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WEEK FOUR BREAKOUT: What Are You Playing For?
- Bryce Johnson
- Sep 23, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 1, 2025
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
― 1 Corinthians 10:21 (ESV)
What Are You Playing For?
Millions of people play Fantasy Football every year, and like you, they decided to participate in this fun and challenging activity. But why? Why do we play Fantasy Football, and what are we playing for? What are we trying to gain?
Many Fantasy managers play because they love stats, while others play because it makes watching football more interesting. Some play for the competition or the chance to beat their friends at something. At the same time, some managers
play so they can participate in the excitement of the draft or experience the week-to-week thrill of each matchup, or to make trades and work the waiver wire.
Plenty of leagues also play to gain a prize. That is what they value most. They play to win a championship and are chasing a trophy, a belt, a ring, or money. They also intend to earn respect, bragging rights, approval from their friends, or other Fantasy accolades.
Our hope at Fantasy Football Fellowship is that we play for a different purpose: to build meaningful relationships, belong to a league that goes deeper, and cultivate a desire to grow in our faith throughout the season. If we experience some fun competition or even a Fantasy Championship along the way, that’s a bonus, but that’s not all we’re playing for or pursuing.
The bigger question is, what are you living for? What is your life all about? What prize are you chasing? What are you trying to gain? What is the goal of your life? What do you value most? What are you pursuing?
The reality is, many people live for pleasure, power, prestige, money, success, knowledge, or fame. They pursue temporary satisfaction, status, popularity, and the approval of people. They chase worldly prizes and things that don't last. The problem is we were created for something more, and all these things we initially think have the greatest value ultimately leave us feeling empty and unsatisfied.
The Bible tells us in 1 John 2:16-17 (AMP), “For all that is in the world—the lust and sensual craving of the flesh and the lust and longing of the eyes and the boastful pride of life [pretentious confidence in one’s resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father, but are from the world. The world is passing away, and with it its lusts [the shameful pursuits and ungodly longings]; but the one who does the will of God and carries out His purposes lives forever.”
God created us to experience His love and to know Him, love Him, and live for Him and His glory. Through Jesus, He has made a way for us to personally know Him, satisfy our souls, and have eternal life. When we surrender and place our faith in Jesus, who came to earth and lived a perfect life, died to pay for our sins, and rose again, we receive His grace and salvation.
We also receive the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to follow Jesus and do God’s will. We no longer live for selfish gain and worldly goals, but rather desire to live for God’s purposes. There may be times when we become distracted and caught up in the world, pursuing the wrong things. We must turn back to God, repent, live for Him, and value Him above all else.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33 (AMP), “But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.”
As followers of Jesus, we now live to have a deeper relationship with the Lord and His people. Our goal is to love Him and love others (Week 2 Breakout), and live for His glory and His kingdom as we chase after Him and His ways.
The Apostle Paul experienced a radical transformation in his life when He met Christ. He writes in Philippians 3:7-9 (AMP), “But whatever former things were gains to me [as I thought then], these things [once regarded as advancements in merit] I have come to consider as loss [absolutely worthless] for the sake of Christ [and the purpose which He has given my life]. But more than that, I count everything as loss compared to the priceless privilege and supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord [and of growing more deeply and thoroughly acquainted with Him—a joy unequaled].
"For His sake I have lost everything, and I consider it all garbage, so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him [believing and relying on Him], not having any righteousness of my own derived from [my obedience to] the Law and its rituals, but [possessing] that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith.”
He also states in Philippians 3:14 (NIV), “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Is Jesus the prize we're chasing? Let’s evaluate our lives and determine what we’re really living for each day. Let’s ask God to help us make the necessary adjustments to live for eternal purposes, and let’s desire to truly know and follow Jesus, seeking God’s kingdom above our own.
Heavenly Father, I confess I have lived for selfish gain and worldly pleasures. I desire to live for what really matters, lasts, and ultimately brings satisfaction. I want to know Jesus intimately and follow Him in all areas of my life. I want to live for Your kingdom, not my own. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Why have you previously played Fantasy Football?
What are you now playing Fantasy for?
Would you rather win a Fantasy trophy, ring, or belt? (Bonus: What is the best trophy in all of sports?)
What have you gained by playing Fantasy Football?
Throughout your life, what have you most often lived for?
What have you pursued in the past that didn't ultimately satisfy and left you empty?
In your life now, what are you honestly pursuing most? What are you trying to gain?
What does it or would it look like in your life to value Jesus above all else?
What is the difference between living for God's Kingdom and His glory compared to living for your own kingdom and glory?
What aspects of these verses resonate with you the most?
NFL players are allowed to participate in Fantasy Football leagues, but are not allowed to win more than $250 in prize money.
Are you enjoying your weekly league meetings and don't want them to end when the football season ends? Your league can continue to meet in a PACK following the FFF season!
FOR MORE INFORMATION, click on the link BELOW.
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