you that God has NO fellowship with the world and he hates the way of the world. As we read in 1 John chapter 2: Love not the world, neither the things that are IN the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is NOT in him. For all that is in the world: the lusts of the eyes, the lusts of the flesh and the pride of life, are not of the Father but of the world. And the world is passing away with all of its lusts thereof, but he who does the will of God, abides with the Lord forever. You see my friends, SPORT represents the WORLD CUP right now, and all the things people strive after in this world: they represent, the LUSTS OF THE EYES, THE PRIDE OF LIFE, AND THE LUSTS OF THE FLESH. When we follow our own selfish ambition, we are not being pleasing to God. We are not serving the Lord. We are FAR from Jesus. You cannot serve Jesus and NOT deny yourself. Jesus said, If any man wants to follow me, he must pick up his cross and deny himself. You cannot pick up your cross and deny yourself if you are being enthralled by the world cup and the things of this world.Because you are a friend of the world, doing the same things they do while they are perishing on the path of destruction. Let me tell you one thing: GOD HATES THE WORLD CUP. He hates the way of competitive sport.

[@liam6033]

@@perryfroze Well the whole point of competition is not to bash you're opponent but to make peace with them. The whole point is that God doesn't object to sports but as long as we don't idolise it or put it before him and aren't obsessed with them and do not develop character traits of arrogance or don't take it too far then there is no problem. Sport is all about team building and developing friendships with your peers and competition makes us better. I'm sorry i have better things to do than go through every bs, copy and pasted point but get this through your thick skull, You have no friend so stop saying you do. And by the way boastfulness is a negative characteristic and you shouldn't under-estimate the characteristic boastfulness. Which is ironic cause you over-estimate the term idolatry.

[@gordonsavage3135]

Bingo

[@ֆքǟռ-m5g]

Wow brother 😳 you are right there with it. 🙏🏾🌹. You could drop a hammer from space. And hit the nail on the head. Very good message. 🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@lisastocker2690]

Anyone have the link to this full sermon?

[@holylandfan3275]

This last week is the definition of sports idol worship, in the form of Kobe Bryant. Seek and find Christ today while you can. Jesus Christ gave His life for you on the cross. He arose again and is alive. Kobe didn't and isn't.

[@rustyshackelford4224]

Wow! Kobe Bryant died 3 years ago. Doubt he's in Heaven...

[@holylandfan3275]

@@rustyshackelford4224 And, I wrote that comment 3 years ago. And you are correct, he definitely is not. He found out God does not idolize him like his earthly fans did.

[@rustyshackelford4224]

@holylandfan3275 I remember the announcement of his death like it was yesterday. Was never huge on Kobe Bryant, but it was jarring seeing a big name megastar dying so tragically, so dramatically in real time like that. Or maybe that wasn't actual Kobe Bryant but an actor. You've heard those rumors of Hollywood celebrities secretly still being alive after their tragic "on screen" deaths, right?

[@georgeschlaline6057]

Matt Casey is preaching now?

[@danieldansoowusu4869]

Our lives should be balanced as God is a God order sports are not Occultic and we should make God our priority

[@coloradoguy1109]

where do you draw the line between where we show gratitude to our military veterans and idolizing them? At what point are they being idolized?

[@T.Ravikumar]

This is what happens when we start focusing on Church instead of Christ. Can watch a football game with the love for our Lord in our heart. Worship is an offering of our body to our Lord. We don't necessarily have to be in a building on Sundays to do that. Worship is 24x7. We could worship in a stadium. Christianity is not a religion. It's a love. Would a married person not do anything else? Would it mean he forgot or considers less important his marriage covenant with his wife? A truly married man world have his wife in him throughout, whether at work, whether at a stadium, whether at a restaurant, whether in bed. Sunday church does not equal Christ. It's usually got nothing to do with our love for Christ. Infact Church building attendance is an idol in so many "so called" Christians' lives.

