TITLE: Golf Lessons

TEXT: Philippians 3:13-14 ¹³Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, ¹⁴I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

PROPOSITION: Golf reminds us of some spiritual lessons.

QUESTION: What?

KEY WORD: Lessons

READING: Same

INTRODUCTION:

1. Trying to learn the game of Golf.

2. Fun, enjoy the outdoors.

3. Strange game. Only fun is hitting the ball. Fewer times you hit it, the more fun you have.

Good players learn to forget bad holes.

1. Good shots will come, eventually.

2. Forget that hole, it was a practice hole.

3. Philippians 3:13-14

The rule book is the authority, not subjective reasoning.

1. John 12:48 He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.

2. Revelation 22:14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.

3. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ¹⁶All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Golf demands honesty and integrity.

1. PGA players call their own penalties.

2. Ephesians 4:25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.

Golf can become addictive!

1. Thayer - self-control (the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites)

2. 2 Peter 1:6 – ⁵But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, ⁶to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, ⁷to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.

3. Play it. Don't let it play you.
    

Correct fundamentals may seem awkward, but work.

1. Feet and head – stay still – everything in between twists around

2. Plan of Salvation - Confession, Baptism

3. Worship - Lord's Supper, Singing, Prayer

I am thankful for mulligans.

1. Mulligan = a gift of grace.

2. A change to try again. Second chance.

3. Children play - “Do Over” - I messed up I get to try again.

4. I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

5. Luke 15:11-32. Prodigal Son returns.

Conclusion:

1. I will never win a PGA event.

2. I will win the "crown of life."

   1. Revelation 2:10

   2. 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.