Sermon 032397

1Co. 9:24-27                                       Exercising Self Control                                        3/23/97

                                                                                                                             ABCC

I.    Exercising Christian Liberty                                                                                             565

     A. Christian liberties/rights are limited by weaker Christians (8:9)

·        self-denial (Lk. 9:23; Rom. 15:1-2; Ph. 2:3-4)

     B. Paul establishes his right to be financially supported the church (v. 1-14)

·        The preacher of the gospel has the right to be financially supported (v. 14)

     C. Paul gives reasons not to take advantage of his right (v. 12, 15-18)

·        “cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ” (v. 12)

     D. Paul removed hindrance to the gospel by exercising self denial (v. 19-23)

     E. Paul removed hindrance to the gospel by exercising self control (v. 24-27)

II.  Exercising Self Control

     A. The example of a natural athlete (v. 24-25b)

·        Everyone in the race must run, no exceptions (v. 24a)

·        Only one of the runners will receive a prize (v. 24b)

·        Everyone who competes exercises self control (v. 25a)

·        The prize received is perishable (v. 25b)

Exercising Self Control, pg. 2

     B. The Christian life compared to an athlete

·        Every Christian is the race to glory & must run, no exceptions

·        Every Christian will win & receive an imperishable prize (v. 25c)

{Christians are not competing against each other, but against sin, the world & devil}

·        Every Christian must exercise self control (v. 24c, 26-27a)

Do not live aimlessly; keep your mind on the goal - to finish & hear Christ say My good & faithful servant…You

must not be a slave to the lust of the flesh, eye & boastful pride of life;  you must not continue to yield to those

sinful habits.  Every area of our lives must be brought under the grace of self control (eyes, tongues, hands,

feet, spending habits, diets, sexual habits, employees habits, driving, etc.). 

·        There are consequences to not exercising self control (v. 27b)

         This is perhaps one of the most serious warnings in scripture.  Your unwillingness to exercise self control may be revealing that you are disqualified & not actually in the Christian race - not a Christian at all.  Can you hear this warning?  Does it bring concern & fear to your soul?  You say, “But what about the Christian’s assurance of redemption & salvation?”  O, we have that blessed assurance from the Lord (Jn. 6:37; 10:27-28; etc.), but we also have this serious warning (parable of seed & sower - Mt. 13; Mt. 24:13; Jn. 14:15)!