[@florianikome3612]

So is it bad to watch sports

[@danielnonso4043]

if you listen to the end, you get to the part he talks about devoting your self to these games. the question now is how do you know you are not devoting more time to these sports? i will say go to the lord in prayer, ask him to talk to you speak to you on these things. brother paul washer says, you should be careful telling people that something is a sin when it's not state-ted in the bible. david platt makes alot of sense in what he is saying.

[@brianw.5600]

been basically avoiding watching the super bowl for years due to this

[@rustyshackelford4224]

Explain

[@jeanbeaudry1976]

Enjoying family time is not idolatry. However, our greatest love is Christ and the coming together of the Body of Christ at our assemblies. PREFER is the key word... if we do not PREFER the Lord over our mother, father, sister, brother... we must hate them Christ says.

[@regsun7947]

In my lifetime I've never known a good Christian who followed sports and I've never known someone who followed sports not to ultimately become consumed by it. I don't know that that means it's impossible but I've sure never seen it.

[@pauljames8524]

This is a good message to remember that God should be the most important part of your life. I wouldn't go as far as to say that "sports = idolatry". That is a bit extreme. I agree that God should come first, but even though these people may spend more time at sporting events, I'm sure if you asked them what was more important, they would easily say their "Christianity". I doubt any of them would think of sports as their god. Again though, it is important to be as enthusiastic about God as you are about other aspects of life; the "sports = idolatry" comparison is a bit extreme and inaccurate though.

[@t687m3]

+Paul James It's the worship of sports above God and family that is idolatry and football seems to be the golden calf of America today. Worship of sports + Idolatry.

[@pauljames8524]

+t687m I understand the analogy he was trying to go for, I was just saying it was a bit extreme. Sports are not idolatry to all, and I would doubt that sports would be worshipped by many if any. Neglecting God in one's life does not mean that they are replacing Him with a false god. Also, people who do make God the most important thing in their life can still go to sporting events, and that is not idolatry. David's message to make God the most important part of our life is great, but the idolatry angle is really an extreme leap and blows things way out of proportion.

[@madaleneventer7822]

t687m

[@josephkitto9240]

The point is two-fold. The first, sports or anything can become idolatrous in that it takes us from constant awareness and worship of God, but secondly, did you all notice he was talking about what a person foreign to our land would think we worshiped more by our "behavior?" The fruit of the tree . . . At a minimum, his point is something to consider.

[@faith042179]

My husband professes Jesus is his Lord but His passion and all his energy is all about sports. Believe it or not the god in our house is Sports. And he is passing that service to his son, they breathe and eat sports, its so disappointing

[@brentschmoeckel1420]

It doesn’t mean you can’t watch sports or anything else for that matter it’s if you put it above God

[@GLORYTOGODAPRIL1]

Matthew 7 The Voice 21 Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven. Simply calling Me “Lord” will not be enough. Only those who do the will of My Father who is in heaven will join Me in heaven. 22 At the end of time, on that day of judgment, many will say to Me, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name? Did we not drive demons out of the possessed in Your name? Did we not perform miracles in Your name?” 23 But I will say to them, “I never knew you. And now, you must get away from Me, you evildoers!”

[@Flying244]

@ While he does make a good point I think it is critical to address the fact that we do not earn our salvation. Our acts are nothing. There is the redemptive work on the cross and then there is nothing.

[@Flying244]

Could you see my comment below?

[@Flying244]

@ Here's the thing with that. Once a person becomes saved, they no longer desire to walk in the flesh. They may struggle at first and they will not become perfect overnight, but God and the Holy Spirit do begin to take effect in the believers life. The whole basis of salvation- realizing your sin and therefore need for a savior (Jesus Christ) and believing in his death on the cross and bloodshed as your atonement, starts with admitting your faults to God, admitting your sins, and beginning to walk in a new life. Galatians 2:20 (KJV) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Ephesians 4:23-24 (KJV) And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Personally I have to admit, reading the gospel of the words of Jesus Himself, it seems as if he advocates for works salvation, however I always refer to these verses when dealing with salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Acts 16:29-31 (KJV) Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Romans 4:4-5 (KJV) Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. Romans 11:6 (KJV) And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. Romans 11:6 here essentially says, you either have all grave and no works, or all works and no grace. Eph. 2:8-9 also declares that we are saved by grace. And finally, Romans 10:9 (KJV) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. There are more verses than this but I hope you get where I am coming from. Praying for you and awaiting your response

[@Flying244]

@ That is simply a testimony to man's weakness. It does not disprove Christ. How is buddhism better?

