Bringing Light to the World

Matthew 28:19–20; Matthew 5:16; Psalm 40:1–3

Whether you’re a quarterback, point guard, distance runner, or strength athlete, you’re more than just a competitor—you’re a follower of Christ. And as a follower of Christ, you’ve been given a calling: to shine. To make disciples. To point others to Jesus.

I. You’ve Been Sent to Make Disciples

​Matthew 28:19–20-“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…”

Now this is our game plan. This is Jesus giving us our assignment before He ascended into heaven. He says, “Go!” That’s not a suggestion; it’s a command!

As an athlete, you know the value of direction and discipline. You don’t just show up to a game without a strategy. And Jesus gave us one--make disciples. The word “disciple” means learner, follower—someone who walks with Jesus and becomes like Him.

We are to go into our locker rooms, gyms, fields, and weight rooms with this mindset: “Lord, how can I help others know You?”

You might be the only Bible some of your teammates ever read. The way you train, how you lose, how you treat your coach, how you speak—it all points somewhere. Let it point to Jesus.

    •    2 Timothy 2:2 – “And the things that you have heard from me… commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
    •    John 20:21 – “As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.”

Jesus didn’t call you to be famous—He called you to be faithful.

II. You’re Called to Shine
Matthew 5:16-“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

You don’t need to preach in a pulpit to shine your light. Just live with integrity.

You shine when you:
    •    Show sportsmanship when others are hot-headed.
    •    Help the teammate who’s struggling, instead of criticizing.
    •    Refuse to cheat, even when no one’s watching.

Light doesn’t make noise. It just shines.

Now notice—Jesus didn’t say, “Create your own light.” No, He said, “Let it shine.” That means the light is already in you--Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). When you’re walking in the Spirit, His light will naturally shine through you.

    •    Philippians 2:15 – “…in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”
    •    Ephesians 5:8 – “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.”

A coach once told his team, “You don’t rise to the occasion—you fall to your level of training.” In the same way, we don’t shine by accident. We shine because we’re walking with Jesus daily—reading His Word, praying, obeying.

III. You Have a Story to Share
Psalm 40:1–3- “He brought me up out of a horrible pit… set my feet upon a rock… many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord.”

This is powerful. David said, “I was in a pit.” That pit may have been sin, depression, failure, or fear. But God reached down, lifted him out, and gave him a new song—a song of praise.

And David says, “Many will see it… and trust in the Lord.” That’s the result of your testimony. Your story is one of the most powerful tools God can use. Not because you’re the hero—but because Jesus is.

You don’t need a perfect record to share your story. You just need to be honest about the grace of God.

    •    Revelation 12:11 – “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…”
    •    1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be ready to give a defense… for the hope that is in you.”

So, what’s your story? Maybe it’s how Jesus gave you peace when you lost a scholarship. Or how He gave you strength after a season-ending injury. Share it. God will use it.

IV. The Gospel Is the Light
Let me ask you: Have you been lifted out of the pit?

Jesus said in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

We’ve all sinned. We’ve all fallen short. But God didn’t leave us there. He sent His Son, Jesus, who lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again in power.
Now, whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13).

If you’ve never received Christ, today’s the day. Call on Him. Let Him lift you out of the pit and set your feet on the Rock.

V. How do I bring light as an athlete?
    1.    Live it – Walk in integrity. Practice what you preach.
    2.    Speak it – Don’t be ashamed to talk about Jesus.
    3.    Serve it – Help the freshman. Encourage the injured. Give glory to God when you succeed.
    4.    Pray it – Ask God each day: “Lord, how can I shine Your light today?”


And always remember: “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” — Matthew 28:20

You’re never alone in the battle.
​
Closing Prayer
“Lord, thank You for calling us to be lights in a dark world. Help us as athletes to live in a way that brings glory to Your name. Give us boldness to speak, love to serve, and strength to obey. Use our lives—our wins, our losses, our stories—to draw others to Jesus. And for anyone who hasn’t yet trusted You, may today be the day they surrender their life to You. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.”

Final Word: Athlete—your platform is more than a stage for personal glory. It’s a platform for God’s glory. So go shine. Bring the light.

---