02/08/2026
August 2026 Thanksgiving Service
Minister: Pastor E. A. Adeboye
Topic: Divine Champions
Text: Matthew 24:11-13
Life is war.
From the day a child is born, the war begins.
Life is so full of trouble, even a new baby begins life crying.
Life is a continuous wrestling match. Ephesians 6:12
Who is a champion?
From the boxing perspective, the champion is the one who remains standing after the bout is over, with his hands raised in victory.
In boxing, to be a champion, you need:
1. Strength
2. Wisdom
3. A very good coach
1. Strength
Many times, you discover your strength isn't enough. You can't tell how strong a person is, by looking at them.
If you will be a real champion, you need Jesus to give you strength in the day of trouble. 1 Samuel 2:9
Even if you have some strength, you can grow weary. But the Lord gives strength to the weary.
Isaiah 40:29-31
2. In the battle of life, you need wisdom.
No matter how strong you are, if you don't have wisdom, you will lose.
When heading into the battle of life, have God by your side - He gives wisdom to the wise. Daniel 2:22
3. A good coach will guide you.
• They won't allow you to be careless.
• A good coach is not necessarily your friend. A friend likes you for you, but a good coach is never satisfied with the way you are.
• A good coach will inspire you and keep directing you on what to do.
The best coach you can ever have is Jesus. John 16:24
• It takes a good coach to let you know that immediately after a victory, your enemy goes to war.
• A good coach sees the blow coming and warns you before it hits you.
• Your coach is the one who teaches you not to take no for an answer.
Keep on asking until your joy is full. Proverbs 24:16
You can not claim to be a real champion until you finish on earth.
You need the Coach to keep on inspiring you, to let you know that the battle isn't over until you finish on earth.
To be a divine champion:
You need strength - lasting strength that only God can give.
You need wisdom - only God can give you wisdom; He knows all the parameters.
You need a good Coach - you need Jesus.
Salvation Call
If you haven't given your life to Jesus or dedicate your life, ask the Lord to have mercy on you, forgive your sins, wash you clean with His blood, and save your soul.
Prayer Point
▪︎ Father, I come to You in total humility today;
Please be my strength.
Please be my wisdom.
Please be my Coach.
Don't let me be an ex-champion.