Sermon outline: This is an abbreviated outline with the complete sermon downloadable at the bottom of the post.

Text: Hebrews 4:11–13

Title: Get Back in the Game!

Introduction: Oftentimes athletes get into a “sports rut” resulting in them playing below par. When this happens, the athlete becomes frustrated; and his efforts in the game are futile, unproductive, and losing.

Hebrews 4:11–13 contains three important methods that can help a spiritually declining Christian get back on track, or “back in the game.”

I. The Importance of Being Earnestly Diligent—vs. 11

A. We are to be fervent

B. We need to have focus

II. The Importance of Being Earnestly Discerning—vs. 12

A. We need the discernment of the Word of God to overcome the obese man

B. We need the Word of God if we are to overcome the oversized man

C. We need the Word of God if we are to overcome the outlaw man

III. The Importance of Being Earnestly Discoverable—vs. 13

A. We need to see through

B. We need to be straight

C. We need to be serious

Conclusion: We are in the biggest contest ever played. It is about real rewards that we will have to show at the Bema Seat of Christ. If we are going to win this game, we need to get back in the game and:

Be earnestly diligent
Be earnestly discerning
Be earnestly discoverable

GET BACK IN THE GAME!