The Search for Significance
October 21, 2011 Vol. 3, No. 20
The Search for Significance
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Have you
ever noticed that a funeral’s eulogy often relates how the deceased impacted
those around them? We have a tremendous need to assign significance to a
person’s life at that point. The worst thing we could say is, "This person’s
life had no meaning whatsoever!” People want to achieve significance in life;
they want to make a difference!
The
Apostle Paul wrote a great deal about the search for significance in life. In 1
Corinthians 9:24-27 he describes how we can experience significance. The person
who wants to live a meaningful life must have…
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
24 Do
you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives sthe prize? So trun that you may obtain it. 25 Every uathlete
exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable
wreath, but we van imperishable. 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I wdo not box as one xbeating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and ykeep it under control, lest after preaching to others zI myself should beadisqualified.
- DRIVE (v.24). Paul is saying,
"Don’t settle for a tie; go for the win!” Give everyday all that you have
to give; God has given us one life to life—live it for Him.
- Cf. Phil. 3:14
- I press on toward the
goal for othe prize of the upward pcall of God in Christ Jesus.
- Heb. 12:1 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by so
great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and wsin which clings so closely, and xlet us run ywith endurance the race that is zset before us,
- 2 Tim. 4:6 - For uI am already being poured out as a drink
offering, and the time of my vdeparture has come.
Great
tragedy is when a person possesses talent, brains and ability but drifts
through life because they have no ambition and no drive. They’re willing to
settle for mediocrity. Therefore, set your site on heaven and live so as to go
there.
- DIRECTION
(v.26)/Purpose. Life is a two-way street: one road going to heaven and the other
going for hell. Cf. Matt. 7:13-14. Since we are going to leave this world
someday, and when we do, we will live either in Heaven or Hell forever, it
is essential that we know where we will end up. The broad road leads to
"destruction.” This word refers to "loss.” It speaks of "total and
absolute ruin.” It speaks of the loss a person can expect to suffer in the
fires of Hell. However, Jesus promises those who travel the narrow way
everlasting life; not just a better life down here, but everlasting,
glorious life in the realms of light above this wicked, perishing world.
The most important question: "Where am I going?”
- DISCIPLINE (v.25,
27). The words "temperate” (v.25, self-control) and "keep under”
(v.27, buffet or discipline by hardship) are words that emphasize
discipline. Paul does not want his body to lord it over his being. He is a
preacher and participant. Therefore, he must exercise discipline in all
areas. In doing so, he would be greatly rewarded.
God’s
plan for us is to live lives that are full of meaning and purpose. Our search
for significance ends when we commit ourselves to following Jesus. END RESULT:
The Father says, "Well done, good and faithful servant.”