In the world of baseball, there was no greater scandal than the eight members of the Chicago White Sox who were caught cheating in the 1919 World Series. The team had won the pennant and is considered the greatest baseball team ever assembled. However, the team’s stingy owner had a reputation for not rewarding his players financially, so some of them succumbed to temptation and made choices that ultimately tarnished their careers. As news of the scandal broke, the consequences were swift and severe. The players were immediately banned from participating in any professional baseball activities, effectively ending their careers. Their names are forever associated with the scandal, and their legacies are forever marred by their poor choices.

Resisting Temptation – Matthew 4

Resisting temptation in sports is not easy, but studying how Jesus handled it provides an example for every coach and athlete to follow. After His baptism, Jesus endured a period of temptation in the desert in chapter 4. It was impossible for the Son of God to sin. Following the Holy Spirit’s leading, He submitted to severe testing by Satan to prove His impeccable character. Unlike the eight baseball players who were later called the Black Sox because they fell to temptation, Jesus never lost His poise, even though He was hungry after fasting for 40 days. He had been repeatedly tempted during this fast (Luke 4:2), and scripture records three temptations after the 40 days. Obedient to his Father, Jesus countered every temptation by quoting from Deuteronomy, the book of submission.

Scripture is alive and powerful. Hebrews 4:12 says, “The word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword.” You can rely on it. Read it. Study it. Meditate on it. Memorize it. Use it in times of trial and temptation.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete are not surprised by temptations. They battle each one to prove and refine their character as they lean on His Spirit and His Word rather than their own power.

Journaling helps you understand and respond to the Bible. As you journal, use the acronym HEAR to Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond to what you have read in the reading plan.

Bible Memory Verse – In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:1-2

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