Striving for the Crown – 1 Cor. 9

By: M. Allen

FILING INFORMATION:

2000031

Subject: endurance; patience

Preached Originally: 05/14/00 – Rapid City, SD

Introduction:

A. An incorruptible crown has been promised to Christians. This crown is a symbol of our reward of heaven & eternal life.

1. The crown is a symbol of triumph or victory.

2. Paul makes a reference here to the Olympic games that were so common in Greek culture.

a) Those who won an Olympic crown received one that was corruptible.

b) Scholars: crown could be made out of wild olive branches; laurel; parsley; & pine.

c) They soon began to wither as soon as they were cut from the tree or pulled from the ground.

d) This would stand in stark contrast to what Paul was contending for. His was incorruptible.

3. today – a great joy over corruptible crowns – MVP; NCAA; NBA; NFL. But these aren’t worth much. Their glory soon fades. They are corruptible.

B. We can have an incorruptible crown. We can have an eternal inheritance.

1. 1 Cor. 9:25 – we striving after a crown that does not perish.

2. are you looking forward to this inheritance?

3. are you a Christian? So you may have the right to seek this crown?

C. Tonight we will spend time talking about the incorruptible crown.

I. What is this incorruptible crown?

A. 1 Cor. 9:23-24 – it’s a prize.

1. It is our reward. It is the prize we receive for enduring all the trials, persecution, & temptations of this life.

2. it is/should be the goal we all seek. Infinitely better than anything this world has to offer.

B. 1 Pet. 5:4 – Peter calls this crown a crown of glory. Triumph could be associated in this particular case.

1. one will have triumphed over sin w/the Lord’s help.

2. one will have triumphed over death – by having eternal life.

C. 2 Tim. 4:8 – Paul calls it a crown of righteousness.

D. Rev. 2:10 – Jesus calls it the crown of life.

E. Notice how these things all reduce to the same thing.

II. Who is the giver of this crown?

A. 2 Tim. 4:8 – the Lord is the giver of this crown.

B. Where would one of greater honor be found to bestow a crown?

1. Mt. 25:34-39 – a picture of the judgment & those who will receive the crown.

2. Service as Christian necessary to win a crown

3. effort on our part is necessary – Eph. 2:10 – created for good works.

III. Who is to wear this incorruptible crown?

A. Answer – 1 Cor. 9:25-26 – the Christian who runs/fights & pleases the Lord.

1. discipline oneself is included.

a) preparation, sacrifice, spiritual exercise, growth.

b) Suffer hardship to conquer physical reward (Olympic games)

3. Many Christians in Paul’s day including these Christians & Corinth – had to endure persecution, trials, false teachers, etc. This necessary so they could receive the reward.

B. Christians today must endure through trials, temptations, life’s problems, spiritual setbacks.

1. involves patience, endurance.

2. involves a love for the Lord above all else. Lk. 14:26-27

3. are you striving to be in a position to receive this crown?

IV. What is the Value of this crown?

A. the one who wears this crown will be the one who has victory over sin through Christ.

1. will have been washed, justified, sanctified by Christ.

2. 1 Cor. 1:1-2; 6:9-11; Acts 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21

B. The one who wears this crown will be the one who has victory over death.

1. This again, is through Christ.

2. 1 Cor. 15:54-58

C. The one who wears this crown is the one who will have victory at the judgment – Mt. 25:34

D. The value of this crown is also noted by it’s durability – 1 Cor. 9:23-27

Conclusion:

A. We can put so much emphasis on material things to the neglect of the spiritual if not careful.

1. But note what Jesus asked: Mt. 16:26

2. why put so much emphasis upon success in other things?

B. Put your emphasis where it counts – toward the incorruptible crown – the one that never fades away.

C. Not a Christian – no chance of obtaining the crown on your own. Have to get it through Christ.

D. Christian? Your getting this crown in jeopardy? Get your life right today!