This past weekend saw the battle of yet another Super Bowl, number 51 to be exact. With all the hype, one would think that all of America would have been watching, but that, of course, is never the case because people fall into four distinct Super Bowl categories.
Category #1: The Ardent Fans: These are the individuals who will pay the exorbitant prices to go to the game and watch it in person, or will host Super Bowl parties and sponsor Super Bowl pools. Some are fans of a certain team while others are just fans of football and the Super Bowl in general. These are your “all in” people.
Category #2: The Fair Weather Fans: These individuals will watch the game if there is nothing better to do, and perhaps might pick a side to support, which is usually the team they dislike the least.
Category #3: The Peripheral Fans: This group doesn’t care about the actual game but finds enjoyment out of watching the the commercials or the half time show.
Category #4: The “I Couldn't Care Less” Group: These people don’t engage on any level. None of the events matter.
Whether we realize it or not, every one of us is part of a Super Bowl–one of grand proportions– a spiritual battle between the forces of God and the legions of Satan. And we fight this battle in three very distinct venues:
In the heavens: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
On earth: “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.” Matthew 24:9
And within us: “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Romans 7:15
Just like the football Super Bowl, people fall into the same categories in this spiritual battle:
Those who are actively engaged on one side or the other and have a vested interest.
Those who take an interest when there is nothing better to do or because they dislike one side less than other.
Those who just like to pop in and enjoy the entertainment provided by those fighting it out.
And finally, those who couldn’t care less.
However, in this battle there is much more at stake than a ring, trophy, and bragging rights. There are eternal ramifications for this cosmic competition and there are two very important differences from its football counterpart.
First of all, whether engaged or not, whether by choice or default, everyone is on a side. Not caring or paying attention does not give a person a free pass. To be on God’s side takes a choice. All other options land you on the opponent’s, Satan’s, side.
John 14:6 "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Romans 10:13 "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Second, this is the only contest (well, without fraud) where the winner has already been determined.
John 12:31 "Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.”
Matthew 25:41 "Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;”
Romans 16:20 “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”
And even in our day to day life we are winners because Satan’s power is restricted, for I John 4:4 says, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
No, there can be no benchwarmers, spectators, or disinterested in this Spiritual Super Bowl, so choose the side which has already won and live victoriously.
Category #1: The Ardent Fans: These are the individuals who will pay the exorbitant prices to go to the game and watch it in person, or will host Super Bowl parties and sponsor Super Bowl pools. Some are fans of a certain team while others are just fans of football and the Super Bowl in general. These are your “all in” people.
Category #2: The Fair Weather Fans: These individuals will watch the game if there is nothing better to do, and perhaps might pick a side to support, which is usually the team they dislike the least.
Category #3: The Peripheral Fans: This group doesn’t care about the actual game but finds enjoyment out of watching the the commercials or the half time show.
Category #4: The “I Couldn't Care Less” Group: These people don’t engage on any level. None of the events matter.
Whether we realize it or not, every one of us is part of a Super Bowl–one of grand proportions– a spiritual battle between the forces of God and the legions of Satan. And we fight this battle in three very distinct venues:
In the heavens: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12
On earth: “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.” Matthew 24:9
And within us: “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Romans 7:15
Just like the football Super Bowl, people fall into the same categories in this spiritual battle:
Those who are actively engaged on one side or the other and have a vested interest.
Those who take an interest when there is nothing better to do or because they dislike one side less than other.
Those who just like to pop in and enjoy the entertainment provided by those fighting it out.
And finally, those who couldn’t care less.
However, in this battle there is much more at stake than a ring, trophy, and bragging rights. There are eternal ramifications for this cosmic competition and there are two very important differences from its football counterpart.
First of all, whether engaged or not, whether by choice or default, everyone is on a side. Not caring or paying attention does not give a person a free pass. To be on God’s side takes a choice. All other options land you on the opponent’s, Satan’s, side.
John 14:6 "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Romans 10:13 "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Second, this is the only contest (well, without fraud) where the winner has already been determined.
John 12:31 "Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.”
Matthew 25:41 "Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;”
Romans 16:20 “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”
And even in our day to day life we are winners because Satan’s power is restricted, for I John 4:4 says, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
No, there can be no benchwarmers, spectators, or disinterested in this Spiritual Super Bowl, so choose the side which has already won and live victoriously.
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