1. Balancing the Weight

2. Weightlifting Safety and technique Safety and technique Need the same amount of weight on both sides Need the same amount of weight on both sides A few pounds makes a big difference A few pounds makes a big difference Helping one another is a large part of the Christian life Helping one another is a large part of the Christian life

3. We Can’t Do It Alone Jesus (Luke 6:13-19, Luke 10:1-3) Jesus (Luke 6:13-19, Luke 10:1-3) Paul Paul – Did better with others with him (Acts 18:1-5, 2 Cor. 2:13, 7:5-7; 13) The apostles had each other (John 13:34-35) The apostles had each other (John 13:34-35) The seven (Acts 6:1-7) The seven (Acts 6:1-7)

4. We Must Help Each Other The strong are commanded to help the weak (Gal. 6:1-2) The strong are commanded to help the weak (Gal. 6:1-2) We are one body (Rom. 12:3-5) We are one body (Rom. 12:3-5) We are yoked to one another We are yoked to one another

5. Physical Body Each part is vital to the success of the body (I Cor. 12:12-26) Each part is vital to the success of the body (I Cor. 12:12-26) – Injury prevention Strengthening the weak also strengthens the strong (I Thess. 5:12-15) Strengthening the weak also strengthens the strong (I Thess. 5:12-15) Muscles complement each other Muscles complement each other – Strengthening one gives the other the ability to gain strength

6. How to Strengthen Ourselves Physically: Physically: – Strength can be gained by a healthy diet Can also be lost if there is not a healthy diet Can also be lost if there is not a healthy diet – One can give the appearance of strength Spiritually: Spiritually: – A healthy diet of God’s Word is necessary – (Ephesians 5:18-21, 1 Peter 2:1-2, Hebrews 5:12- 14, 2 Peter 3:17-18) – Being a Christian is not for looks

7. What about time off? Taking time off from lifting weights stops progress Taking time off from lifting weights stops progress – After only a couple of weeks muscles lose strength – The more time off, the harder it is to start again Spiritual growth is also an ongoing process Spiritual growth is also an ongoing process – Encouragement is always needed – Need to make it a habit – (1 Corinthians 15:58, 2 Peter 3:14)