Strict Training for All (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
Gary McManus, 02/11/2018Part of the New Life series, preached at a Sunday Morning service
February 11, 2018 Strict Training for All
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Yes, this message is about the Bible.
First, however, a picture of the Greeks and sports.
The ancient Greek Olympics; a 1,200 year tradition.
And yet it wasn’t JUST the Olympic Games.
Ancient Greeks were crazy about sports.
There were even athletic contests held
as a part of weddings, funerals and religious ceremonies.
The ancient Greek Olympics only lasted
five days every four years. There were 18 core events.
Part of the entertainment was showing off and theatrics.
The Apostle adjusts himself to the needs of the people
he is trying to bring the Gospel to.
Paul is NOT to hold himself ALOOF.
He becomes all things in order to reach
ALL people IN ORDER TO REACH SOME.
(Genesis 3:21, Genesis 3:10)
THEY trained for a leafy crown,
BUT WE—all of us-- are TRAINING.
We train just like ATHLETES.—professional athletes.
Paul’s personal example is that the requirements
are placed on you—whatever helps THEM.
Discipline is another part of Paul’s word.
Paul says “in ALL THINGS.”
An athletes training is total and complete.
We undergo some TRAINING as Christians
. . .training as FOLLOWERS of Jesus.
There are additional verses in the New Testament
that lean toward our role in Christian training.
[See in addition: Titus 2:12, Hebrews 12:1,
1 Timothy 4:8-16, and 2 Timothy 3:16.]
1 Timothy 4:8-16: remember. . .the training does NOT
bring about OUR SALVATION. . .OUR TRAINING
is a benefit to OTHERS. . .
Examples of those who failed to be diligent
in training for godliness. . .
The Apostle reminds us all:
—"devote yourself”, “be diligent”, “persevere”
. . .you will help save others!
The Apostle did not say HELP yourself. . .
You and I are in training for others benefit.
Final comment from a NON-fan. . .
The Apostle Paul by his picture of Christian
training is a serious call to us for the same dedication.
Amen. And enjoy the modern winter Olympics.
Two sources were key for this message:
The Naked Olympics by Tony Perrottet
The Olympic Games, M.I.Finley, H.W.Plaket
Earlier: | Same day: | Later: |
---|---|---|
« The Practical Book of James | None | Training For and Training to Refuse » |