We all need a pit crew, but we are all part of others’ pit crews, as well.

• Often times we see ourselves as the driver in the race and not as a pit crew for others.

Philippians 2:1–8 (NIV) 1Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!

Galatians 6:2 (NIV) Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Proverbs 11:24–25 (NASB95) 24There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, And there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want. 25The generous man will be prosperous, And he who waters will himself be watered.

What does it look like to be a driver and on a pit crew for others?

1. It takes time. Observing is the best way to know the truth.

• • Build rhythms in your life of being known and knowing others

2. It takes loving honestly, being authentic, and being vulnerable.

• • Encouraging and rewarding transparency

3. It takes a commitment to trustworthiness.

Proverbs 16:28 (NIV) A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.

Proverbs 17:17 (NIV) A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

4. It takes courage to be a good friend.

Proverbs 27:6 (NIV) Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

5. It takes a willingness to forgive and to both give grace and receive it.

Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Questions to process and discuss:

1. In what ways did the sermon challenge you, encourage you, or show you God’s way of living?

2. What have you discovered about God’s pathways and race?

3. Take a look at the race you are running/living. What path do you need to continue on? What do you need to change in your own course?

4. How can you be a part of helping someone else run his or her race well? Think of specific people and ministries, and specific ways. Pray and plan your action steps.

5. How is your “pit crew?” Thank God for your pit crew; you might even thank them. What can you do to increase the effectiveness of those relationships in running the race God has given you?

6. Celebrate the things God has shown you.