ROCKY IV (1985)

Directed by: Sylvester Stallone
Written by: Sylvester Stallone
Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young
Rated: PG

About the film:
After his friend, Apollo Creed, is killed in a bout with Ivan Drago, a chemically enhanced Soviet fighter, Rocky agrees to fight the Russian on his home turf. During the grueling match, Rocky learns something about himself and the nature of people.

Movie Quote:
“I guess what I’m trying to say is, if I can change, and you can change, everybody can change.”
Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) in Rocky IV (1985)

Bible Quote:
“Repent then, and turn to God, so that you sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”
Acts 3:19 (NIV)

Commentary:
Rocky expresses one of the fundamental blessings which God has bestowed upon man. We have the right to change and grow – not only as individuals but as spiritual beings.

Spiritually, we all start from the same place. We are born as individuals “having no hope, and without God in the world.” (Ephesians 2:12) How then do we gain a relationship with God and access to all His promises? Very simply, we must change. And because God is a loving creator, He has given each and every man, woman and child the free will ability to do so.

When we confess Jesus as Lord and believe in our hearts that God has raised him from the dead (Romans 10:9-10), we are changed. We move from being a “natural man” with body and soul, to a threefold being: body, soul and spirit. God restores us to complete wholeness by creating within us the “earnest (token) of our inheritance” which is spirit.

Since God is spirit (John 4:4), our change is essential if we are to join in full fellowship with Him, His son Jesus Christ, and all who call upon the name of the Lord. Change can be a good thing and, when we are talking spiritually, it can be the best decision we will ever make.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. Note the differences between the way Ivan Drago trains and the way Rocky trains. Which is more rewarding and why? What biblical principles does this reflect?
2. What was it that got the crowd to change its opinion of Rocky? What does that tell us about how to respond when we face negative reactions from those we encounter?

Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com