Preparation
Mark out a rectangular playing area and two goals at opposite ends using cones or any other suitable objects.
How to Play
Appoint a referee for the game.
Divide players into 2 teams.
You need at least 5 players in each team.
You can have as many players per team as the playing area allows.
If you have too many players, divide into more teams and take turns to play.
Explain the crab position:
- Sit on the floor. Place both hands and both feet on the floor. Lift up your buttocks.
- Players can only move in this position throughout the entire game.
Explain the rules:
- Each team must appoint a goalkeeper
- The goalkeeper is the only player allowed to use their hands, but they must stay within 10 feet of their goal
- Other players can only kick the ball with their feet or hit it with their head; they cannot hit the ball with their hands.
- Players can only move in the crab position.
- Each team must try to get the ball into the opposing team’s goal.
- If the ball goes out of bounds, the referee throws it back into play.
- The referee drops the ball in the center of the playing area to start the game and also after each point is scored.
Before you begin, decide on the duration of the game.
The team with more goals wins the game.
Bible Lesson – Running the Good Race (Youth/Adults)
Get Started
1. What is your favorite sport?
2. How does one become a top athlete?
Get into the Word
Read 1 Corinthians 9:23-27
3. What are some similarities and differences between an athlete and a Christian?
4. Paul encouraged Christian to “run in such a way as to get the prize.” What does this mean?
Read 2 Timothy 4:7-8
5. What is the crown that Apostle Paul looks forward to receiving?
6. What is righteousness?
Read 1 John 1:9 and Romans 4:3
7. How does a person gain righteousness?
8. Is there an apparent contradiction in Paul’s teaching? If one gains righteousness through faith in Jesus, why was Paul looking forward to receiving the crown of righteousness after “fighting a good fight, finishing the race and keeping the faith”?
For Discussion Leaders:
Read John 3:16 and 1 Timothy 6:12
Paul did not contradict himself. Paul encourages Christians to “fight the good fight of faith” not to attain righteousness, but because we have already been made righteous.
Because we have received eternal life by confessing our faith in Jesus, we should seize it and live in such a way that shows we indeed have it.
Read Ephesians 1:13-14
9. Who has the Holy Spirit?
10. When does one receive the Holy Spirit?
11. What does “having the Holy Spirit” signify?
Read Galatians 5:16-26
12. What does it mean to walk by the Spirit?
13. What is the result of a person walking by the Spirit?
Get the Word into your Life
14. Have you confessed your faith in Jesus?
If you have confessed your faith in Jesus, you have received eternal life.
But you are still here on earth; your life here has not yet ended.
God has given us the Holy Spirit to live inside us and help us navigate this life on earth.
15. In what ways are you walking by the Spirit?
Read Hebrews 12:1-2
16. What are some things that hinder you from walking by the Spirit? What can you do about them?
17. How can we pray for you this week?