[@Flying244]

@ well how do you know this is true? And you cannot expect The Bible to agree with you. The Bible is the uncomfortable truth rather than a comforting lie when it comes to exposing men and their evil. This works out for the best, however, when we put our trust in Jesus Christ the only way to The Father. John 14:6 (KJV) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Otherwise you will burn in hell for eternity.

[@jennifermallard465]

I'm not into sports but it's strange how even Christians flip over them to the point of idolatry

[@faith042179]

Lets pray against this shrine that has been established in our household. Let God overthrow this god like he did to the image of dagon

[@suttonsplash14]

If youre saying we should tailgate before Church honestly thats not a bad idea!!! lol!

[@eatthebook144]

Loved the message except there is a bit of a problem with it. It was 99% on point except we should be meeting up together to worship the Lord on His day, the 7th day...The true Sabbath :)

[@anthonynevels]

amen!

[@firingallcylinders2949]

This is great but idk why a bunch of people in the congregation are laughing at the illustration. He's talking about many of them.

[@danielholiphant]

Idolatry will be the end time test separating professing Christians from converted Christians, Revelation 13 & 14. Note the references in Rev. 13 & 14:7-11 to each of the first four commandments of the Decalogue, which incidentally correspond to Jesus’ first command (the last six corresponding to His second). The greatest commandment Matthew 22:37 is to flee idolatry in all its forms because it is idols which displace and annul God’s everlasting covenant, written upon the heart, Jer. 31:31-34, Ez. 14, Deut. 29:24-26. Mat 7:21 (KJV) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

[@mikeiswhite3]

So what he is saying that I cannot even play sports? don't get me wrong I love God. But no more sports ever?

[@Truthendures]

+mikeiswhite3 if you heard that then you missed the point...he is specifically talking about the idolatry in sports

[@mikeiswhite3]

Truth Endures I just need some clarification i guess. Can one participate in sports?

[@markg999]

Sure you can participate in sports. It is when the sport or sports are a primary focus of your life and put God 2nd or lower place that we are not following the will of God.

[@traviskarnes6825]

mikeiswhite3 Pastor David Platt, is not saying that you can't play or watch sports he's just saying not to let that become the number 1. Vocal point in your life to where it hinders your ability to fully worship God and do the work of the Kingdom.

[@jacobseyoum3458]

Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@huwthomas1311]

The litmus test is simple. If the world loves it then it is sinful.

[@rustyshackelford4224]

What do you mean by if the world or the people of the world or _mundane people_ love something, that thing is sinful by nature?

[@huwthomas1311]

@@rustyshackelford4224 The fact that you need to ask the question shows you would never comprehend the answer.

[@Oracle343]

