(Clip) There Are No Bench Warmers in the Kingdom of God
Mack Tomlinson emphasizes that in the Kingdom of God, every believer is a vital starter with a unique role, rejecting the notion of being a mere bench warmer or substitute.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of every individual in the Kingdom of God, highlighting that in God's kingdom, everyone is a starter with a significant role to play. It challenges the notion of feeling like a 'backup' or 'benchwarmer' in the church, encouraging believers to recognize their value and purpose as full team players in advancing the kingdom of God.
Full Transcript
Now if you played high school football, guys, if you weren't a starter, you were a scrub, a bench warmer, a substitute, a backup. I remember early in high school, the coach would walk by and all the subs were getting too close to the line of the playing field. He'd walk by, back up, back up, back up boys.
So we called ourselves, lovingly, the backups. We're the backups. So if you're on a football team, you've played in either one of four places.
Offense, defense, special teams, or the bench. But contrast that with the Kingdom of God. There aren't three phases of the game.
There's one phase. And everybody's a starter. No backups, no substitutes, no bench warmers.
If you're warming the bench, and the pew in church, soaking it in, and you're not advancing the kingdom, get off the bench. Because you were in Romans 16, and they were workers. If you're a member of a church, 100, 500, you're a full team player.
But so many Christians, who aren't preachers or have any public ministry, feel like they're a second team substitute. I don't do anything really in my church. I take up space.
I love the sermons, and I love the church lunches, but I don't have any real significance. I mean, when it comes down to it, I'm not really needed. I wouldn't be missed a whole lot if I left.
I don't make much difference. It doesn't matter a lot if I miss some days. I'm not really anybody.
And then the devil comes to you, and he steals the truth from you with lies like, see there? You're really not important. It doesn't matter if you go. It wouldn't matter if you left.
You're not a blessing much to anybody. You're always struggling. You're a burden at times to others.
It'd be better if you leave because you're really insignificant and not important. You're just a member. Just a member.
That's right. Just a member. Just a Christian.
Just a child of God. Just an heir of heaven. Just an ambassador of Christ.
Just a follower of the Lamb.
Sermon Outline
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I
- High school football analogy of starters vs. bench warmers
- The concept of substitutes and backups in sports
- Coach's discipline to keep backups off the field line
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II
- Contrast between sports teams and the Kingdom of God
- In God's Kingdom, everyone is a starter with a role
- No bench warmers or substitutes in spiritual service
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III
- Common feelings of insignificance among church members
- The devil's lies that discourage believers from active participation
- Encouragement to recognize personal importance and impact
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IV
- Believers' true identity as children of God and ambassadors of Christ
- Call to move off the bench and engage in advancing the Kingdom
- Every Christian is a vital team player in the church
Key Quotes
“If you're warming the bench, and the pew in church, soaking it in, and you're not advancing the kingdom, get off the bench.” — Mack Tomlinson
“In the Kingdom of God, there aren't three phases of the game. There's one phase. And everybody's a starter.” — Mack Tomlinson
“You're just a child of God. Just an heir of heaven. Just an ambassador of Christ. Just a follower of the Lamb.” — Mack Tomlinson
Application Points
- Recognize your unique and vital role in the church and stop being a passive observer.
- Reject discouraging thoughts that minimize your importance and embrace your identity as a child of God.
- Engage actively in advancing the Kingdom by serving and contributing within your church community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Mack Tomlinson mean by 'no bench warmers' in the Kingdom of God?
He means that every believer has an active, important role in God's Kingdom and no one is a mere substitute or inactive member.
How does the football analogy help explain Christian service?
It contrasts the limited roles in sports teams with the inclusive, essential participation expected of all Christians in the church.
What lies does the devil use to discourage believers?
The devil convinces believers they are insignificant, unneeded, or burdensome, causing them to withdraw from active ministry.
What biblical support is given for every believer being a worker?
Romans 16 is referenced to show that early Christians were workers, implying all believers have a role in ministry.
What practical advice does the sermon offer to inactive church members?
It encourages them to stop being passive, get involved, and recognize their significance in advancing God's Kingdom.