First i would like to say i don't care for sports and don't watch them but to say its a sin is a serious accusation especially when it is not directly mentioned in the bible and yes sin can come from it just as sin can come from anything and in this case the sin that sprouts from sports is Idolatry. But too say all we should do from the time we wake up to the time we go to sleep is read our bible, pray and share the gospel that is not Christianity and if u want to do that go right ahead. Here are some verses that tell us we have the freedom to watch sports if we want to Galatians 5:1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. 2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. John 8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Romans 8:1-2 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 1 Peter 2:16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Anything that isn't directly mentioned in the bible should be ran through a set of biblical principles/questions while adhering to the Romans 14:22-23 command Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall. So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin. I would also like to throw in Romans 14:1-5 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. ... Also i would like to say there are so so many well know Christians that would disagree with this way of thinking that way of thinking is i cant do anything except serve god 24hrs a day 7 days a week i cant have any fun or have any hobbies of my own.Here are there names *Wretched Radio *Living Waters *Apologia Studios *Vocab Malone *Acts 17 apologetic's and many more now let me clarify this i am not saying to spend all your time watching sports and ignoring your responsibilities but i am saying to put God first i know a lot of people say that but truly if you put him first you flee from idolatry and give thanks to God for all you have that you can even watch sports and use it as a form of rest. (1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.) I am not looking to argue over this with anybody and personally i think each person needs to find these answers for themselves as it is a matter of conscious as the bible says and it will vary from person to person, and to make watching football a issue of salvation or to add a new law that says "don't watch football" is what the pharisees did they honored traditions and personal opinions rather than Gods word. Christians will always disagree on things but we shouldn't be fighting over it especially when its not part of the essential doctrines of salvation. I would say don't listen to men read gods word for yourself that's not to say don't take peoples opinion but take it and test it against what the bible really says in context. What i would say to anybody who disagrees with me is i would ask you this question. Can i still fellowship with you? Can we worship together? can we go out to the streets and share the gospel together? can i eat with you at your table? can we have a bible study together? I love you and care for you and i would never want my hobby or whatever i do in my spare time to stop the work of the kingdom or to start arguments or divisions especially when its something that isn't even essential to our salvation. God Bless everyone i hope this comment will help someone and ease there mind. -Nick

[@kuntakinte1416]

exactly, someones life consumed by someone throwing a ball in a hoop, shaaame.

[@jonescrusher1]

Lesson learned - football is a damned sight more entertaining than listening to some deluded people.

[@a2r33]

Perhaps the reaction to the music reflects its lifelessness; and the sermon isn't interesting. Just because it's about God doesn't mean its delivery needs to be ignored.

[@philrivera9914]

So you all traded watching sports for surfing youtube?

[@josephkitto9240]

It depends on why you are on KZbin. Sermons, documentaries, biblical verse studies, news, mission updates from around the world, DIY videos, etc. But what you ask does invoke us to ask ourselves that question because the answer may well be as idolatrous as what we just heard.

[@Pomiferous]

just following your lead

[@bibleblessingsministries2964]

Many of these multimillionaire preachers have their own idols. Platt's recent book goes on about how Christians need to be more aware of conditions and needs around the world. Why doesn't he set an example and sell his big house, car, forake his luxurious lifestyle and go and serve in missions? Instead of guilt tripping everyone else. His net worth is about 11 million. I would suggest David give the revenue from his latest book to the needy he expresses so much care for.

[@Truthendures]

You must do his taxes to know so much about what he spends his money on...

[@bibleblessingsministries2964]

@@Truthendures Selling books is lucrative. Info is all on line. I'm very tired of these celeb preachers making themselves rich.

[@myn0z746]

Watch on KZbin' GOCC' BLESSINGS

[@johnnyandrew9083]

I believe anything can become a idol. Anything that is more important than God could be considered a idol. Ask yourself this question. Is there anything you couldn't give up if God asked? How much time do you spend with God or doing God's work versus personal things? Jesus said the things men highly esteem are a abomination to God! Religion can be a idol also

[@johnnyandrew9083]

How big an idol is money??? Does that mean we can't use it or have any? No, it's not evil but can become evil if we love it! Who or what do you love is the big question here? If you love anything more than or even equal to God it's an idol. The greatest commandment of all is about loving God! We need to repent of out idol worship! It's a subtle thing with Christians. Examine your selves!!!

[@MedicinalxMeditation]

you can't compare sports with money.......... to survive in this society we need money, we don't need sports to survive, its strictly entertainment and idolatry......... nothing wrong with sports in itself, but for the majority it has become a form of idolatry...... and when I say majority I mean more than 80% of the nation, at least.

[@ForceMaximus84]

Mine isn’t sports, but movies. I need to get them out of my life.

[@rustyshackelford4224]

Elaborate

[@ForceMaximus84]

@@rustyshackelford4224 Basically, I focus too much time on them. I don’t have much going on in my life right now, so I watch a lot of movies.

[@AndersErichsen-rr7vs]

Saturday is the Seventh day, not the venerated day of the false sun god sol invictus.

[@harrisonjackson1187]

Whats with some christians having the mindset of "have to be misreable every second of my life in order to please God" just shut up! you can enjoy life and be a beliver.

[@stogienutt]

Harrison Jackson There's your first and foremost problem, to insinuate that spending time with God and doing the things of God is misery. It gives proof that your relationship with Him is surly not what it should be.

[@harrisonjackson1187]

That literally exactly opposite of what i said.

[@calvinlapp579]

Do you honestly hate your sin. remember that we are "strangers and pilgrims" in this world. Hebrews 11:13

[@andrewnelson8531]

I smell legalism. Big time. What if we simply understood our identity in Christ? If we did, then perhaps we would see that we take Jesus with us everywhere we go including our living room when we watch sports. Matthew 11:28-30 says that Christ's yoke (teaching) is easy and his burden light. Galatians 5:1 says that it is for freedom that Christ set us free. David Platts message is not freeing and it is not the gospel. It is not light and easy. It is a heavy yoke of legalism. It's akin to what Paul called "no gospel at all" in Galatians. I pray that he awakens to who He is in Christ and that he understands his freedom.

[@andrewnelson8531]

But grace teaches us to deny ungodliness (Titus 2). Knowing who we are in Christ is the key. Understanding His love is the key. Once I gave myself permission to just soak in all that God is I found that nothing compared. So the answer is not watch sports less, it's soak in Christ more. It's understand His grace more. When we do this there will be no idol because everything else will be seen as lesser.

[@andrewnelson8531]

Does sports really threaten our spiritual lives? Do any hobbies? Not if we know Him. This is why I feel so free to just enjoy the passions I have. I know that nothing compares. It's all dung compared to knowing Jesus. So, let's focus on Christ, let's focus on grace, and the rest takes care of itself.

[@nicobody7797]

Andrew Nelson hey could you explain to me what 1: John 2:15-17 means, because I have this heavy bondage on my back for doing sports nearly every day and I also play computer games and I enjoy that but when I read those verses I can’t enjoy this stuff anymore because there are so many preachers out there who say obey Christ and put God first and in my eyes it is not fullyilling me at all when I only read thebible and listen to worship music. I thought Jesus give me aboundant live but now I carry this heavy bondage on by back because so many people call me and my actions worldly? Please help me in my struggle I Love God but I dont feel free at all sometimes

[@robertg9278]

@@nicobody7797 Glad that you read the comments of Andrew Nelson. He is correct and Platt is a dangerous false teacher. The Gospel is about Jesus Christ freeing us from the law. We receive what he has done for us with gratefulness and then strive to do the right thing. When God is not the primary source of help, comfort, and blessing we are committing idolatry. But, what Platt fails to see is that none of us can fulfill this commandment. If I were to give you $100,000 would you feel more at peace? This would mean that money is an idol. But the answer is then not to give away all of your money but to lean more heavily into what Jesus has done for you. So for you, the question would be, Are you seeking help, comfort, and blessing in sports/computer games. But the answer should not lead you to stew in guilt but to turn to Christ for help. Hobbies are not part of the 10 commandments (we cannot even fulfill) so they are more part of the "everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial list". But, this is not a new set of commandments and you should consider this list out of gratitude, indwelled by the Holy Spirit, after accepting Christ.

[@eddiesblacksmithingkjv9185]

He's talking to the 35 people who gave this vedio a thumbs down.

[@Reptanimalposts]

Men want worship to go to them and not to God. The sin that cast the devil out of Heaven.

[@mizzytruther2429]

Saturday is the 7th day sabbath that we are commanded to remember and keep holy , Sunday worship comes from pagan origins to worship sun god set forth by pagan Rome not God

[@stonewall-mz7yl]

The Bible mentions 3 sports by name.

[@angelcal6612]

While he speaking on this and he is just talking.. Carnally. I hear people laughing in the background but the actuality of it all is that people are going to help because of idolatry because that's exactly what sports is and then people train the child in idolatry and then they think that they can live for God and for the things of the world... Think about that people are literally going to hell because they love the things in the world when Jesus says love not the world neither the things of the world for all that is in the world is not of the father him self... It is commanded that shall love the Lord his name is Jesus your God with all your heart with all yourself with all your might you are not to live to yourself believe God but Jesus even said and people will go to hell because of it if a man don't for sake his own life he cannot be my disciple.

[@DAILEYericCaryUSA]

Please use your head. Where do sports come from? Go back in history and you'll see that sports are pagan "man worship". Ask you Pastor about this message. Share this message.

[@devansafer8726]

The earth is the Lord's and ALL that entails it. Paul didn't demonize sports, but used it as a picture to describe how we should view our faith. unless the scriptures say so about sports, what you say is man made logic, pharisitical

[@brandonmcquaig3376]

Sport isn’t idolatry, it is an outlet for some people. Everybody makes their own decisions, why should we choose to sacrifice something we enjoy for fear of punishment? God tells us that whatever we do, we should do our best. Isn’t that what God wants is our best? Sports can build character, right? We should think of sports as a positive, healthy activity.

[@damianwhite9058]

Very wise and true

[@brdotson2875]

There's nothing wrong with watching sports or playing them! It's when you put those things above God....that's the problem.

[@johnjoy6041]

Wrong

[@BUCSLIFE27]

Exactly

[@tecomaman]

What you call church (singing many songs and listening to a person preach every Sunday) is not in the new testament

[@dripgod5129]

I thought it was Saturday the real holy day Sunday is the day of the sun

[@CrossTraffic-uz8wn]

Kevin Guzman Saturday Sabbath has never changed, even if Jesus did die on the first day.

[@DiscipleofChrist1000]

In the New Testament we see them gathering on the 'Lord's day' which is on Sunday because that is when Jesus was resurrected. We now rest in Christ and his work at the beginning of the week, in essence

[@NJHoopz21]

Ashley Sam I’m not telling anyone what day of the week we should gather to congregate, as I believe we can do so any day we choose but Sunday is and always been the 1st day of the week, not the 7th

[@fernandogallardo3458]

Idolatry demands worship of a false god...The sport's arenas, the coliseums and the stadiums, are temples of worship...The fans of sports are worshipping the titles of their team...The god of the US is the star spangled of heaven and bald eagle of the earth...The US calls the graven images of the flag symbols...God calls the graven images of the flag idols...The god of Israel is the star remphan of heaven acts 7:43...Israel calls the star remphan of heaven, the star of David...The god of Mexico is the eagle and serpent of the earth...The god of Canada is the leaf of the maple tree of the earth...The god of Japan is the sun of heaven...The nation's idols are in the flags and the flags are high and lifted up on a flag pole and those who are serving the flags are serving idols...When the king of Babylon the great played the anthem at the sound of music the Babylonians fell down on the ground and worship the gold image...Today, when the US plays the anthem at the sound of music the US citizens stand on their feet to sing ol glory to the star spangled of heaven...Idolatry to the flag is through the pledge of allegiance and anthem...The idols of wood and stone, were replaced with idols of fabric.

[@thomasrains3663]

Sooooooooooo wrong.

[@rustyshackelford4224]

​@@thomasrains3663OP's not wrong.

[@danielisaiah1692]

Sports is popular because of one particular IDOL worshiped by millions --- The Black man.

[@brysonamyx5711]

you people just don't get it

[@angelcal6612]

It's one thing for a man to see sin and that is wonderful that a man could repent but the sad thing is that trinitarians are not christians they know not God to turn to God that they may repeat in ask for remission of sin..... Hayes conscience has hit him... Now he needs to seek God and find out who he is.... What is written they that come to God must acknowledge that he is and hes rewarder of them that diligently seek him... Trinitarians are not christians they believe in a false Jesus of false gospel receiving through their false gospel another spirit and they bare with him